TLDR
- David Schwartz said Ripple stock already gives him crypto exposure, so he avoids extra risk.
- Schwartz said he is not “diamond hands” and prefers sensible investing over chasing every rally.
- He said holding less XRP reflects risk control, not loss of belief in crypto markets.
- His past Ethereum sale shows how early risk choices can shape future crypto wealth outcomes.
- Schwartz said he may hold more XRP if he had less Ripple stock exposure overall.
Ripple CTO David Schwartz said he may miss part of a future crypto boom, but he accepts that outcome. He said Ripple stock gives him enough crypto exposure, while he keeps other assets more conservative. The posts drew attention because Schwartz helped build XRP Ledger and served as Ripple’s chief technology officer. His comments offered a rare view of how one company leader handles personal crypto risk.
Schwartz Says He Is Not “Diamond Hands”
In posts on X, Schwartz described his style as cautious rather than aggressive. He wrote, “I’m not the diamond hands guy. That’s not me.” He added that he acts as a smart and sensible investor who may miss big chances.
Schwartz said this approach helps him stay comfortable, even when crypto prices move fast. He wrote, “I’m just as successful as I tried to be.” He also said there may be a lesson, yet he did not tell others to copy him.
The exchange began after users discussed his early Ethereum sale at $1.05. Schwartz said he would not have sold if he saw a 1% chance of $2,368. He added, “I’m still not sure the odds of that happening really were more than 1%.”
The replies followed a post from Diana, who referenced Schwartz selling ETH for $1.05. The post questioned whether he would have sold with even small odds of a later rally. Schwartz answered that he did not see those odds clearly at that time.
Ripple Stock Shapes His Risk View
A user then asked whether Schwartz still holds his XRP. He answered that he does not have much left anymore. He said he moved most assets away from crypto exposure, outside Ripple stock.
Schwartz said he does not like risk, although past risks worked well for him. He wrote that crypto may be a once-in-a-generation chance to get rich. Even so, he said he sleeps better by keeping most holdings away from tokens.
When asked about Ripple stock exposure, Schwartz said it shapes his XRP view. He said he would hold more XRP if he had less Ripple stock exposure. He added that he may also hold more of other crypto assets.
Another user asked whether less Ripple stock would change his choice on XRP. Schwartz said it would, and he said he would likely hold more XRP. He also said Ripple stock already places enough crypto risk in his portfolio.
Why Schwartz May Miss The Next Crypto Boom
Schwartz also responded to a question about 26 million XRP linked to him. He said the XRP was not a gift or bonus. He said he traded bitcoin for it, and its value later created major risk.
According to Schwartz, XRP at 10 cents placed millions of dollars at risk. He said he did not like that position at the time. The comment explained why he may reduce crypto exposure, even after strong gains.
He also said the full story is long and he prefers not to revisit it. However, he noted that Ripple stock should leave him in a good position. The statement tied his personal risk plan to ownership in Ripple itself.
His latest remarks show a clear split between crypto interest and risk control. Schwartz still sees crypto as a possible rare wealth chance, but he avoids overexposure. For that reason, the Ripple CTO may miss part of the next crypto boom.





