Ripple CTO Suggests Satoshi Nakamoto May Have Held XRP, Not Just Bitcoin

A resurfaced court transcript from the 2023 SEC vs. Ripple case has reignited speculation around the true crypto holdings of Bitcoin's anonymous creator, Satoshi Nakamoto. The document, recently rediscovered, contains a key statement from Ripple CTO and XRP Ledger (XRPL) co-creator David Schwartz, who suggests that Satoshi may have owned a significant amount of XRP in addition to Bitcoin.

During court proceedings, Schwartz responded to a question comparing Bitcoin and Ripple’s technologies. He remarked, “Toshi, the original creator, probably held an enormous amount of XRP at that time,” referring to 2017. While Schwartz didn’t provide direct evidence linking Satoshi Nakamoto to XRP, his reference sparked fresh curiosity in the crypto community.

The comment has led to renewed discussions about whether XRP’s early adoption and open distribution model might have attracted early Bitcoin figures, including Satoshi. While the exact identity and portfolio of Satoshi Nakamoto remain unknown, the possibility that they diversified into other cryptocurrencies beyond Bitcoin could reshape how the crypto world perceives early blockchain pioneers.

This speculation surfaces as Ripple’s XRP escrow program nears its final stages, adding a layer of intrigue to both XRP’s history and Satoshi’s legacy. If true, Satoshi’s XRP holdings would add a new dimension to the ongoing debates around decentralization, early wealth accumulation, and the convergence of different blockchain technologies.

Although no conclusive evidence ties Satoshi to XRP, Schwartz’s remarks during the SEC case raise important questions about the cross-chain influence of crypto’s most enigmatic figure. The revelation, while unconfirmed, continues to stir the digital asset market and fuel interest in Ripple’s long-standing legal and technological saga.