Ripple’s David Schwartz Reflects on Early Crypto Sales and Regrets

David Schwartz’s Reflection on Past Crypto Sales

David Schwartz, the former Chief Technology Officer of Ripple, recently expressed regret over the decision to sell some of his early holdings in both XRP and Ethereum. In a post shared on July 20, he emphasized that his actions were driven by a personal aversion to risk rather than a lack of faith in the future of cryptocurrencies.

Sales Made in the Interest of Risk Management

Schwartz explained his rationale for selling at new highs, stating that he and his wife had agreed to reduce their exposure to volatile digital assets whenever their holdings reached a new all-time high (ATH). His earlier sales included offloading XRP when it was priced around $0.10 and Ethereum at approximately $1.05 per coin. “I wish I hadn’t done those things,” Schwartz admitted, highlighting how he did not anticipate the substantial price increases that would follow these decisions.

Insights into Market Expectations

The crypto landscape was markedly different during the early years of XRP, as Schwartz reflected on his decision-making process. He noted that selling XRP at $0.10 felt reasonable at the time, with a perception that prices would not reach $0.25. He similarly undervalued Ethereum when he sold 40,000 ETH, a move he later regretted, stating, “If I had thought there was a 1% chance of it hitting $2,368, I would not have sold it for $1.05.”

Minimizing Risks While Reducing Exposure

Over time, Schwartz reduced his personal exposure to cryptocurrencies significantly, having previously held approximately 26 million XRP. As his investment strategy evolved, he chose to move his wealth outside of cryptocurrencies, prioritizing stability over the allure of higher potential returns. This strategy allowed him to lock in gains while mitigating the risks posed by the volatile market.

Schwartz’s Continued Involvement in the Crypto Space

Although Schwartz stepped back from his daily responsibilities at Ripple at the end of 2025, he remains involved with the XRP Ledger community. He continues to contribute by coding and running independent XRPL infrastructure, while also participating in discussions surrounding the legal landscape of XRP. His recent remarks not only reflect his personal experiences but contribute to broader conversations about the future of cryptocurrency and investment strategies.