David Schwartz To Step Down as Ripple CTO, Delivers Heartfelt Message to XRP Community
Highlights
- Schwartz announced that he is stepping down as from role after spending over 13 years at the firm.
- He expressed his gratitude to the Ripple executives and XRP community members.
- Schwartz stated that he will still be active in the community.
David Schwartz has announced plans to step down from his role as Ripple’s Chief Technology Officer (CTO). The Ripple CTO penned a heartfelt message to the XRP community alongside his announcement, promising to remain active in the community.
David Schwartz to Step Down As Ripple CTO
In an X post, Schwartz revealed that he will step back from his day-to-day duties as Ripple CTO at the end of this year. However, he told the XRP community that he is not going away as he plans to remain active in the community.
He also used the opportunity to express gratitude to the Ripple, XRP Ledger, and XRP community. Schwartz described working at Ripple as one of the greatest honors and experiences of his life, second only to his family.
The Ripple CTO also specifically expressed his gratitude to Ripple executives Brad Garlinghouse, Monica Long, and Chris Larsen. He thanked Arthur Britto, with whom he developed the XRP Ledger. Meanwhile, Schwartz appreciated the RippleX team, ledger developers, and community members, stating that it has been an honor to work alongside them.
He added that he has total confidence in the next generation of leaders and builders on the XRP Ledger. Notably, his announcement comes as the XRP Ledger undergoes major updates to boost its adoption.
The Ripple CTO also highlighted his recent work on the XRP Ledger, including how he spun his own node, published its output data, and researched other use cases for XRP besides what Ripple is focused on.
Schwartz remarked that he truly enjoys the work, talking to builders, and coding for the pure love of it. He added that he is sure there will be more to come on this very soon. Builders like the Flare network have notably worked to boost XRP’s DeFi utility, introducing ways to earn yield on the altcoin.
As for what the future holds, the Ripple CTO plans to continue being in and out of the office as “CTO Emeritus.” He also revealed that he has accepted Chris Larsen’s request for him to join the company’s Board of Directors.
Ripple Executives React To Schwartz Announcement
Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse described Schwartz as a “true OG in crypto” who had the conviction and vision to see what others couldn’t. He further stated that the Ripple CTO is a legend and thanked him for everything he has done for the industry, for Ripple, and the XRP Ledger. Garlinghouse added that they are forever grateful and in awe of his immense impact.
The smartest (and maybe the funniest) person I know. A true OG in crypto with the conviction and vision to see what others couldn’t – you are a legend. Thank you David for everything you’ve done for the industry, for Ripple and for the XRP Ledger. We are all forever grateful…… https://t.co/tt4uX4JlkV
— Brad Garlinghouse (@bgarlinghouse) September 30, 2025
Ripple’s President Monica Long stated that the mighty community wouldn’t exist without Schwartz or the inventions of Proof of Association, the DEX, smart escrow, among others. She further remarked that she deeply respects his “ingenuity, integrity, humor, and humility.” Long added how the Ripple CTO has always been ahead of his time and that she is excited to see what he works on in the future.
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