Crypto Industry News: Ripple CTO Cautions XRP Holders After John Deaton Endorses Arch Public

In an unexpected turn that’s stirred conversation within the XRP community, Ripple’s Chief Technology Officer David Schwartz has offered a warning following a rare crypto endorsement from high-profile attorney John Deaton. Known for championing XRP holders’ rights during the SEC vs. Ripple case, Deaton’s recent promotion of Arch Public, a new crypto project, has sparked both intrigue and concern.

Deaton Backs Arch Public—A Rare Endorsement

John Deaton, a well-known legal advocate in the crypto space, raised eyebrows when he publicly endorsed Arch Public, a project claiming to democratize access to crypto investment through algorithmic automation. According to Deaton, Arch Public offers a “game-changing” approach to investing, supposedly designed to level the playing field between retail investors and institutional players.

What surprised many in the community wasn’t just the endorsement itself, but the fact that Deaton typically steers clear of promoting crypto startups. His influence and credibility stem from his legal work, not from participating in marketing ventures, which is exactly why his involvement has attracted so much attention.

Ripple CTO Responds: “Do Your Research”

As the XRP community began buzzing with speculation, Ripple’s CTO David Schwartz stepped in with a note of caution. Without naming Deaton directly, Schwartz reminded his followers of the importance of due diligence.

“Be wary of any project that relies heavily on endorsements instead of technology, transparency, and a clear use case,” Schwartz posted on X. “The crypto world is full of innovation, but it’s also full of risk.”

He added that even respected figures can make mistakes or be misled, so XRP holders should always question, research, and verify before jumping into any investment based on someone else’s opinion, no matter how trusted they are.

Community Divided: Is Arch Public Legit or Overhyped?

Deaton’s promotion of Arch Public has divided the community. Some users appreciated his openness and saw it as a genuine attempt to introduce something potentially valuable to the space. Others, however, voiced skepticism, noting that the project is still relatively unknown and lacks a long-term track record.

“I love what Deaton has done for XRP holders, but this feels off-brand,” one user commented. “We’ve fought so hard for credibility—let’s not throw it away on another shiny new project.”

Critics also questioned the project’s heavy reliance on buzzwords like “AI-driven” and “automated investing,” arguing that without a clear breakdown of how the technology works or who’s behind it, caution is warranted.

A Wake-Up Call for the Crypto Space

This situation highlights a larger trend in the crypto industry: the increasing influence of personalities over products. While influencers and advocates can help projects gain visibility, it can also blur the line between genuine support and marketing.

For the XRP community, Schwartz’s words serve as a reminder that even in a space driven by innovation and vision, hype can be dangerous. As always, the safest path forward is one paved with research, transparency, and a healthy dose of skepticism.