[DigitalToday reporter Yoonseo Lee] David Schwartz (데이비드 슈워츠), Ripple's former chief technology officer, described cryptocurrencies as a once-in-a-generation wealth opportunity but said he has moved much of his personal assets out of digital assets.

On May 5, the blockchain outlet BeInCrypto reported that Schwartz said he acknowledged crypto's upside potential but chose a stable asset allocation rather than bear volatility.

The remarks came as Schwartz explained his position on his past decision to sell ethereum (ETH) at $1.05. He said he had seen little chance at the time that ethereum could rise to its current level of about $2,368. "If I thought there was even a 1 percent chance it would go to $2,368, I wouldn't have sold it at $1.05," he said.

Schwartz said that judgement has been reflected in his overall investment approach. He said he has preferred choices with relatively stable outcomes over speculative bets that could deliver high returns. He added that he accepted having missed several major rallies in the process.

"I fully understand that crypto could be a once-in-a-generation wealth opportunity that has not yet passed," he said. "But I'm fine even if I miss a large part of that opportunity. That helps me sleep better at night," he added.

Schwartz said he adjusted his asset allocation in line with that stance. He said he reduced his XRP holdings and sought to limit his digital-asset exposure, excluding his Ripple stake. He added that he has not eliminated crypto exposure entirely. He said he still holds more than 1 million XRP. He previously held 26 million XRP, but has now sharply reduced his position from that level.

The comments are drawing attention among XRP investors who are sensitive to signals from Ripple executives. Schwartz said he did not deny the long-term opportunity in crypto, but drew a line between himself and investors who press on with long-term holding based on strong conviction. He described himself as "not the 'diamond hands' type" and called himself a "smart and sensible investor."

Schwartz acknowledged that the outcome might have been different if he had taken on greater risk. He said he could have easily joined the ranks of billionaires if he had held more crypto for longer and in greater amounts. He said that approach did not suit him. He said he chose to reduce the psychological burden from volatility at the expense of giving up larger profit opportunities.

In this situation, the market is focused on whether Schwartz's message is a simple bearish signal or a reaffirmation of risk-management principles. Schwartz maintained a conservative stance in managing his personal assets while acknowledging crypto's historic opportunity. He remains exposed to digital assets, including XRP, at a meaningful scale, but has moved most of his assets in a more stable direction for the same reason. In the end, his comments showed that even a key Ripple figure draws a line on managing volatility, separate from crypto's potential.