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.

Markets

First Mover: Ether Trounces Bitcoin as Network Sees Surge in Stablecoins

Ether is up more than 50 percent this year, outpacing bitcoin. Is this year's surge in stablecoin issuance playing a role?

By Bradley Keoun, Omkar GodboleApr 27, 2020

FIRST-MOVER-APRIL-27-2020-CHART-2-image-2

Markets

Ether Futures Activity Grows Ahead of July Protocol Upgrade

A new BitMEX contract and soaring Bitfinex long positions suggest increased interest ahead of ETH 2.0.

By Zack VoellApr 26, 2020

Markets

New App Lets Coronavirus-Hit Businesses Take Crypto Payments for Zoom Calls

The app is aimed at making it easier for entrepreneurs plying their trade from home to maintain their income.

By Sebastian SinclairApr 23, 2020

One of Zoom's view options. (Credit: Zoom)

Tech

Binance Unveils Smart Contract Blockchain but Claims It's No Ethereum Rival

The new Binance Smart Chain will be compatible with Ethereum, however.

By Paddy BakerApr 17, 2020

Binance CEO Changpeng Zhao. (Credit: Binance)

Markets

Market Wrap: Ether Making Big Gains as Stablecoins Proliferate on Ethereum

The Ethereum network has become the place where stablecoins proliferate. Can ether keep rising in price as a result?

By Daniel CawreyApr 16, 2020

Finance

Coinbase Custody Doubles Down on DeFi Governance Options

Coinbase is making it easier for its Custody clients to vote their tokens on more DeFi protocols. New tools for Compound were announced Thursday.

By Leigh CuenApr 16, 2020

Crypto custodians are increasingly mindful of how stored tokens should be used in governing DeFi protocols. (Credit: NYPL)

Tech

Ethereum Now Matches Bitcoin on One Key Metric

The use of the Ethereum network to move value around has shot to record levels, thanks to the growth of stablecoins.

By Sebastian SinclairApr 16, 2020

Tech

MakerDAO Users Sue Stablecoin Issuer Following 'Black Thursday' Losses

A lawsuit against the Maker Foundation claims the DeFi platform “intentionally misrepresented the risks associated with CDP ownership.”

By William FoxleyApr 14, 2020

Maker Foundation CEO Rune Christensen (CoinDesk archives)

Markets

What's Next for Bitcoin After March's Crash – CoinDesk Quarterly Review

Will bitcoin move beyond "digital gold"? Is ether viable as money? In 24 charts, CoinDesk Research looks at what happened to crypto assets in the first quarter and what may emerge in the future.

By Galen MooreApr 9, 2020