- Ripple CTO quietly updates X bio, signaling leadership transition without operational disruption
- David Schwartz retains influence through board role and ongoing XRP Ledger involvement
- Rising attention sparks impersonation warning as Schwartz cautions community on social media
A subtle profile update on X has triggered fresh discussion around Ripple’s leadership structure as David “JoelKatz” Schwartz revised his bio. The updated bio now identifies Schwartz as CTO emeritus at Ripple, formalizing a transition he had already shared publicly.
Schwartz had earlier explained plans to step away from daily executive responsibilities, citing family priorities and independent XRP related work. This profile update confirms that transition is now active while signaling continuity in Ripple’s broader technical direction.
Despite leaving day to day operations, Schwartz remains connected to Ripple’s leadership through his acceptance of a board seat. That move keeps him involved at the strategic level while helping Ripple retain institutional knowledge during a leadership shift.
Beyond Ripple, Schwartz has expanded his professional footprint by taking an advisory role at XRP treasury firm Evernorth. These parallel roles highlight a repositioning rather than a retreat, showing continued contributions across the XRP ecosystem.
Schwartz also emphasized continued technical involvement through an XRP Ledger node that has been running for months. The node publishes output data and supports research activity focused on XRP use cases beyond Ripple’s commercial priorities.
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Social Media Attention Triggers Warning From Schwartz
The increased visibility has also brought challenges, prompting Schwartz to address rising impersonation attempts targeting community members. He cautioned users about fake accounts appearing on Instagram, stressing that he rarely uses the platform.
Schwartz noted that profiles claiming to represent him there are likely scams, with the warning aimed at protecting users seeking technical insight or guidance. Interest in Schwartz’s commentary has grown alongside the leadership update, making clarity around legitimate communication channels increasingly important.
He reaffirmed that X remains his primary platform for engagement and encouraged users to verify sources before interacting. The bio update has therefore carried wider implications, as it confirms a leadership evolution while reinforcing ongoing involvement.
Schwartz’s emeritus role reflects stability within Ripple’s technical culture, and his continued activity reassures long term XRP holders about continuity. Although daily executive duties have ended, influence clearly remains, as the change marks a new structure for an already planned transition.
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