In a recent tweet about X, Ripple’s Chief Technology Officer Emeritus David Schwartz reveals his role in the early days of Ripple and his accomplishments. $XRP compensation.
Schwartz had shared a screenshot that apparently included descriptions of various Ripple participants. $XRP These were gifts given when the company was founded.
Participant “Cryptographer 1” is described as a “California resident who served as Ripple’s Chief Cryptographer until July 2018 and currently serves as Ripple’s Chief Technology Officer.”
In response, Schwartz said, “This is pretty funny. I’m wearing a Cryptographer 1 shirt right now.”
I am not generally considered a founder of Ripple and have not received anything $XRP As compensation until much, much later.
— David ‘JoelKatz’ Schwartz (@JoelKatz) June 2, 2026
An X user asked Schwartz why the other two founders would do that. $XRP Compensation was revealed while he was excluded. In response, Schwartz said, “I am not generally considered a founder of Ripple and have not received anything.” $XRP As compensation until much later. ”
$XRP History of Ledger and Ripple
Development began in 2011 with three engineers: David Schwartz, Jed McCaleb, and Arthur Britto. $XRP ledger. Fascinated by Bitcoin, they intended to create a better version that improved upon its limitations, with the aim of creating a digital asset that was more sustainable and purpose-built for payments.
of $XRP Ledger was first founded in June 2012. Chris Larsen joined soon after, and the group founded the company NewCoin in September 2012 (soon renamed OpenCoin and now Ripple).
Ripple Cryptographer 1?
He is recognized as one of the first architects of $XRP Ledger, this is not the case with Ripple, as Schwartz suggests, Ledger is not generally considered a founder.
Schwartz was part of the team that launched Ripple, but not as a founder. he didn’t take it either $XRP The first time was much later.
“I am not generally considered a founder of Ripple and have not received anything. $XRP as compensation until much, much later,” Schwartz said.
Schwartz originally joined Ripple (then known as OpenCoin) as chief cryptologist before becoming chief technology officer in 2018. In late 2025, Mr. Schwartz will step down as CTO and become CTO Emeritus.

