In a two-and-a-half-hour AMA on February 2, 2025, Cardano (ADA) founder Charles Hoskinson addressed key developments in stablecoins, cross-chain partnerships, and Bitcoin interoperability, while hinting at global adoption efforts.
ICP Partnership: A Possible Collaboration?
When asked about Cardano partnering with the Internet Computer Protocol (ICP), Hoskinson acknowledged potential synergy:
“It’s potentially possible. ICP was very unhappy about being excluded […] There are great scientists in that ecosystem too.”
Although no formal agreement is in place, Hoskinson’s multi-chain vision suggests that Cardano and ICP could eventually bridge their technologies.
Cardano’s Stablecoin Strategy & Ripple Talks
Stablecoins were a central theme of the AMA, with Hoskinson discussing multiple projects, including:
- Real USD (RLUSD)
- Cardano-native stablecoin integration
- A potential Cardano-Ripple collaboration
Hoskinson confirmed ongoing talks with Ripple’s David Schwartz and Brad Garlinghouse about integrating RLUSD onto the Cardano network:
“Ripple told us to wait till March as they just finished NYDFS. We’ll see if there’s a roadmap.”
Additionally, he proposed allocating part of Cardano’s treasury to stablecoins, arguing it could boost TVL (Total Value Locked) and Cardano’s DeFi ecosystem.
Bitcoin Interoperability & Lightning-Hydra Plans
Hoskinson reiterated his long-standing commitment to making Cardano interoperable with Bitcoin, revealing plans for:
⚡ Bitcoin-based DeFi projects
⚡ A demo at the Bitcoin 2025 conference
⚡ A Lightning Network & Hydra integration
“We’re exploring how to merge Hydra with Lightning to strengthen that Bitcoin relationship.”
This could create a “Lightning-Hydra synergy,” improving cross-chain liquidity and scalability between Bitcoin and Cardano.
Cardano’s Global Expansion: From Ethiopia to Mongolia
Hoskinson addressed Cardano’s evolving global strategy, shifting away from direct government contracts to private-sector blockchain applications.
📍 Ethiopia’s Blockchain Project Failure
- Hoskinson admitted Cardano’s ambitious Ethiopia project collapsed due to government instability:
“We tried really hard to build something for the kids, but the government ghosted us.”
📍 Kenya’s RealFi Microfinance
- Instead, Kenya’s RealFi project is using Cardano’s infrastructure for lending and real-world assets.
📍 Mongolia’s Gold-Backed Stablecoin?
- Hoskinson hinted at potential partnerships in Mongolia, particularly for a Wyoming-backed gold stablecoin.
“It would be really cool to do that with Mongolia as an international partner.”
Final Thoughts
Hoskinson’s AMA signals Cardano’s continued push for cross-chain compatibility, stablecoin adoption, and Bitcoin DeFi integration.
With talks progressing with Ripple, ICP, and Bitcoin developers, Cardano could be positioning itself as a key player in the multi-chain future.
