In a surprising shift, Ripple and Bitwise, prominent players in the cryptocurrency world, have voiced unexpected support for Bitcoin’s role within the broader crypto landscape. At a recent XRP-focused event in Las Vegas, Ripple executives alongside Matt Hougan, Chief Investment Officer of Bitwise, emphasized cooperation rather than rivalry between Bitcoin and XRP. Hougan, speaking at the event, highlighted the separate functionalities of XRP and Bitcoin: while XRP is geared toward payment systems and asset tokenization, Bitcoin serves as a store of value. While some within the XRP community embraced Hougan’s viewpoints, others expressed mixed reactions due to past controversies involving Bitcoin supporters. Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse echoed this sentiment, suggesting that those in the Bitcoin space should not be viewed as adversaries. This marked a distinct departure from previous encounters where disputes regarding Bitcoin’s impact on electricity consumption and influence created rifts between crypto communities. Larsen, another prominent figure who spoke at the event, acknowledged Bitcoin’s recent strides in addressing its environmental concerns, highlighting that more than half of current mining operations rely on renewable energy sources. He previously supported a Greenpeace campaign against the energy-intensive nature of Bitcoin’s proof-of-work system. Notably, Bitwise’s ongoing pursuit for a spot XRP exchange-traded fund adds to the intrigue. Their application was submitted in October and has been met with SEC delays. Despite this, the filing is seen as an indication of confidence in XRP’s long-term viability, particularly given challenges associated with the past legal hurdles faced by XRP. Ripple and Bitwise’s advocacy for Bitcoin collaboration suggests a move towards greater unity between significant crypto assets. This trend, fueled by constant market shifts, is prompting a renewed call for cooperation within the cryptocurrency industry.