Ripple CTO David Schwartz has weighed in on the ongoing debate around the Clarity Act, offering a grounded take on regulation, strategy, and where the crypto industry goes next.
Speaking at XRPLasVegas 2026, Schwartz made it clear that while the Clarity Act may not be perfect, progress matters more than perfection.
“I think the strategy is let’s get as much as we can as soon as we can,” he said, stressing that delaying regulation for an ideal outcome could slow the entire industry.
He acknowledged internal debates at Ripple as well, especially during shifting political conditions. One camp pushed for aggressive expansion, “go public, get all the customers we can”, while another urged caution amid regulatory uncertainty.
Ultimately, Ripple leaned toward moving forward while avoiding irreversible risks.
Why Regulation Still Matters
For Schwartz, regulatory clarity is a major unlock. He compared the potential impact of the Clarity Act to historical turning points like the early internet era.
“Clarity Act passing is the starting gun,” he noted, suggesting it could unlock institutional capital and accelerate adoption, even if the framework isn’t flawless.
At the same time, he stressed that pushing negotiations to the edge is part of the process. “You get the best deal by being willing to walk away,” he explained, highlighting why some industry players appear resistant; they’re aiming for better terms, not rejection.
Enterprise First, Retail Later
Schwartz also outlined Ripple’s long-term strategy, which starts with institutional adoption before reaching everyday users.
“Enterprise today is to pave the way for retail tomorrow,” he said, comparing it to how the internet first scaled through governments and corporations.
He pointed out that current crypto offerings still lack practical tools for average users, noting that DeFi has remained stuck around $150 billion due to limited real-world utility.
Growth Without Closing the Door
Despite supporting regulatory progress, Schwartz warned against creating barriers for new entrants.
“I never want to be in the position of slamming the door behind me,” he said, adding that innovation thrives in open competition.
In his view, even an imperfect bill is worth taking now, because in crypto, momentum matters more than waiting for the perfect framework.
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