Cardano’s Charles Hoskinson Alleges Ripple Pushed “CLARITY Act” to Undercut Competitors
Cardano founder Charles Hoskinson sharply criticized Ripple and CEO Brad Garlinghouse in a recent YouTube update, alleging the payments company sought to shape a proposed “CLARITY Act” to disadvantage competitors while protecting its own interests.
Hoskinson’s Claims on YouTube
Speaking during his weekly “rollup” video, Hoskinson accused Ripple of working behind the scenes to influence the policy initiative he referred to as the “CLARITY Act.” He characterized the effort as an attempt to secure favorable treatment for Ripple while limiting rival projects’ ability to compete. Hoskinson did not provide detailed evidence in the segment beyond his assertions, and no bill text or sponsors were cited in the remarks.
Ripple’s Policy Push and Industry Context
Ripple has been an active participant in U.S. crypto policy discussions, advocating for clearer regulatory rules and backing pro-innovation legislation. The broader industry has intensified lobbying efforts as Congress considers multiple digital asset proposals, including frameworks addressing market structure and stablecoins. These initiatives aim to clarify which agencies oversee various parts of the market and how tokens are classified—issues that have significant implications for companies and investors.
Background: Ongoing Regulatory Friction
Ripple has faced a high-profile legal battle with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission since 2020 over the sale of XRP, a case that has helped galvanize calls for legislative clarity. Cardano, launched by Hoskinson in 2017, is a proof-of-stake blockchain whose native token ADA ranks among the largest cryptocurrencies by market capitalization. Tensions between parts of the XRP and Cardano communities have periodically surfaced, reflecting broader disagreements within the sector over regulatory strategy and industry advocacy.
What’s Next
Details surrounding the “CLARITY Act” cited by Hoskinson remain unclear. Any formal legislative proposal would likely face committee review and amendments before advancing in Congress. Market participants will be watching for official bill text, named sponsors, and responses from Ripple or other stakeholders as crypto policy continues to move onto the legislative agenda.