David Schwartz: "Even a 1% chance would have taken it to $20"...Directly refuting XRP conspiracy theories

▲ XRP

A key figure at Ripple directly refuted the conspiracy theory that he was lying due to a non-disclosure agreement. At the same time, he reiterated warnings against some optimistic views that the XRP price would reach $10,000.

According to crypto media outlet U.Today on May 3 (local time), Ripple CTO David Schwartz criticized influencers' claims that the XRP price would reach $10,000 as being detached from reality. Schwartz pointed out that current market data does not support such a level of confidence. Schwartz analyzed that if rational and wealthy investors believed even a 1% chance that XRP would reach a five-figure price within the next 10 years, the current price would have risen to at least $20. He questioned, "Why aren't they buying? Is it because of a conspiracy?" pointing out the gap between the current price of around $1.38 and the target price.

I would never, and have never, signed any agreement that required me to lie. I would always choose to say nothing or avoid a question than give an answer that I did not believe to be truthful and accurate.

— David 'JoelKatz' Schwartz (@JoelKatz) May 3, 2026

Some in the community raised suspicions that Schwartz was unable to tell the truth due to a non-disclosure agreement after leaving the company. He previously defended himself against claims doubting his integrity, stating, "Schwartz has no reason to lie." He also stated that the conspiracy theory that Ripple possesses a secret mechanism to instantly raise the token's value is not true. He explained that while claims that Ripple had ways to skyrocket the price might have had some credibility in the past, it is difficult to maintain such claims today.

Schwartz said, "Ripple has transparently explained what the company is doing and what goals it aims to achieve." He also emphasized that while the company does not disclose all information, it is not hiding a grand conspiracy. Schwartz fully understands the community's frustration but dismissed the idea that the company secretly manipulates prices as mere fantasy. He made it clear that the market operates according to its own principles, beyond Ripple's control.

Schwartz mentioned that he sold a significant portion of his holdings when the XRP price was just $0.10. At the time, he judged a massive price surge to be unrealistic, just as Bitcoin (BTC) breaking $100 seemed impossible. Schwartz recalled, "The reason I started selling XRP at $0.10 was because it seemed crazy." This was cited as a prime example of the psychological limits felt by early investors and the uncertainty of the cryptocurrency market.

Meanwhile, Schwartz's remarks aim to correct excessive optimism surrounding XRP and misunderstandings about Ripple's internal operations. He emphasized that price predictions ignoring objective indicators can cause confusion in the investment ecosystem. A former key figure at Ripple directly stepped forward to explain the transparency of internal operations and market realities, establishing facts against unfounded conspiracy theories.

*Disclaimer: This article is for investment reference only, and we are not responsible for investment losses based on it. The content should be interpreted for informational purposes only.*