$ADA ADA is the native cryptocurrency of the Cardano blockchain platform. It was created by Charles Hoskinson, a co-founder of Ethereum, and launched in 2017. Cardano aims to provide a secure and scalable environment for decentralized applications and smart contracts, using a unique proof-of-stake consensus algorithm called Ouroboros. ADA is used to pay for transactions and participate in the network’s governance through staking. Cardano emphasizes peer-reviewed academic research and layered architecture, making it distinct from many other blockchains. Its long-term goal is to bring financial services to unbanked populations, especially in developing countries, through transparent and decentralized blockchain solutions.