Ripple CTO Resigns After 13 Years: Will XRP Go Down?

David Schwartz, Ripple’s long-time Chief Technology Officer, has announced he will step back from his daily responsibilities after more than 13 years with the company. While he will no longer be directly managing Ripple’s day-to-day operations, Schwartz will continue to serve as CTO Emeritus and as a member of Ripple’s board of directors.

The announcement initially sparked curiosity among the XRP community, but instead of a sell-off, XRP’s price actually edged higher by about 1.4%. With Ripple’s legal clarity improving and the token’s technical setup pointing toward a potential breakout, investors are watching closely to see what comes next for XRP.

David Schwartz’s Role in Ripple and the XRP Ecosystem

David Schwartz is one of Ripple’s most influential figures. He joined the company in 2011 and became CTO in 2018, helping guide its blockchain infrastructure, payment solutions, and XRP Ledger development. Known as one of the original architects of the XRP Ledger, Schwartz is respected both within Ripple and the broader crypto community.

His shift to CTO Emeritus signals more of a transition than a full departure. Remaining on the board ensures he will continue to shape Ripple’s strategy while stepping away from daily operations. For the XRP ecosystem, this continuity reassures the market that Ripple’s vision and leadership remain intact.

XRP Price Action After the Announcement

Contrary to concerns that Schwartz’s step back could trigger uncertainty, XRP prices moved up slightly following the news. This reaction indicates that traders view his continued involvement as stabilizing, while Ripple’s fundamentals and external factors continue to drive the market.

Currently, XRP is consolidating in a descending wedge pattern, a technical formation often associated with upcoming bullish breakouts. If XRP confirms this move, traders are eyeing price targets in the $3.50–$3.80 range. However, failure to hold mid-$2 support levels could introduce bearish pressure.

Fundamental Drivers Supporting XRP

Several fundamental factors are supporting XRP’s outlook despite leadership changes:

• Ripple’s partial legal victory against the SEC, giving XRP greater clarity as a digital asset.
• Expanding utility, with XRP being adopted in payment corridors and liquidity solutions.
• Partnerships with financial institutions and fintech players, boosting transaction volume.
• The resilience of the XRP Ledger ecosystem, with growing use cases for DeFi and tokenization.
• Ongoing community support and engagement, helping maintain confidence in the project.

These fundamentals suggest that XRP’s price trajectory will be more influenced by adoption and market sentiment than by Schwartz’s reduced operational role.

Read more: Is Ripple Becoming More Bullish? Deep Dive into XRP Sentiment & Ripple News

Will XRP Go Down or Break Out?

The short-term future of XRP depends on technical levels and market catalysts. If the descending wedge pattern plays out, XRP could be positioned for a strong bullish breakout. On the other hand, macroeconomic conditions and crypto market volatility could still weigh on its performance.

While the CTO transition is significant, the bigger picture for XRP lies in whether Ripple continues to expand adoption and win regulatory clarity. So far, the outlook remains cautiously optimistic.

Conclusion

David Schwartz stepping back as Ripple’s CTO marks the end of an era but not a full departure. His new role as CTO Emeritus ensures continuity, while Ripple continues pushing forward with adoption and growth. For XRP, the price action will depend more on market conditions, technical levels, and adoption than leadership changes. The coming weeks will be key in determining whether XRP confirms a breakout or faces renewed selling pressure.

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FAQ

Who is David Schwartz in Ripple?

David Schwartz is Ripple’s long-time CTO and one of the original architects of the XRP Ledger. He has been with Ripple since 2011 and will now serve as CTO Emeritus and board member.

Did XRP’s price drop after Schwartz resigned?

No. Instead of falling, XRP’s price rose about 1.4% immediately after the announcement, signaling market confidence.

What is the current XRP price outlook?

XRP is consolidating in a descending wedge, a bullish technical setup. Analysts suggest it could break toward $3.50–$3.80 if resistance is cleared.

What happens if XRP loses support?

If XRP falls below the mid-$2 support level, bearish risks could return, potentially leading to a deeper correction.

Does Schwartz’s departure affect Ripple’s future?

Schwartz remains involved as CTO Emeritus and board member, meaning Ripple’s strategic direction and development continuity remain intact.