Ripple CTO, David “JoelKatz” Schwartz, has defended the company’s right to sell XRP to raise operational capital, stating that Ripple should act in its own interest. His comments came in response to criticism from Pierre Rochard, VP of Research at Riot Platforms, who warned investors that they were not buying into Ripple itself but rather acquiring tokens that could be offloaded at any time.
“Ripple can, will, and should act in its own interest,” Schwartz asserted, emphasizing that the company is not obligated to prioritize investor interests over its own or those of its shareholders.
Concerns Over Dormant $7 Billion XRP Wallet
The debate over Ripple’s XRP sales was reignited just days after blockchain investigator ZachXBT identified a dormant wallet containing over $7 billion worth of XRP, believed to belong to Ripple co-founder Chris Larsen.
ZachXBT revealed that Larsen-controlled addresses had transferred over $109 million worth of XRP to exchanges in January 2025. However, many of these addresses have remained inactive for more than six years, leading to speculation that Larsen may no longer have access to the funds.
XRP Price Struggles Despite Trump’s Crypto Reserve
XRP experienced a brief rally on March 3, following U.S. President Donald Trump’s directive to include XRP, along with Cardano and Solana, in the U.S. crypto strategic reserve. The news propelled XRP to a peak of $2.99 on March 2, but it quickly fell back to $2.50, failing to reclaim the $3.00 psychological level.
Market analysts remain cautious, noting that Trump’s crypto reserve plan requires congressional approval, a lengthy process that could temper investor enthusiasm. Aurelie Barthere, principal research analyst at blockchain analytics firm Nansen, stated, “Constituting a reserve by buying new tokens is a complex process that will need Congress’s vote, so it will take time. I would be a bit wary of the sustainability of today’s move.”
Future Outlook for XRP
Despite ongoing controversy, Ripple remains steadfast in its approach to XRP sales, prioritizing its business strategy over investor concerns. While Trump’s crypto reserve initiative briefly fueled bullish sentiment, regulatory hurdles and market skepticism could hinder sustained price growth.
Investors should remain vigilant, as Ripple’s handling of XRP reserves and broader market developments continue to shape the token’s future trajectory.
