Cardano

Cardano (ADA) was founded in 2017 by Charles Hoskinson, co-founder of Ethereum, as a third-generation blockchain platform built on peer-reviewed academic research and formal verification methods. Using the energy-efficient Ouroboros proof-of-stake consensus mechanism, Cardano aims to provide a more sustainable and scientifically rigorous approach to blockchain development than its predecessors.

The Cardano ecosystem centers around its native ADA token, which enables staking rewards for network validators, and a growing collection of decentralized applications following the launch of smart contract functionality through the Alonzo upgrade. The platform emphasizes interoperability, sustainability, and scalability while supporting DeFi protocols, NFT projects, and identity solutions across emerging markets, particularly in Africa through partnerships with governments and educational institutions.

At CoinDesk, we provide comprehensive Cardano news coverage tracking the platform's methodical development approach, major protocol upgrades, and real-world adoption initiatives. Our reporting covers everything from staking developments and DeFi growth to Cardano's unique governance model and expanding partnerships in developing nations.

DISCLOSURE: This text was written with the assistance of AI, then reviewed by a person.

Markets

Grayscale ETF Application Helps Cardano's ADA Outshine Bitcoin and Ether

The CME has not yet listed ADA futures, which is widely considered a prerequisite for gaining approval for a spot ETF

By Omkar GodboleFeb 11, 2025

Finance

Grayscale Files for Cardano ETF, Its First Standalone ADA Product

The proposed ETF would list on NYSE.

By Danny NelsonFeb 10, 2025

Tech

The Protocol: Movement Labs Develops Dev Mainnet

Also: SSV DAO Unveils “SSV 2.0”; Cardano Hard Fork

By Benjamin SchillerJan 29, 2025

Tech

Cardano’s Plomin Hard Fork Goes Live, Ushering in On-Chain Governance

Plomin comes just four months after Cardano’s Chang hard fork, which put many of the mechanisms in place for Wednesday’s upgrade.

By Margaux NijkerkJan 29, 2025

Charles Hoskinson, CEO and founder of IOHK, the lead developer of Cardano.

Tech

Cardano Will Transition to Full Decentralized Governance After Wednesday's Hard Fork, Cardano Foundation Says

A hard fork is a non-backwards compatible change to the blockchain's programming.

By Omkar GodboleJan 29, 2025

A computer screen with code. (Pexels/Pixabay)

Markets

Solana, Dogecoin, XRP Plunge 10% as Bloody Start to Week Sees $770M Long Liquidations

Traders of BTC-tracked products lost $238 million in the past 24 hours, majorly in early European and Asian afternoon hours.

By Shaurya MalwaJan 27, 2025

Markets

First Mover Americas: Rotation to Altcoins Has Started With Gensler's Exit Date Set

The latest price moves in crypto markets in context for November 22, 2024.

By Krisztian Sandor, Omkar GodboleNov 22, 2024

CoinDesk 20 Index vs. Bitcoin price (CoinDesk)

Markets

Cardano's ADA Leaps to 2.5-Year High of 90 Cents as Whale Holdings Exceed $12B

On-chain activity shows the involvement of large investors and institutions, indicating that the price surge could have staying power.

By Omkar GodboleNov 22, 2024

Cardano's ADA has climbed to the highest price since May 2022. (CoinDesk)

Finance

Cardano Foundation Spent $23.7M in 2023: Financial Insights Report

$4.55 million was spent on "central operating costs."

By Shaurya MalwaNov 13, 2024

Videos

'High Likelihood' Cardano Founder Charles Hoskinson Will Become Trump's Crypto Advisor

Cardano's ADA token surged as a top chief to Cardano founder Charles Hoskinson said there's a "high likelihood" he could become Trump's crypto advisor. Plus, France's gambling regulator is examining the operations of Polymarket and WonderFi's CEO has been released after being abducted. "CoinDesk Daily" host Christine Lee breaks down the biggest headlines in the crypto industry today.

Nov 8, 2024