After more than thirteen years at Ripple, David Schwartz has announced that he will step down from his daily duties as Chief Technology Officer (CTO) by the end of 2025. Schwartz, better known as “JoelKatz,” was one of the original architects of the XRP Ledger and played a crucial role in developing Ripple‘s technology. Although he is stepping back from day-to-day operations, he will remain actively involved with Ripple as CTO Emeritus and a member of the board of directors.

What Does This Mean for Ripple and XRP?

Schwartz‘s departure comes at a time of increasing competition in the cross-border payments sector. Nevertheless, Ripple continues to focus on expanding the XRP Ledger, with plans to further integrate the technology into the financial industry. Dennis Jarosch, former vice president of engineering, will take over as CTO and lead the technical team. 

Community Reactions

The announcement of Schwartz‘s departure received mixed reactions within the XRP community. Some expressed concern about the future of XRP, while others appreciated his long-standing commitment and contributions to the crypto world. Schwartz emphasized that he will not disappear entirely and will continue supporting projects related to XRP. Within the community, he was seen not only as a brilliant technical mind but also as someone with humor, vision, and dedication. CEO Brad Garlinghouse even called him the smartest—and perhaps funniest—person he knows: “A true OG in crypto.”

What Does This Mean for the XRP Price?

In addition to the organizational changes, the announcement also had an immediate effect on the market. Following the announcement on September 30, 2025, the XRP price initially dropped slightly by 1.2%. However, the next day it recovered with an increase of about 4%, helped by broader positive market conditions. XRP is currently trading around $2.97, with a daily range between $2.92 and $2.99.

Analysts remain divided on the potential long-term impact of Schwartz‘s departure on the XRP price. Some see it as an opportunity for renewal within Ripple, while others remain cautious given recent challenges in the crypto market.

Conclusion

David Schwartz‘s departure marks the end of an important chapter for Ripple and the XRP community. His contributions to the development of the XRP Ledger and his vision for cross-border payments have left a lasting impact on the crypto world. While his departure raises questions about the future, Ripple remains committed to innovation and growth within the ecosystem.

Disclaimer: This is not financial advice. Always conduct your own research and seek professional guidance.