Ex-Ripple CTO: Crypto a ‘once-in-a-generation’ bet — I cashed out
David Schwartz called crypto a ‘once-in-a-generation’ chance but says he moved most personal wealth out of crypto, sold ETH at $1.05 and still holds just over 1 million XRP.
On May 4, 2026, former Ripple CTO David Schwartz, known on X as JoelKatz, wrote that he views crypto as a “once-in-a-generation” opportunity but had shifted most of his personal wealth out of digital assets to sleep better at night.
Schwartz reported that he sold Ethereum when its price was $1.05, long before its later rise to roughly $2,368. He explained he did not see a realistic path for Ethereum to reach that level and added he would not have sold if he had believed there was even a 1% chance of that outcome: “If I had thought there was a 1% chance of it hitting $2,368, I would not have sold it for $1.05. I’m still not sure the odds of that happening really were more than 1% at the time.”
Describing his investment approach, Schwartz said he favors predictable outcomes over speculative bets. He wrote that he is “not the diamond hands guy” and instead calls himself a “smart, sensible investment guy.” He said he has tried to limit exposure to crypto outside of his Ripple equity and that the decision reduces his personal stress.
Schwartz confirmed he still holds just over one million XRP, down from about 26 million at an earlier point. He noted the size of his remaining position is far smaller than earlier levels and that its dollar value depends on market prices.
He acknowledged a personal cost to his caution, writing that he could have become a billionaire if he had held larger crypto positions for longer, but that he accepted the trade-off for lower risk and better sleep: “I fully recognize that crypto may be a once-in-a-generation chance to get rich that we have not missed yet and that may mean that I miss a lot of it. I’m okay with that and hope my Ripple stock gives me enough exposure. I sleep better at night that way.”
The remarks arrived as XRP investors monitor comments from Ripple leadership for information on company strategy and the token’s future. Schwartz’s posts outline why a former executive reduced personal crypto exposure while maintaining a stake in XRP.
