Avalanche CEO Emin Gün Sirer publicly mocked the claim that banks rely on Ripple for financial infrastructure, describing the idea as an “April Fool’s” remark and suggesting that institutions use Avalanche instead. The post, shared on X by Diana, quickly drew attention across the crypto sector.
Garlinghouse Pushes Back
Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse responded shortly after, saying he was glad to see that Ripple appeared to remain on Avalanche’s CEO’s mind. He wrote, “Glad to know we’re living rent-free in your head…” The response spread widely, and many readers treated it as a direct rebuttal rather than an offhand comment.
Hoskinson Expands the Exchange
The dispute then widened when Cardano founder Charles Hoskinson entered the conversation. Replying to the Avalanche-side comment, he posted a short but pointed remark that Ripple is still described as the “standard.” The line was widely read as a sarcastic jab tied to Ripple’s branding, adding another prominent voice to the argument.
Institutional Adoption Claims Move to Center Stage
At the heart of the exchange is a larger fight over institutional relevance in blockchain. Avalanche has continued to promote its ability to deliver customizable blockchain solutions for enterprise use. Ripple, by contrast, remains focused on cross-border payments and partnerships with financial institutions. The main point of friction is simple: which network banks actually use.
The material shows that competition between major crypto projects is now unfolding not only through products and technical positioning, but also through direct public messaging. As founders defend their own ecosystems and challenge rival narratives, community reactions on social platforms are giving those statements much wider reach and shaping how each network is perceived.