Justin bons, a crypto researcher, has criticized xrp and other blockchains for being centralized, using a 'permissioned' system and a 'unique node list' (unl). this criticism, while not new, could deter some investors who prioritize decentralization, potentially leading to a short-term sell-off or subdued buying interest.
The trustworthiness is medium because while justin bons is a recognized researcher, this type of criticism regarding xrp's perceived centralization is a recurring theme. the market has often absorbed such news without drastic, long-term price drops, suggesting that many participants may already discount this viewpoint or prioritize other factors.
The direct criticism of xrp's perceived centralization, especially by a researcher highlighting its 'permissioned' nature and unl, can create negative sentiment. this could lead to a bearish short-term outlook as traders and investors reconsider their positions based on decentralization principles.
The immediate reaction to such news tends to be short-term. while the debate on xrp's decentralization persists, the price impact is usually most pronounced in the days following the report. longer-term effects would depend on whether this criticism leads to significant regulatory action or a shift in investor sentiment away from such networks.
Cover image via www.freepik.com Add as a preferred source on Google News The "permissioned" list "Fooling" the SEC and retail Advertisement Crypto researcher Justin Bons has slammed the Ripple-linked XRP Ledger cryptocurrency and several other major networks, arguing that these are "centralized blockchains" that fundamentally betray the ethos of the crypto movement. Bons argued that the industry must draw a hard line against networks that rely on permissioned elements. "We must reject all centralized 'blockchains'!" Bons wrote. "Centralization is not the future of finance; requiring permission from an authority is not decentralized!" HOT Stories Researcher Slams XRP as Centralized Morning Crypto Report: Mr. XRP Yoshitaka Kitao Predicts 2026 On-Chain Revolution, Bitcoin in 'Not Digital Gold' Period: CryptoQuant CEO, Ethereum Foundation to Stake 70,000 ETH The "permissioned" list XRPL, Stellar, Hedera, Canton, and Algorand are among the blockchain networks that have been singled out by Bons. He has argued that they rely on "Proof of Authority," which is not true decentralized consensus. Advertisement XRP has faced particularly harsh criticism due to its controversial "Unique Node List" (UNL), which is a recommended list of validators that nodes. You Might Also Like Mon, 02/23/2026 - 10:06 XRP Faces Further Downside Risk After $435 Million in Liquidations, Bollinger Bands Warn By Gamza Khanzadaev "Ripple: Has a 'Unique Node List', which makes the validators effectively permissioned," Bons explained. Advertisement "Fooling" the SEC and retail The thread sparked immediate backlash from XRP proponents. One user accused Bons of a "scary twisting of reality" regarding XRP’s architecture. Bons fired back, claiming that Ripple’s marketing has successfully misled both the public and regulators. "XRP convincing masses of ignorant retail investors that they are more decentralized than BTC & ETH is the scary reality here," Bons retorted. "Even fooling the SEC & saving their own asses in the process. They cannot fool real crypto researchers; we know the difference!" According to the researcher, credible neutrality, censorship resistance, privacy, and immutability can only be achieved on a fully permissionless and decentralized blockchain. #XRP News #Ripple News