David Schwartz Delivers His Last Message As Ripple CTO

In a milestone moment for Ripple and the broader cryptocurrency ecosystem, David Schwartz, Ripple’s long-serving Chief Technology Officer, has announced that an upcoming XRP Ecosystem Webinar could be his final major public appearance in the role.

Scheduled alongside industry veterans Steven McClurg and Matt Hougan, the webinar will explore the early momentum surrounding XRP exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and how institutional investors are approaching XRP exposure. Schwartz’s revelation casts a reflective tone over the event, marking the end of a pivotal era in Ripple’s technological leadership.

A Legacy of Technical Innovation

Schwartz, known in crypto circles by his handle JoelKatz, has been the cornerstone of Ripple’s technical vision for over thirteen years. As the architect of the XRP Ledger, he transformed it from an experimental blockchain into one of the most efficient and scalable networks in the industry.

His innovations—ranging from consensus algorithms to decentralized exchange functionalities—have set the XRP Ledger apart, making it attractive to both retail users and financial institutions. Under Schwartz’s guidance, Ripple has positioned XRP not just as a digital asset but as a robust infrastructure for global payments.

I think this is my last speaking event as Ripple CTO.

— David 'JoelKatz' Schwartz (@JoelKatz) December 19, 2025

Institutional Focus on XRP

The timing of Schwartz’s announcement is particularly notable, as institutional interest in XRP is on the rise. Asset managers are increasingly evaluating XRP as part of diversified portfolios, with ETFs providing a potential mainstream gateway.

The upcoming webinar is expected to delve into strategies for incorporating XRP exposure, regulatory considerations, and the implications for blockchain-enabled financial products. These discussions underscore a broader shift in perception: XRP is moving beyond speculative trading into legitimate institutional investment territory.

Stepping Back from Daily Leadership

Schwartz’s post on X confirmed that he will step down from day-to-day CTO responsibilities while assuming an advisory role as CTO Emeritus and joining Ripple’s Board of Directors. He cited a desire to focus on family and personal pursuits while continuing to engage with technical projects and the XRP community.

Despite stepping back, Schwartz emphasized that his commitment to Ripple and the XRP ecosystem remains strong, signaling continuity even as the company transitions into its next phase.

Ripple’s Enduring Vision

Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse and President Monica Long have publicly praised Schwartz’s contributions, describing him as a visionary technologist whose work has been central to Ripple’s growth.

His innovations have enabled secure, scalable, and energy-efficient value transfer across borders, laying the foundation for the company’s ongoing success. Schwartz’s last webinar as CTO represents both a celebration of past achievements and a reminder of Ripple’s readiness to expand institutional adoption while maintaining technical excellence.

Looking Forward

As the XRP ecosystem continues to mature, Schwartz’s legacy will remain deeply embedded in its technological and strategic foundations. The upcoming webinar offers not only insights into XRP’s evolving role in global finance but also a symbolic moment of transition for one of the cryptocurrency industry’s most influential figures.

While his tenure as CTO is concluding, his impact on Ripple and the XRP Ledger will continue to resonate, inspiring the next chapter of growth and innovation within the ecosystem.