Cardano’s latest developments have ignited debate across the blockchain industry, driven by a claim from founder Charles Hoskinson. He argues that conventional Total Value Locked (TVL) measurements overlook delegated stakes—a key component of proof-of-stake networks. By including these, Cardano’s ecosystem could be valued far higher, shifting how its on-chain activity is compared with rivals like Ethereum and Solana.
Conventional TVL metrics largely track liquidity in DeFi protocols, which favors ecosystems with large lending and trading platforms. Cardano, however, channels much of its activity through staking. Hoskinson’s proposal to count delegated stakes highlights an alternative view—one that may paint Cardano as more competitive among proof-of-stake blockchains.
If this staking-based perspective gains traction, Cardano could be seen as a more robust network, encouraging fresh capital inflows and reinforcing ADA’s position in the market. Such a shift would not only reshape how investors assess Cardano but could also spark a broader industry debate on how blockchain ecosystems are measured.
By challenging traditional TVL metrics, Cardano is pushing for a redefinition of value in proof-of-stake systems. Should this approach gain acceptance, it may mark a turning point in how the industry evaluates blockchain strength—and position Cardano more favorably against its top competitors.
