David Schwartz, Ripple’s Chief Technology Officer, has announced his decision to step down from his position at the end of 2025. This move marks the conclusion of a remarkable 13-year tenure that helped shape Ripple’s technological foundation. Schwartz will transition to a new role on the company’s board of directors while maintaining involvement as CTO Emeritus.
As happens in one’s life, I’ve been taking stock of my last 40 years. It’s been a wild ride. I’ve gone from consulting for the NSA to watching the early stages of Bitcoin. Then, I met Arthur, Jed, and Chris and worked on coding the XRP Ledger. Now, I’ve spent more than 13 years…
— David 'JoelKatz' Schwartz (@JoelKatz) September 30, 2025
A Legacy of Innovation and Leadership
Throughout his time at Ripple, Schwartz has played a pivotal role in developing the XRP Ledger and establishing Ripple’s technological infrastructure. His journey began with consulting for the NSA and witnessing Bitcoin’s early stages before joining forces with Arthur Britto, Jed McCaleb, and Chris Larsen. Under his leadership, Ripple introduced significant innovations including Proof of Association, the DEX system, and smart escrow capabilities. These developments have positioned Ripple as a leading force in the cryptocurrency sector.
Leadership Transition and Future Vision
The announcement has drawn positive responses from Ripple’s executive team. CEO Brad Garlinghouse praised Schwartz as ‘the smartest and funniest person’ he knows, highlighting his exceptional vision in the crypto space. President Monica Long emphasized Schwartz’s crucial role in building Ripple’s community and technological achievements. The transition plan ensures continuity while allowing Schwartz to pursue personal interests and maintain strategic influence through his board position.
The Road Ahead for Ripple
This leadership change comes at a strategic time for Ripple, following significant achievements in regulatory clarity and market presence. Schwartz’s move to the board of directors ensures his continued involvement in shaping Ripple’s strategic direction. His technical expertise and industry insights will remain valuable assets as Ripple continues to evolve. This transition opens new opportunities for fresh perspectives in Ripple’s technical leadership while maintaining the foundation of innovation Schwartz established.
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