Cardano’s Charles Hoskinson backs XRP over Tether and Circle

Cardano founder Charles Hoskinson has offered rare praise for XRP, calling it a stronger “Web2.5” product than centralized stablecoin issuers such as Tether and Circle. 

The comment marked a notable shift in tone after years of public tension with parts of the XRP community.

Hoskinson said “I think XRP as a Web2.5 product is better than Tether or Circle.” He added that he likes XRP more because builders do not need Ripple’s permission to use the XRP Ledger. X posts from Angry Crypto Show also carried the same quote and said Hoskinson tied his view to open access.

XRP comparison puts stablecoins in focus

Hoskinson framed the issue around open protocols. He said “I believe in open standards, open protocols, and open ecosystems.” His point was that XRP Ledger remains available for developers without approval from a company.

That view contrasts XRP with centralized stablecoin issuers, which can freeze funds, block addresses, and control access to some services. Tether and Circle remain major players in crypto payments, but their models depend on company-run reserves and compliance systems.

As previously reported by crypto.news, stablecoins have become a major part of digital finance. Fiat-backed stablecoin supply crossed $319 billion in April 2026, while adjusted stablecoin transaction volume reached $10.9 trillion in 2025.

The timing matters because stablecoin rules are also under debate in Washington. crypto.news recently reported that the CLARITY Act’s stablecoin rewards provision became a major fight between crypto firms and U.S. banking groups.

Old XRP tensions remain part of the story

Hoskinson’s praise stood out because his relationship with the XRP community has often been tense. Some XRP supporters have linked him to the “ETHgate” theory, which claims Ethereum received favorable treatment from regulators before Ripple faced SEC action.

Hoskinson has rejected those claims many times. He has argued that he left Ethereum in 2014 and had no role in any later action against XRP or Ripple.

The debate has also touched regulation. As previously reported by crypto.news, Hoskinson criticized Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse in January over support for a crypto market structure bill, warning that flawed rules could last for years.

That earlier clash showed how Cardano and Ripple leaders can agree on some industry goals while sharply disagreeing on lawmaking, decentralization, and strategy.

Cardano governance debate adds context

Hoskinson’s latest XRP comments also came as Cardano faces its own governance questions. As crypto.news reported, he began a review of more than 11,000 DAOs to study governance design, roadmaps, executive roles, and strategy setting.

The review followed a Cardano treasury dispute. As previously reported, 81% of active stake opposed a 32.9 million ADA proposal to fund Input Output Global’s research lab for another year.

That backdrop makes Hoskinson’s XRP praise more pointed. He did not only compare tokens. He used XRP to argue for systems that allow users and builders to operate without seeking permission from one central company.