At the Apex 2025 summit, David Schwartz, Chief Technology Officer at Ripple, discussed current trends and the future of blockchain, DeFi, and tokenized finance.
Personal Reflections on a Decade of Progress
Schwartz candidly spoke about his connection to the XRP Ledger's evolution. He described feeling a deep connection to the project, expressing his emotions and satisfaction as it has grown over the past decade. While he hoped the ledger would become something significant, he admitted that he could not predict its full scale and shape.
Apex 2025 Marks a Shift in Community Composition
Discussing the Apex event itself, Schwartz noted how it has developed from a developer-focused gathering into a broader and more diverse summit. The presence of institutional representatives alongside retail investors and developers indicates a significant shift. This institutional engagement has the potential to drive the next wave of blockchain adoption.
Building DeFi for Everyday Financial Needs
On the topic of innovation on the XRP Ledger, Schwartz emphasized that crucial developments should provide financial tools for ordinary users. While speculation and digital collectibles dominated earlier phases of blockchain growth, he believes the future lies in offering services such as loans and stable investment products that meet real financial needs.
Schwartz's appearance at Apex 2025 highlights key trends in tokenization and DeFi, reinforcing the connections between blockchain and traditional financial services.
