Ripple CTO David Schwartz Responds to Caitlin Long: Can Truth Rescue XRP?

Ripple CTO David Schwartz Claps Back at Caitlin Long as XRP Price Inches Toward $4

A new wave of debate has stirred the cryptocurrency world, this time centering around Ripple’s Chief Technology Officer, David Schwartz, and Custodia Bank CEO Caitlin Long. The clash comes amidst Ripple’s strengthened financial position and a growing XRP price, as the altcoin edges toward the $4 mark.

Caitlin Long, a longtime critic of certain blockchain models, reignited discussion around XRP’s long-term credibility, institutional viability, and perceived centralization. Her sharp remarks have not gone unnoticed, especially in light of Ripple's significant $6 billion war chest, which includes $1.5 billion in cash and 4.5 billion XRP tokens held on-chain.

Caitlin Long Takes Aim: XRP Lacks Institutional Credibility

In a recent podcast appearance that quickly gained traction, Caitlin Long questioned the legitimacy and structure of Ripple’s ecosystem. She compared XRP’s token distribution to an Initial Coin Offering (ICO)—an accusation Ripple has historically disputed—and cast doubt on the network’s decentralization.

“If it were going to take over, it would have already,” Long said, suggesting that XRP has had ample time to prove its use case but has failed to gain the institutional trust necessary for wide adoption.

Source: X

She further speculated that if the U.S. Treasury ever moves forward with tokenizing T-Bills, Ethereum would be the likely platform of choice—not XRP Ledger (XRPL). According to Long, the design of XRPL is simply too centralized to inspire confidence among regulators or financial institutions.

These remarks struck a nerve in the XRP community, where many see them as an unfair critique and a dismissal of years of technological development. Several crypto analysts view the comments as a calculated effort to undermine Ripple’s growing momentum, especially as regulatory clarity improves and Ripple expands its global footprint.

David Schwartz Responds: ‘Let’s Deal in Facts, Not Fear’

Rather than engaging in a hostile rebuttal, Ripple CTO David Schwartz responded in a measured and factual tone. Schwartz invited Long to a transparent, data-driven discussion to unpack the claims being made against Ripple and XRP.

In his response, Schwartz emphasized a fundamental point often misunderstood: XRP did not launch via an ICO. Instead, all 100 billion XRP tokens were generated at inception, and Ripple has maintained a policy of gradual, transparent distribution over time.

Source: X

“Our distribution was never a traditional token sale. There was no ICO. That’s a fact,” Schwartz explained, challenging the common misconception.

He went on to clarify that the XRP Ledger is far from centralized. Over 1,000 independent nodes currently validate the ledger, many of which are not controlled by Ripple Labs. According to Schwartz, this robust validator network is a testament to the protocol's openness and security.

“Unlike Ethereum, which held a token sale and still maintains a more centralized validator ecosystem, XRP Ledger was designed to scale with neutrality and trust. Centralized? Let’s talk about the facts,” he said.

XRP Price Today: Poised for a Breakout?

Amidst this heated debate, the XRP price has shown resilience. At the time of publication, XRP is trading around $3.07, marking a modest but steady gain of approximately 3% over the last 24 hours.

Technical indicators appear to support the possibility of further upside. Relative Strength Index (RSI) currently stands at 54.13, indicating neutral momentum with room for upward movement. Meanwhile, the MACD histogram is contracting, suggesting weakening bearish sentiment.

Price action reveals that buyers have stepped in around the $2.95 to $3.00 support zone. If this buying momentum continues, XRP could challenge the next resistance levels between $3.25 and $3.35. A clean break above these points could open the door to $4.00, a significant psychological and technical milestone.

Institutional investors are also paying attention, especially considering Ripple’s growing financial arsenal. With over $1.5 billion in cash reserves and billions in liquid tokens, Ripple is well-positioned to scale operations, acquire new assets, and attract partnerships.

The Bigger Picture: A Fight for Narrative and Trust

The battle between Schwartz and Long goes beyond individual egos—it represents two contrasting visions for the future of blockchain adoption. On one side, Caitlin Long’s conservative stance aligns with traditional banking frameworks, emphasizing regulatory trust and predictable governance. On the other, Ripple’s team champions a decentralized approach powered by community participation and technological transparency.

This isn’t the first time Ripple has faced criticism, nor is it the first time it has pushed back with results. In recent years, Ripple has expanded into several international markets, partnered with hundreds of banks, and weathered regulatory storms—including a landmark legal victory over the SEC.

Today, Ripple stands stronger than ever, backed by a treasury that rivals some major fintech firms. Its infrastructure continues to evolve, and its XRP Ledger is now being used for a variety of applications, from cross-border payments to tokenized assets.

Where Does This Leave XRP in 2025?

The discussion around XRP’s centralization and future viability will likely persist. However, numbers often speak louder than speculation. With a rapidly growing user base, increasing on-chain volume, and renewed interest from developers, XRP is in a stronger position than it has been in years.

Ripple’s long-term strategy appears clear: build trust through transparency, scalability, and consistent delivery. If the company can continue to push forward despite criticism, and if macroeconomic conditions remain favorable, the token may indeed reach the projected $4 target—or even exceed it.

Schwartz’s response to Long, while diplomatic, also signals a readiness within Ripple to counter misinformation with facts. That willingness to engage openly may prove critical in shaping XRP’s narrative going forward.

Conclusion: A Defining Moment for Ripple and XRP

This high-profile exchange between Caitlin Long and David Schwartz serves as a reminder that crypto is still a battlefield of ideas. As more institutional capital enters the space, the standards for trust, transparency, and technology become even more critical.

Ripple appears to be meeting those standards, not just with talk, but with treasury strength, network resilience, and strategic execution. Whether the XRP price reaches $4 in the near future or not, the company’s trajectory is clearly upward.

In a space often dominated by hype, Ripple’s quiet strength and strategic poise may ultimately prove to be its greatest asset.

Writer @Erlin

Erlin is an experienced crypto writer who loves to explore the intersection of blockchain technology and financial markets. She regularly provides insights into the latest trends and innovations in the digital currency space.

 

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