Ripple CTO David Schwartz Confirms XRP Has No Issuer and No New Tokens Have Been Created

Schwartz urges focusing on what decentralization protects against, not just labels.

Recently, the crypto community has been buzzing about whether XRP is centralized, especially after MMA star Conor McGregor tweeted about the US government potentially investing in XRP, SOL, and ADA.

This sparked fresh debates: Is XRP truly decentralized like Bitcoin, or is it controlled by Ripple and its leaders? Unlike Bitcoin – which has no known leader since Satoshi Nakamoto disappeared – Ripple’s well-known CEO Brad Garlinghouse often draws suspicion.

Does having public faces mean XRP is centralized? Ripple’s CTO, David Schwartz, stepped up to explain how XRP’s decentralization really works and why many assumptions miss the mark.

Schwartz Explains XRP’s Design: No Issuer, No Control

Schwartz quickly tackled the key question: XRP has no issuer. The entire supply of XRP was created at the launch of the XRP Ledger (XRPL), and no new XRP tokens have been issued since then.

Most cryptocurrencies rely on mining or gradual token releases, but XRP was designed differently. Its full supply was available from day one, allowing anyone to claim XRP without competition or mining. This means Ripple doesn’t control how XRP is distributed.

“The XRP Ledger has no mechanism for creating new XRP,” Schwartz stated, firmly dispelling notions of Ripple’s control over the asset.

What Does Decentralization Really Mean?

The CTO continues by urging the crypto community to move beyond arguing about labels like “centralized” or “decentralized.” Instead, he suggests focusing on the purpose of decentralization: to prevent censorship, avoid control by a single party, and ensure the network’s integrity.

This practical goal of decentralization is what matters. It becomes easier to judge whether XRP’s system can be controlled or compromised. When viewed this way, XRP’s decentralization is more complex, and arguably stronger, than many think.

Shifting the Conversation: Practicality Over Labels

Many in the crypto community are used to discussing Bitcoin’s leaderless design, tying it to concepts of decentralization. However, Schwartz's perspective highlights a broader understanding of what decentralization protects against.

It becomes clear why the conversation needs to shift from arguing about labels to examining the practical goals that decentralization serves. Only then can we fully appreciate the strengths and complexities of XRP’s decentralized architecture.

As the discussion continues, it becomes evident that there are varying opinions and interpretations of what constitutes a truly decentralized cryptocurrency. Ultimately, the goal is to create a blockchain ecosystem that is secure, fair, and resistant to central points of failure.

In this light, XRP’s decentralization is clearer than ever. It stands as a testament to the enduring principles of cryptocurrency, aiming to empower users and foster a truly open and accessible financial system.