Ripple CTO Discusses Crypto Exposure, Stating He Holds Only XRP and Ripple

TLDR

• David Schwartz stated that his exposure to cryptocurrencies is now mostly limited to XRP and Ripple.
• Schwartz noted that non-disclosure agreements do not compel him to misrepresent information to XRP holders.
• He explained that holding Ripple stock provides crypto exposure while minimizing direct investment in digital assets.
• He argued that stablecoins would only threaten XRP’s position if one stablecoin achieved global dominance.
• He dismissed claims of a $10,000 XRP price target, asserting that markets would reflect stronger conviction if such odds were realistic.

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(SeaPRwire) –   Ripple CTO Emeritus David Schwartz said he has “virtually no crypto exposure left except XRP and Ripple,” adding that the outcome was not necessarily intentional.

The remarks followed a broader discussion on X about XRP, Ripple, confidentiality agreements, investment risks, stablecoins, and cryptocurrency price projections. Schwartz emphasized that his primary exposure remains through XRP and Ripple equity, with reduced involvement in other digital currencies.

He also admitted he does not possess unwavering confidence in all his decisions and often maintains skepticism toward his own viewpoints. Schwartz described this mindset as integral to how he assesses risk, particularly within crypto markets.

Schwartz Discusses XRP and Personal Exposure

Schwartz confirmed that his current crypto holdings are predominantly concentrated in XRP and Ripple. He previously clarified that he does not hold nearly as much XRP as some community members assume.

He also acknowledged a preference for lowering personal risk exposure, despite past decisions that proved beneficial. Earlier, he mentioned selling Ethereum at $1.05 and divesting part of his XRP at prices that later seemed suboptimal.

Schwartz recognized that crypto may offer rare opportunities for wealth creation but expressed comfort in missing potential upside if it helps manage risk. He said ownership of Ripple stock gives sufficient market exposure while allowing him greater peace of mind.

NDA Concerns and Ripple Transparency

Schwartz responded to concerns that NDAs might hinder full transparency with XRP holders. He clarified that although bound by multiple non-disclosure agreements, none force him to lie or provide false information.

When faced with questions he cannot answer due to confidentiality restrictions, he indicated he would either acknowledge the limitation or decline to respond directly. He added that the undisclosed details are typically routine and not highly consequential.

Unfortunately, all of the information I have on Ripple shares trading in the secondary market is protected by non-disclosure agreements. But you can find some data from sites like https://t.co/50mOGK04vW or https://t.co/NzYQ1smOos and similar sites.

I’m personally not a fan of…

— David ‘JoelKatz’ Schwartz (@JoelKatz) May 4, 2026

In another statement, Schwartz revealed that data on secondary market trading of Ripple shares falls under NDA protection. He directed users to third-party platforms for such information, while reiterating that Ripple’s public listing remains uncertain.

He also voiced opposition to unnecessarily linking XRP’s value too closely with Ripple’s financial performance. Investors seeking exposure to Ripple are advised to consider purchasing its stock on available secondary markets.

Stablecoins, XRP Maximalism and Price Predictions

The conversation touched on whether stablecoins could diminish XRP’s role as a cross-border settlement asset. One participant suggested that national digital stablecoins issued by major corporations or governments might reduce demand for volatile bridge tokens.

Schwartz countered that this scenario would only materialize if a single stablecoin attained overwhelming dominance, causing others—including those tied to different fiat currencies—to lose relevance.

He also addressed investment strategies involving diversification versus maximalism. Schwartz argued that spreading investments across a sector can be rational when success is anticipated but individual winners and losers remain unclear.

His comments came amid renewed debate over XRP price forecasts. Schwartz has challenged extreme targets like $10,000 per XRP, contending that if high-net-worth investors believed even a modest chance of such valuations, market behavior would already signal stronger accumulation.

He further observed that if market participants expected XRP to surge significantly in the near future, current pricing would likely incorporate those expectations more visibly.