**Cardano Founder Charles Hoskinson Calls Blockchain a “Spiritual Successor to Bitcoin”**
Charles Hoskinson, the founder of Cardano, recently described the blockchain as a “spiritual successor to Bitcoin,” highlighting the deep architectural similarities between the two networks. During an interview with Bitcoin.com News at Token 2049, Hoskinson explained that Cardano’s extended UTXO (unspent transaction output) model is a natural evolution of Bitcoin’s original UTXO design. Both networks operate under similar accounting principles and wallet structures, underscoring their close technical kinship.
As the CEO of Input Output Global (IOHK), Hoskinson suggested that this relationship makes Cardano and Bitcoin “natural partners” within the broader blockchain ecosystem. He pointed out that while Bitcoin has adopted layer-2 solutions like the Lightning Network to improve scalability, these approaches often come at the cost of decentralization.
According to Hoskinson, such trade-offs can undermine Bitcoin’s founding ethos. Layer-2 frameworks frequently introduce multi-signature or centralized elements, which dominate and compromise the decentralized nature of the network. In contrast, Cardano’s extended UTXO model preserves the decentralized spirit of Bitcoin while simultaneously enhancing scalability and programmability.
He described Cardano’s design as a more balanced and forward-thinking solution—one that avoids the common compromises seen in other blockchain scaling strategies.
**Reflections on the Crypto Industry and Regulatory Dialogue**
The conversation then shifted to the state of the broader crypto industry. Hoskinson reflected on the sector’s ongoing growth amidst increasing political attention and regulatory uncertainty. He shared insights about his ongoing engagement with U.S. lawmakers, including Senator Tim Scott and members of the Senate Banking Committee, as they work together to develop long-term policies for digital assets.
Hoskinson also highlighted collaborative industry efforts behind major legislative proposals such as the Genius Act and the Clarity Act. These initiatives aim to clarify how digital assets are categorized and regulated, providing more transparent guidelines for both innovators and regulators.
Once these proposals are enacted, Hoskinson explained, the responsibility for defining the rules will transition to the executive branch. In this phase, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) will take leading roles in distinguishing between securities and commodities.
Through this balanced approach to innovation and regulation, Hoskinson envisions a future where blockchain technology can thrive while aligning with clear, sensible policy frameworks.
https://zycrypto.com/charles-hoskinson-in-many-ways-cardano-is-a-spiritual-successor-to-bitcoin/
