REQUEST: Can anyone explain how Ripple IS or IS NOT a scam by the big banks

I have personally not done any research on the subject, but I have heard the opinion shared by many commentators in the crypto space.

I could easily do some research and come to my own conclusion, but I'm feeling experimental and I think it would be more interesting to see if i can crowdsource a decent explanation on Steemit. Plus I already have too many things to research :/

Link to your opinion (or someone else's) in the comments. (Why post your original ideas in the comments when you could have yourself a profitable story? Post that shit!) Maybe this could be the definitive thread on the subject!

Please don't start a flame war in the comments. Present your facts and agree to disagree.