Cardano (ADA) is heating up once again — and this time, the momentum comes straight from its founder, Charles Hoskinson. He recently revealed that growing interest from XRP and Bitcoin holders could propel Cardano’s Total Value Locked (TVL) to five times its current level in the near future. If realized, this surge could position ADA to surpass major blockchain competitors like Solana and Ethereum in terms of network strength and decentralized finance (DeFi) activity.
With increasing DeFi projects, rising transaction volumes, and mounting attention, Cardano is showing strong signs of ecosystem expansion. Should Bitcoin and XRP investors begin migrating to Cardano in significant numbers, we may witness a major reshuffling in the blockchain rankings — with ADA emerging at the top.
Cardano’s DeFi Ecosystem Gains Real Momentum
Cardano appears stronger than it has in years. The ADA price has surged by 30% over the past 22 days, with an additional 19% gain in just the last week. This sustained upward movement is particularly impressive given Cardano’s market capitalization is approaching $20 billion. Beyond price action, the growth reflects genuine ecosystem development — not just speculative hype — laying a solid foundation for long-term gains.
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The momentum isn’t limited to market performance. A pivotal development occurred on May 13, 2025, when Cardano announced a strategic partnership with Brave, the privacy-focused web browser boasting over 86 million users. The collaboration aims to fully integrate Cardano into the Brave Wallet, including support for native assets. This means Brave users will soon be able to store, send, receive, and swap ADA and other Cardano-based tokens directly within their existing wallet interface.
Charles Hoskinson emphasized that this integration significantly enhances Cardano’s accessibility and real-world utility. By embedding Cardano into a widely used platform like Brave, the network opens the door to exponential growth in user adoption and on-chain activity. It’s a strategic move that bridges the gap between crypto enthusiasts and everyday internet users.
Charles Hoskinson Foresees Explosive TVL Growth Driven by Bitcoin and XRP
Hoskinson believes Cardano’s TVL could eventually reach four times the combined total of Ethereum and Solana, with Bitcoin and XRP communities serving as key catalysts. While ambitious, the vision is grounded in concrete developments.
According to DeFiLlama, Cardano’s current TVL stands at approximately $393 million, while Ethereum and Solana together hold around $72 billion. For Cardano to match Hoskinson’s projection of $288 billion in TVL, it would require a staggering 73,000% increase. However, he argues that such growth is achievable through targeted cross-chain integrations and user-centric innovations.
A cornerstone of this strategy is the integration of Bitcoin and XRP into Midnight, Cardano’s upcoming privacy-focused blockchain. Hoskinson believes that by providing tools like the Lace Wallet — which now supports XRP — Cardano can attract both users and developers from these established ecosystems.
Furthermore, Hoskinson confirmed that XRP holders will be eligible for Midnight token airdrops, creating a direct incentive for Ripple’s community to engage with Cardano. There are also growing rumors that Ripple’s RLUSD stablecoin could be deployed on the Cardano network, further deepening the interoperability between the two ecosystems.
While no formal partnership has been announced yet, continued progress in cross-chain collaboration could unlock massive liquidity inflows into Cardano’s DeFi ecosystem — potentially elevating it to a new tier of competitiveness.
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Can Cardano Truly Outperform Solana and Ethereum?
At first glance, the idea of Cardano overtaking Ethereum and Solana may seem far-fetched. However, given its accelerating ecosystem growth, strategic partnerships, and expanding DeFi infrastructure, it’s not beyond the realm of possibility.
Ethereum remains the DeFi leader, with over $50 billion in TVL and a mature developer base. Solana has earned recognition for high-speed transactions and low fees, attracting millions in trading volume. But both networks face challenges — Ethereum with scalability and high gas fees, Solana with network stability concerns.
Cardano, by contrast, is building methodically. Its peer-reviewed development model prioritizes security and sustainability. With Midnight enhancing privacy and scalability, and integrations like Brave bringing mainstream exposure, Cardano is positioning itself as a viable alternative for both users and institutions.
Moreover, the potential influx of Bitcoin holders — drawn by interoperability features — could unlock a new wave of capital. Bitcoin’s $1 trillion market cap represents an enormous reservoir of dormant value that, if even partially mobilized into DeFi via Cardano, could dramatically shift the balance of power in decentralized finance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is Total Value Locked (TVL), and why does it matter?
A: TVL measures the total amount of assets staked or deposited in DeFi protocols on a blockchain. Higher TVL indicates greater user trust, liquidity, and ecosystem activity — key indicators of a blockchain’s health and competitiveness.
Q: How could XRP holders benefit from Cardano’s Midnight upgrade?
A: XRP holders may receive airdropped tokens from the Midnight network as an incentive for early engagement. Additionally, integration with tools like Lace Wallet allows seamless interaction between XRP and Cardano-based applications.
Q: Is there a confirmed partnership between Ripple and Cardano?
A: As of now, there is no official partnership announcement. However, ongoing discussions and technical integrations — such as RLUSD stablecoin deployment rumors — suggest growing alignment between the two ecosystems.
Q: Can Cardano really surpass Ethereum in DeFi?
A: While Ethereum currently leads in TVL and developer activity, Cardano’s methodical development, focus on compliance, and strategic integrations give it a realistic path to capturing significant DeFi market share — especially if cross-chain adoption accelerates.
Q: What role does the Brave browser play in Cardano’s growth?
A: Brave’s integration allows over 86 million users to interact with Cardano assets directly through their wallets. This lowers entry barriers and introduces Cardano to a vast audience already familiar with crypto-friendly tools.
Q: How does Midnight enhance Cardano’s privacy features?
A: Midnight is designed as a privacy-first sidechain that enables confidential transactions while maintaining regulatory compliance. It aims to attract users who value discretion without compromising legal standards.
Final Outlook: A New Chapter for Cardano
Cardano is no longer just a promising project — it’s demonstrating tangible progress. With rising prices, strategic alliances, and visionary upgrades like Midnight, ADA is building momentum that could redefine its role in the blockchain space.
While surpassing Ethereum and Solana remains a bold claim, the convergence of user adoption, cross-chain integration, and real-world utility makes it a scenario worth watching closely.
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As the lines between ecosystems blur and interoperability becomes the norm, networks that prioritize accessibility, security, and innovation — like Cardano — are best positioned to lead the next phase of decentralized finance.