Charles Hoskinson Reveals What XRP And Cardano Are Already Doing 100x Better Than Legacy Finance
Charles Hoskinson just dropped a truth bomb on the crypto space. The Cardano founder's latest commentary didn't just praise his own project—it threw a spotlight on how XRP and Cardano are executing a 100x better playbook than the old guard.
The Interoperability Edge
Forget siloed networks. Hoskinson points to a fundamental shift: while traditional finance builds walls, these protocols build bridges. XRP's laser-focus on cross-border settlement and Cardano's methodical, research-driven approach to interoperability aren't just features—they're existential threats to the correspondent banking model. They cut out the middleman, bypassing days of settlement for seconds.
Regulation as a Feature, Not a Bug
Here's where the 100x advantage gets real. While other crypto projects treat regulators like the enemy, XRP and Cardano engage. They navigate the compliance maze so developers and institutions don't have to. It's a brutal, unsexy grind that legacy tech often ignores—until the subpoenas arrive.
The Institutional On-Ramp
This isn't about retail hype cycles. The real game is building infrastructure so robust that Fortune 500 companies can't say no. Hoskinson's vision hinges on this: creating systems that are more reliable, auditable, and efficient than the creaky legacy rails they aim to replace. It's a long-term build, directly contrasting with the 'pump-and-dump' quarterly mindset of Wall Street.
The verdict? While traditional finance is busy optimizing its 1% fee structure, these protocols are redesigning the plumbing of global value transfer. A cynical observer might note that banks are still trying to patent the wheel while crypto is building the hyperloop—and charging a 100x smaller toll for the ride.
Cardano And XRP Outpacing Legacy Finance
In a post on X, Hoskinson shared pointed commentary on the structural gap between established networks and legacy finance systems connected to Canton, a privacy-focused, interoperable Layer 1 blockchain. He noted how cardano and XRP are already operating far beyond the ambitions and capabilities of these traditional financial systems attempting to enter Web3.
The Cardano founder made clear that his assessment had nothing to do with market cycles or speculative price momentum. Instead, they appeared to highlight the thoughtful design behind Cardano and XRP, and why their respective infrastructures continue to set native blockchains apart from institutional imitations.
Notably, both Cardano and XRP were designed with decentralization and global scalability as Core requirements. Hoskinson has stated that these features stand in contrast with legacy finance organizations connected to Canton that attempt to adapt blockchain ideas within tightly controlled environments. He indicated that such constraints prevent these systems from realizing their full Web3 potential.
A primary example cited by Hoskinson in his discussion is Midnight, a new blockchain developed under his leadership. Midnight is a LAYER 1 network designed for programmable privacy, addressing long-standing challenges in data protection and compliance.
This blockchain network introduces a dual economic model through its native NIGHT token and a separate DUST resource used for transaction execution and predictable cost maintenance. Based on his statements on X, Hoskinson has positioned Midnight as evidence that Web3-native systems can meet real-world requirements at a robust scale.
XRP also presents another pillar of Hoskinson’s comparison. Launched in 2012, the XRP Ledger (XRPL) was designed for high-speed and low-cost settlement of digital assets across borders. Its long operational history and technical stability set it apart from traditional finance systems.
Over the years, XRPL has grown significantly, leading to speculation that it could challenge legacy payment rails such as SWIFT. Ripple’s regulatory battle with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) further tested the blockchain network, with the case’s positive outcome reinforcing its legal and operational standing. All of these factors contribute to Hoskinson’s view of XRP as a mature and battle-tested system operating at a scale 100x that of legacy finance.
The Real-World Asset Comparison
Hoskinson further explained why he believes that Midnight and XRP are operating at a scale far beyond the ambitions of legacy finance systems with Canton. He argued that tackling the $10 trillion Real-World Asset (RWA) market requires comprehensive technological solutions, not half measures.
According to him, only complete end-to-end strategies supported by strong partners and engaged communities can succeed in this tokenization space. He emphasized that Midnight and XRP embody these qualities. Their infrastructure and community support give them a significant edge over traditional finance organizations aiming to enter the Web3 space.
