Former Ripple Chief Technology Officer David Schwartz said he still holds an optimistic view on XRP, yet he avoids sharing strong bullish opinions in public. His reason was clear: because of his long-standing connection to Ripple, any public enthusiasm about XRP could quickly be framed as market manipulation.
Schwartz says his role changes how his comments are read
In statements posted on X, Schwartz said he is uncomfortable expressing excitement about XRP openly even though he remains positive on the asset and the broader crypto market. The issue, in his view, is not whether he has an opinion. It is that his position causes others to read that opinion through the lens of self-interest.
He added that this concern does not apply only to XRP. At times, it also affects how he talks about cryptocurrencies more broadly. Schwartz described that as an unfortunate constraint tied to his role, and members of the XRP community quickly treated the remarks as an indirect sign that his private outlook on XRP is still bullish.
He also rejects criticism tied to selling crypto
Schwartz used the discussion to address another recurring point of criticism: his history of selling digital assets. He argued that many participants in crypto communities treat selling as if it were morally wrong, a view he rejected. According to Schwartz, investors in earlier market cycles had the same opportunity to buy or sell XRP.
On that basis, he defended his past decisions involving XRP, Bitcoin, and Ethereum holdings. He said practical risk management matters more than emotional attachment to highly volatile assets. That stance pushes back against the “diamond hands” mentality, where investors are encouraged to hold indefinitely regardless of market conditions.
Past XRP trade returns to focus
Schwartz also revisited one of his best-known investment decisions. He previously exchanged Bitcoin for about 26 million XRP, then later sold part of that position at roughly $0.10. That trade has remained a talking point for years, and his latest comments pulled it back into the spotlight.
The exchange shows the pressure prominent crypto figures face when discussing digital assets in public. Schwartz’s remarks were welcomed by some XRP supporters, but they also reopened debate over transparency, influence, and where personal opinion ends and perceived market impact begins.