Google Cloud’s Universal Ledger Sparks Debate as Critics Dismiss ‘XRP Killer’ Claims
Google has launched the Google Cloud Universal Ledger (GCUL), a private, permissioned blockchain designed for financial institutions to manage digital assets.
While some tout it as an “XRP killer,” critics argue its centralized control by Google undermines the very ethos of decentralization. Supporters highlight Google’s resources and technical expertise, suggesting GCUL could attract enterprises seeking efficient blockchain solutions without building from scratch.
But skeptics, including leaders from Nomadic Labs and COTI, contend GCUL functions more like a database than a true blockchain, warning its closed, partner-driven model risks creating another “walled garden” that fragments Web3 rather than enabling global interoperability.
Clever Robot News Desk 2nd September 2025
