Ethereum News

Ethereum (ETH) was launched in 2015 by Vitalik Buterin and a team of co-founders as the world's first programmable blockchain, enabling smart contracts and decentralized applications (dApps) that extend far beyond simple peer-to-peer transactions. After transitioning from proof-of-work to proof-of-stake consensus through "The Merge" in 2022, Ethereum now processes transactions more efficiently while maintaining its position as the foundation for decentralized finance (DeFi) and Web3 innovation.

The Ethereum ecosystem encompasses thousands of decentralized applications, from DeFi protocols like Uniswap and Aave to NFT marketplaces, gaming platforms, and layer-2 scaling solutions like Arbitrum and Polygon. Developers, validators, and users interact within this programmable economy where ETH serves as both a digital currency and the fuel powering smart contract execution through gas fees.

CoinDesk covers all aspects of Etherum, from protocol upgrades and scaling developments to DeFi innovation and regulatory implications. Our reporters track everything from Ethereum's roadmap milestones and staking developments to the broader implications of programmable money and decentralized autonomous organizations.

DISCLOSURE: This text was written with the assistance of AI, then reviewed by a person.

Finance

Joe Lubin-backed Ethereum treasury firm SharpLink to join the Russel indexes

The inclusion could attract fresh passive inflows from index-tracking funds, while the firm's stock tanked 95% from its peak over the past year.

By Krisztian Sandor11 hours ago

Sharplink CEO Joseph Chalom and Consensys CEO Joe Lubin speaking at Consensus Hong Kong 2026 (CoinDesk)

Tech

Coinbase’s Base launches AI tool for ChatGPT to manage crypto wallets and DeFi apps

The product, called Base MCP, connects a user’s Base Account to AI clients such as ChatGPT, Claude and Cursor using the Model Context Protocol (MCP), an emerging standard that allows AI systems to securely interface with external tools and applications.

By Margaux Nijkerk14 hours ago

Jesse Pollak (courtesy Winni Wintermeyer/Coinbase)

Finance

Bitmine made its largest ETH purchase this year despite Tom Lee's slowdown suggestion

The company bought 111,942 ether last week worth $237 million, ramping up purchases to take advantage of ETH's drop below $2,200.

By Krisztian Sandor17 hours ago

Tom Lee on the Mainstage at Consensus Miami 2026

Web3

Buterin says Ethereum Foundation will shrink, sell less ETH, and focus on 'CROPS'

Buterin's influence in the EF will decrease as the board expands. He framed the EF as "one node, with a defined purpose," not the center of Ethereum.

By Francisco RodriguesMay 25, 2026

Markets

HYPE funds attract millions as investors dump bitcoin and ether ETFs

Investors turn to HYPE and XRP funds while dumping bitcoin and ether ETFs.

By Omkar GodboleMay 25, 2026

Calculator next to price charts. (Jakub Żerdzicki/Unsplash)

Tech

AI is speeding up the quantum threat to crypto, security experts warn

Researchers and builders believe that artificial intelligence may be accelerating the quantum timeline and forcing a broader rethink of how digital security works.

By Margaux NijkerkMay 24, 2026

Tech

Ethereum’s identity crisis is deepening after high-profile 'brain drain' frustrates the community

What began earlier this week as shock over more exits of core figures has now evolved into something more existential, according to some community members.

By Margaux NijkerkMay 21, 2026