Tether CEO Paolo Ardoino has asserted that Bitcoin stands alone as the only truly decentralized cryptocurrency among the thousands in existence.
Speaking at the BTC Prague conference, the Bitcoin-only event, Ardoino stressed Bitcoin’s unique governance by immutable mathematics, setting it apart from other cryptocurrencies, which he argues are often subject to frequent changes and central oversight.
“Bitcoin is the only example of a currency that is only ruled by math and cannot be changed,” Ardoino stated during his interview with Cointelegraph.
He highlighted the fixed supply of 21 million bitcoins and the predictable halving cycle as key features that guarantee Bitcoin’s stability and certainty.
In contrast, Ardoino pointed out that many other cryptocurrencies undergo regular updates and modifications by developer teams, altering their monetary policies and creating uncertainties.
“With other currencies, you see groups of developers releasing new software, changing policies, and fluctuating between inflationary and deflationary measures,” he said.
Ardoino also touched on the controversial nature of his views, admitting that while he acknowledges Tether’s own centralized nature, Bitcoin’s decentralization is unmatched.
He drew a clear line between Bitcoin and the burgeoning memecoin market, which he views as fundamentally different.
“I like memes, but not memecoins,” he remarked, suggesting that Bitcoin and memecoins occupy opposite ends of the cryptocurrency spectrum.
His comments come amid ongoing debates within the crypto community about the true meaning of decentralization.
While decentralized finance (DeFi) platforms claim to offer financial decentralization, figures like JAN3 CEO Samson Mow argue that DeFi cannot rival Bitcoin’s level of decentralization.
Ardoino’s statements at BTC Prague were part of a broader discussion with prominent industry leaders, including former MicroStrategy CEO Michael Saylor and Blockstream co-founder Adam Back.
The conference, dedicated solely to Bitcoin, provided a platform for in-depth discussions on the future and foundational principles of the leading cryptocurrency.
