Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse was honored this week as the ‘Business Leader of the Year’ for 2026 by the Harvard Business School Association of Northern California at a prestigious event held in San Francisco. The ceremony took place at the Julia Morgan Ballroom and attracted over 250 attendees, including prominent founders, investors, and alumni.
The ‘Business Leader of the Year’ award, established in 1969, recognizes executives who have made significant contributions to their respective fields and communities. Garlinghouse now joins a distinguished group of past recipients from various sectors, including technology, education, and public service.
A key moment of the event was a 40-minute conversation between Garlinghouse and Chris Larsen, Ripple’s co-founder and executive chairman. The two discussed Ripple’s transformation over the last decade from a fledgling startup to a leading player in financial technology. They also delved into the company’s ongoing legal disputes with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, highlighting how the outcomes of this case could reshape the cryptocurrency landscape.
During the event, Garlinghouse reinforced his commitment to advocating for the CLARITY Act, underscoring his vision for clearer regulations in the crypto space.
Event chair Ben Dubin commended Garlinghouse for his leadership and the role Ripple plays in enhancing financial infrastructure. “He built Ripple into a company that is redefining the infrastructure of global finance. Along the way, he took on a legal fight that benefited the entire industry,” Dubin remarked.
Other attendees also praised Garlinghouse’s forward-thinking approach. Harvard Business School professor David B. Yoffie acknowledged his remarkable ability to scale complex platforms while remaining committed to his foundational vision. Ripple’s ongoing partnerships with various institutions further exemplify this strategic focus.
Board member Vince Lane emphasized Garlinghouse’s significant impact on the blockchain industry, stating that he “did not simply participate in the evolution of blockchain – he helped define it.” As Ripple continues to innovate, including efforts to make the XRP Ledger quantum-proof, the impact of Garlinghouse’s leadership is expected to resonate well beyond the financial sector.
