David Schwartz, former Chief Technology Officer of Ripple and now CTO Emeritus, has cast serious doubt on the widely circulated prediction that XRP could reach $10,000. Schwartz argued that if wealthy investors truly believed in such a possibility, their buying pressure would have already driven XRP's price to at least $20. Yet, XRP currently trades around $1.37—a notable recovery from the $0.25 level he once doubted it could surpass, but far from the fabled five-figure target.
Questioning the Million-Dollar Formula
Schwartz's remarks came in response to a discussion within the XRP community about a pricing formula used by some influencers to project XRP's future value. He suggested that even a 1% probability of XRP reaching $10,000 within a decade would have prompted rational investors to act immediately. 'If there were even a tiny chance, smart money would not leave the price at $1.37,' he stated. He concluded that the current market price itself disproves the credibility of such extreme targets.
Criticism of Crypto Tribalism
Beyond the price debate, Schwartz also voiced concerns about crypto tribalism, advocating for an open industry that fosters innovation and competition rather than extreme partisanship. Known for his pragmatic stance, Schwartz has repeatedly warned against hype-driven narratives that disregard market fundamentals.
Market Reaction
Schwartz's comments sparked lively debate among XRP holders. While some agree that the $10,000 forecast seems unrealistic, others maintain long-term bullish conviction. Notably, XRP spot ETFs continue to see capital inflows, highlighting ongoing institutional interest despite Schwartz's skepticism.