Ripple CTO David Schwartz suggested a list of potential names for a new privacy protocol on Solana Labs in response to a request from Mert Mumtaz. The names included Umbra, Solstice, Veil, Specter, Obsidian, Nyx, and Obscurant.
Exploring the collaboration between top executives from rival blockchain communities such as $XRP and Solana on the topic of privacy is not surprising, given their shared interest in this important issue.
Collaborating for a Common Goal
Mert Mumtaz, CEO of Helius, has been a vocal advocate for privacy in the current market cycle and has shown support for concepts like Zcash (ZEC). His recent request indicates a focus on developing privacy solutions within the Solana ecosystem.
David Schwartz, the former Ripple CTO, has previously acknowledged the lack of built-in anonymity features in the XRPL compared to other platforms like Monero and Zcash, as well as third-party programmable platforms like Ethereum and Solana.
Umbra, Solstice, Veil, Specter, Obsidian, Nyx, Obscurant
Most of these are probably taken, but they sound cool. To me, anyway.— David ‘JoelKatz’ Schwartz (@JoelKatz) May 10, 2026
In 2025, the $XRP ecosystem also began focusing on privacy solutions with the support of RippleX and independent developers. Key upgrades like Confidential Tokens (MPT) marked a significant turning point in this effort.
Rather than a typical narrative of blockchain rivalry between Solana and $XRP, this interaction highlights a broader industry dialogue. Developers from different backgrounds are united in recognizing the importance of privacy and are working together to advance this sector across various networks.
This exchange reveals that both Ripple and Solana are actively building infrastructure for ZK privacy, with Ripple focusing on confidential banking and Solana on fast and cost-effective anonymous transactions in DeFi. Protocols like Umbra or Solstice would serve as a symbolic representation of the ongoing developments at a technical level.
