BTC, XRP Centralized? Justin Bons Debates True Nature of DeFi

Crypto executive Justin Bons claims that Bitcoin (BTC) and XRP are not truly decentralized finance (DeFi) projects.

Justin Bons standing forward and smiling in front of XRP coin beaming with bubbles.
Created by Kornelija Poderskytė from DailyCoin
  • Cyber Capital founder and CIO Justin Bons has sparked a heated debate on Twitter.
  • Bons has argued that these coins are centralized due to their permissioned blockchain architecture.
  • He has listed ETH, ADA, and DOT as some of the genuinely decentralized projects.

Justin Bons, the founder and CIO of Cyber Capital, recently took to Twitter to ignite a heated discussion on the true nature of decentralized finance (DeFi) projects. 

Bons boldly asserted that Bitcoin (BTC), XRP, Binance Coin (BNB), and Stellar (XLM) are not authentic DeFi projects. While Bons acknowledged that BTC played a significant role in the growth of cryptocurrencies, he argued that it falls short in its capacity to handle complex financial products.

Moreover, Bons claimed that XRP, BNB, and XLM are centralized due to their permissioned blockchain architecture, where users must seek authorization to participate in the network. 

Bons List of Genuinely Decentralized Projects

In contrast, Bons listed Ethereum (ETH), Cardano (ADA), and Polkadot (DOT) as some of the genuinely decentralized projects that embody DeFi principles.

According to Bons, permissioned blockchains like those of XRP, BNB, and XLM may be more susceptible to censorship and manipulation. They can be controlled by centralized entities, which contradicts the core principles of decentralization and trustlessness. 

Conversely, supporters of centralized cryptocurrencies argue that they can offer increased efficiency, regulatory compliance, and better governance.

Bons’ tweet triggered a range of reactions from the crypto community, with some echoing his sentiments while others disagreed. 

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In a follow-up tweet addressing the Solana (SOL) project, Bons opined that while technically decentralized and permissionless, it has made dangerous trade-offs in security and scalability to achieve those attributes.

On the Flipside

  • Centralization may not necessarily be bad in the crypto space, as it can offer benefits such as enhanced efficiency and better governance.
  • Bitcoin’s decentralized nature has been instrumental in its success, and it continues to serve as a store of value and a means of exchange.
  • Some contend that the distinction between centralized and decentralized cryptocurrencies may not be clear-cut and that many projects exist somewhere on a spectrum between the two.

Why You Should Care

The differentiation between centralized and decentralized cryptocurrencies has been a topic of debate in the crypto industry for a long time. 

Justin Bons’ recent comments on Twitter bring this discussion back into the spotlight and highlight the importance of understanding the fundamental principles of decentralization in the context of DeFi projects.

To learn more about the importance of securely storing your cryptocurrency, read here:

Alarming Trend? Wallet Containing 1,000 BTC Wakes After 12 Years

To find out about Ripple’s recent financial performance, check out this article:

Ripple Delivers Impressive Q1 2023 Results: XRP Sales Surge

This article is for information purposes only and should not be considered trading or investment advice. Nothing herein shall be construed as financial, legal, or tax advice. Trading forex, cryptocurrencies, and CFDs pose a considerable risk of loss.

Author
Kyle Calvert

Kyle Calvert is a cryptocurrency news reporter for DailyCoin, specializing in Ripple, stablecoins, as well as price and market analysis news. Before his current role, Kyle worked as a student researcher in the cryptocurrency industry, gaining an understanding of how digital currencies work, their potential uses, and their impact on the economy and society. He completed his Masters and Honors degrees in Blockchain Technology within Esports and Business and Event management within Esports at Staffordshire University.