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Cardano founder Charles Hoskinson has criticized legacy finance systems, highlighting that networks like Midnight and XRP are already achieving results 100x beyond the ambitions of these initiatives. His statements seemed to focus on structural design and scalability, suggesting that Cardano and XRP’s advantage lies in their architectures and blockchain capabilities.
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.
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.
