Does Ripple’s Model Conflict with Crypto’s Decentralized Vision?

Ryan Selkis, founder of Messari, has stirred controversy by criticizing Ripple and XRP, claiming they conflict with the Trump administration's pro-crypto stance.

He argues that Ripple’s centralized control of XRP and its substantial market influence contradict the decentralized nature of blockchain, potentially hindering broader adoption.

Selkis points out that Ripple’s growing valuation, comparable to major companies like Salesforce and Bank of America, could skew perceptions of the crypto market and challenge Bitcoin-focused policies. He contends that Ripple’s dominance might overshadow decentralized innovations, complicating government efforts to promote blockchain technology.

The debate over Ripple’s centralization remains heated. Critics, including Selkis, argue that Ripple Labs’ control over a large portion of XRP undermines the core principles of decentralization. Ripple counters by emphasizing its role in improving cross-border transactions through partnerships with financial institutions.

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Selkis has also accused Ripple’s leadership of pursuing power beyond financial success, adding fuel to the debate. Ripple, however, continues to defend its approach as a necessary evolution within the ecosystem.

This ongoing tension highlights a larger question: how to balance decentralization with innovation as blockchain technology evolves. Ripple’s rise forces the crypto community to confront whether its model is a step forward or a departure from the industry’s original ideals.

Kosta Gushterov