XRP News Today: XRP's Centralized Control Sparks Debate Over Crypto’s Decentralized Future

XRP, Pi Network, and Dogecoin continue to attract attention from investors and analysts as key players in the evolving cryptocurrency landscape. XRP, Ripple’s native token, currently holds a market capitalization approaching $180 billion, surpassing traditional financial institutions such as BlackRock. However, despite this impressive valuation, skepticism remains widespread among crypto investors. Critics highlight concerns over XRP’s centralized structure, the lack of fundamental value, and the outdated bridge currency model it relies on for cross-border payments [1].

A recent debate on X, initiated by Nate Geraci of The ETF Store, underscored the growing discontent around XRP’s governance. A significant point of contention is the permissioned nature of its blockchain, where a small, approved group of participants controls the network and requires 80% consensus to enact major changes. This structure has drawn criticism for centralizing power among a select few, undermining the decentralized ethos central to most cryptocurrencies [1]. Additionally, transparency concerns have been raised over the public ledger, which begins at record 32,570, leaving early transactions unverifiable.

Alternative solutions such as smart contract blockchains and stablecoins are increasingly seen as superior for cross-border transactions, further diminishing the relevance of XRP’s bridge currency model. Investors like jazzappreciator have even opted to shift their holdings toward projects like Chainlink, citing the latter’s growing traction in capital markets and infrastructure capabilities [1]. Technical limitations, including a low transaction throughput of 16 transactions per second (TPS), further fuel doubts about XRP’s scalability and innovation potential [1].

Meanwhile, Pi Network, a community-driven cryptocurrency, has made notable progress with the release of a Linux Node version, enhancing the network’s resilience and adaptability. This move aligns with broader efforts to strengthen Pi’s decentralized infrastructure and accommodate a wider range of participants, including developers and technically capable users. The release is expected to streamline the update process for node operators, allowing for greater self-management and consistency within the ecosystem [2].

Pi Network is also preparing for a major protocol upgrade from version 19 to 23, which will introduce new functionalities and improve control mechanisms. The upgrade is being rolled out in stages, beginning with Testnet1, and is expected to eventually extend to Testnet2 and the Mainnet. The phased approach aims to minimize disruptions and ensure adequate preparation time for partners and the community [2]. Additionally, the protocol upgrade will decentralize Know Your Customer (KYC) verification authority, reinforcing compliance while allowing for future distribution of verification responsibilities among trusted entities [2].

Despite rumors of delisting on major exchanges like OKX and MEXC, Pi Network remains actively traded with solid volume levels, according to market analyst Dr. Altcoin. However, the token's price has experienced significant volatility, trading at around $0.34 and down over 88% from its February 2025 peak of $2.98. Analysts remain divided on Pi’s future, with some predicting a potential rebound to $1 by mid-2025 if the mainnet launches successfully and KYC mechanisms are well-implemented [3].

The debate around XRP’s utility and governance is further complicated by on-chain investigator ZachXBT, who has criticized Ripple, Cardano, and Hedera holders for providing little value to the crypto industry. He argues that these tokens primarily serve as “exit liquidity” for insiders rather than contributing to broader ecosystem growth. These criticisms have led to calls for improved security and forensic tools on the XRP Ledger, particularly for addressing scams and stolen funds [4].

Overall, the current trajectories of XRP, Pi Network, and Dogecoin reflect both the potential and the challenges faced by cryptocurrencies in their quest for mainstream adoption. While XRP’s high valuation stands out, its underlying model and governance are under scrutiny. Pi Network shows promise through its technical advancements and growing community, but its price performance remains volatile. Investors are closely watching how these developments play out in 2025, a year that may determine the long-term viability of these assets [1][2][3][4].

Source:

[1] XRP Market Cap Approaching $200 Billion—Then Why Is ... (https://finance.yahoo.com/news/xrp-market-cap-approaching-200-203109019.html)

[2] Linux Node Release and Upcoming Protocol Upgrades (https://minepi.com/blog/pi-linux-node/)

[3] Are OKX and MEXC Delisting Pi Coin? Analyst Reveals Truth (https://coinpedia.org/news/pi-network-news-are-okx-and-mexc-delisting-pi-coin-analyst-reveals-truth/)

[4] Ripple, Cardano, and Hedera holders are just 'exit liquidity ... (https://cryptobriefing.com/crypto-insider-exit-liquidity/)