XRP Was Never Designed To Be Dirt Cheap — JoelKatz Explains The Real Vision
Overview
The ongoing narrative surrounding XRP has often been dominated by price speculation, with many investors hoping for a low price to accumulate significant holdings. However, David Schwartz, the former CTO of Ripple, has clarified that XRP was never intended to remain cheap. His insights emphasize the importance of XRP as a bridge asset in global payments, where its utility is crucial for determining long-term value.
David Schwartz Challenges the Cheap XRP Narrative
In a recent post on X, David Schwartz revisited a statement he made in 2017, asserting that XRP “can’t be dirt cheap.” This comment has been widely interpreted by the community through the lens of investment gains. Schwartz has now clarified that his original statement was misunderstood and was focused on the functionality of XRP as a payment tool, rather than the perspective of holders looking for profit.
According to Schwartz, the dollar value of a transaction remains constant regardless of the price of XRP. However, if XRP is priced too low, a significantly larger quantity of tokens is required to process the same transactions. This situation leads to increased friction, slippage, and inefficiency, particularly for large flows of transactions. In contrast, a higher price for XRP can enhance the efficiency of large-scale payments, not because investors seek to increase their holdings, but because fewer tokens are needed to facilitate transactions, thus streamlining the process.
The Role of REAL Token in XRP Ledger Growth
Momentum surrounding XRP continues to gain traction as influential figures express confidence in its long-term prospects. An ambassador known as Ledger Man on X highlighted that Yoshitaka Kitao, CEO of Japan’s SBI Holdings, has shown strong belief in XRP’s future. Kitao has even suggested that as adoption increases, the asset could become significantly more valuable.
This positive outlook coincides with SBI’s deepening collaboration with Ripple, which includes exploring new initiatives such as RLUSD integration and blockchain-based bond solutions. Furthermore, attention is shifting towards the expanding ecosystem surrounding the XRP Ledger. RealFi is set to unveil a major partnership aimed at expanding XRPL on a global scale, with the REAL Token powering this initiative. This project is designed to introduce payment rewards across various industries, reflecting a broader push for real-world utility in blockchain technology.
The conversation around tokenization is becoming increasingly relevant in the financial sector. Notably, BlackRock CEO Larry Fink recently indicated that the industry may be underestimating the rapid pace at which financial assets could be tokenized. This perspective aligns with ongoing developments on the XRP Ledger and suggests a growing recognition of the potential for tokenization in mainstream finance.
From Author
The insights provided by David Schwartz challenge the prevailing narrative that has often overlooked the fundamental purpose of XRP. By emphasizing its utility in global payments, Schwartz invites a reevaluation of how XRP’s value is perceived. The collaboration between Ripple and SBI Holdings, along with the anticipated developments from RealFi, reflects a broader trend towards integrating blockchain solutions into traditional financial systems. This shift could reshape perceptions of XRP and its long-term viability.
Impact on the Crypto Market
- The clarification from David Schwartz may influence investor sentiment, shifting focus from speculative price movements to the inherent utility of XRP.
- Strengthened partnerships, such as those between Ripple and SBI, could enhance the credibility and adoption of XRP in mainstream finance.
- The anticipated launch of the REAL Token and its associated initiatives may drive increased interest and engagement with the XRP Ledger.
- The growing discussion around tokenization could position XRP favorably within the evolving landscape of digital finance, potentially attracting new investors and users.
- Overall, these developments may contribute to a more robust and utility-driven market for XRP, moving away from purely speculative narratives.
Updated: 4/7/2026, 2:46:58 AM