XRP Ledger Shows Stable Performance Ahead Of 2026 Says Ripple CTO Schwartz

TLDR

Table of Contents

XRP Ledger hub has run without disruption for over a month, says Ripple CTO.
Network anomalies checked showed no performance reduction for connected peers.
Hub reduces validator latency and improves reliability across the XRP Ledger.
Schwartz continues XRP Ledger research while stepping back from daily CTO duties.

Recent comments from Ripple CTO David Schwartz point to steady progress across the network, supported by months of real-time data and testing. His updates focus on reliability, latency, and long-term readiness. Together, they frame a picture of infrastructure work that could shape how the XRP Ledger operates as adoption expectations rise toward 2026.

XRP Ledger Hub Shows Stable Network Performance

David Schwartz shared that his XRP Ledger hub has operated without disruption over the past month. The hub has been active for several months after its initial rollout earlier this year. It functions as a production-grade service built for uptime and consistent performance.

The data collected from the hub is used to study how the XRP Ledger behaves under normal conditions. Schwartz explained that several network anomalies were reviewed during this period. He stated that none of these issues caused reduced performance for connected peers.

My hub has been running 2.6.2 for more than a week now and there have been no issues. If you run an XRPL node, feel free to connect:
Hostname: hub . distributedagreement . com
Domain: distributedagreement . com
Port: 51235
PubKey:… pic.twitter.com/bcE3Dt4GPQ
— David 'JoelKatz' Schwartz (@JoelKatz) December 4, 2025

The hub also publishes output data openly. This allows developers and researchers to review network behavior in real time. The approach supports transparency and provides practical information for those building on the XRP Ledger.

Focus on Reducing Latency and Improving Reliability

Schwartz explained that one reason for launching the hub was to address latency between validators. Some validators had shown delays when communicating with each other. A large and well-connected hub can reduce both network latency and network diameter.

Lower network diameter means fewer hops between nodes. This can improve message speed and consistency across the ledger. Schwartz stated that a strong hub can increase reliability during normal operations and periods of stress.

Another reason for the hub involved performance issues seen in specific regions. Some localized cases showed the network did not behave as expected. The hub allowed Schwartz to test theories under live conditions and gather accurate data.

Continued XRP Ledger Work After CTO Role Change

In September, Schwartz announced plans to step back from daily CTO duties by year-end. He clarified that this change would not end his involvement with the XRP ecosystem. His focus is shifting toward family and personal projects tied to XRP.

Schwartz continues to operate his XRP Ledger node. He also remains active in publishing data and researching new use cases for XRP. These efforts extend beyond Ripple’s core business focus and add to broader ecosystem development.

Ripple confirmed that Schwartz now holds the title of CTO Emeritus. In this role, he joined Ripple’s Board of Directors. The position allows him to support the company’s long-term technical direction while reducing daily operational duties.

Broader Context as 2026 Comes Into View

The updates arrive as market participants watch how blockchain networks prepare for future growth. The XRP Ledger has seen steady infrastructure work rather than sudden changes. Schwartz’s feedback suggests an emphasis on durability and measured improvement.

Running a long-term hub provides insight that short tests cannot offer. Continuous operation helps identify rare issues and confirm stable behavior. This type of testing supports readiness as usage levels change over time.

Schwartz also serves as a strategic advisor at Evernorth. His continued involvement across different roles keeps him connected to enterprise and blockchain discussions. For the XRP Ledger community, his updates provide a technical snapshot as 2026 draws closer.