David Schwartz, a prominent figure in the cryptocurrency industry and Chief Technology Officer of Ripple, has announced his planned retirement from his operational role at the company. In a statement released on September 30, 2025, Schwartz shared his intent to transition away from daily responsibilities by the end of the year to focus more on personal pursuits and family.
With 13 years at Ripple, Schwartz has played a pivotal role in shaping the company, particularly in the development of the XRP Ledger. He has been with Ripple since its inception, stepping into the CTO position in 2018, following notable predecessors such as Stefan Thomas and Jed McCaleb. In his farewell message, Schwartz reflected on his diverse experiences, including his tenure at the NSA, and expressed gratitude for the opportunities that have defined his career.
While stepping down from his technical leadership position, Schwartz is not entirely leaving the Ripple landscape. He has been appointed to the board of directors as Emeritus CTO, allowing him to remain an integral part of strategic discussions and to continue his connection with the XRP community.
Reactions within the company were immediate. Ripple’s CEO, Brad Garlinghouse, offered a lighthearted nod to Schwartz’s new role, humorously stating on social media, “Wait…does this mean you’re my boss now?!” Ripple Chairwoman Monica Long commended Schwartz for his ingenuity and integrity, highlighting the profound impact of his contributions in building the XRP community.
Schwartz’s retirement marks a significant milestone in Ripple’s evolution, a key player in the cryptocurrency sector. His decision to step back from daily operations does not signify an end to his influence but rather a strategic repositioning within the company’s governance framework. As of now, Ripple has not named a successor for the CTO role, leaving the future of Ripple’s technical leadership open for speculation.
