"Ripple is one of the most innovative technologies I have seen," said Manuel. "It has the potential to expand the global economy through increased trade, and enables better, more transparent regulatory oversight of payments. I am excited to help build on Ripple's impressive momentum and help it to gain traction internationally."

Manuel is a Co-Founder and Partner along with former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, former National Security Advisor Stephen Hadley, and former Secretary of Defense Robert Gates in RiceHadleyGates LLC, a strategic consulting firm that assists senior executives at major U.S. companies in key emerging markets such as China, India and the Middle East. She also teaches in Stanford University's International Policy Studies program.

Previously, Ms. Manuel served as an official at the U.S. Department of State, where she held responsibility for South and Central Asian policy, congressional outreach, and legal matters. She was part of the negotiating team for the U.S.‐India civilian nuclear accord, helped to secure passage of the accord through the U.S. Congress, and was extensively involved in developing U.S. policy toward Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Prior, Ms. Manuel was an attorney at WilmerHale and investment banker at Salomon Brothers International in London. She holds a B.A. and M.A. from Stanford University and a J.D. from Harvard Law School.

"I am excited to welcome Anja to the Ripple Labs team," said Ripple Labs CEO and co-founder Chris Larsen. "Her advice will be key as we grow our international presence and Ripple's adoption by financial institutions and payment networks across the world."

Ripple Labs supports the adoption of Ripple, a settlement protocol that enables the world's disparate financial networks to securely transfer funds in any currency in real time. Banks, money transmitters and clearing houses can use Ripple as an alternative to correspondent banking to facilitate straight through processing with no reserve funding required. Earthport, the largest open network for global bank payments, and three banks in the United States and Germany recently announced integrations with Ripple.