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.

Tech

The end of ads: Coinbase engineer says AI agents could kill the internet’s favorite business model

Erik Reppel, who created the x402 protocol, said that the web economy depends heavily on advertising revenue generated from humans. AI agents bypass that system entirely.

By Margaux Nijkerk5 hours ago

Erik Reppel, founder of x402, at Consensus Miami 2026 (CoinDesk)

Tech

The Protocol: AI Agents form their own firm

Also: Alpenglow upgrade update, Ripple on North Korea hacking threat, Cloudflare on AI agents and web economics

By Margaux Nijkerk7 hours ago

Finance

Tom Lee says 'crypto spring' started as largest Ethereum treasury buys $238 million in ether

Bitmine's latest ETH purchase comes as Lee cited progress on digital asset regulation CLARITY Act as a key catalyst for crypto markets.

By Krisztian SandorMay 4, 2026

Thomas Lee, chairman of BitMine and CIO of Fundstrat, on the main stage during Consensus Hong Kong 2026 (CoinDesk)

Finance

Ethereum Foundation finalizes sale of 10,000 ether to BitMine as part of its treasury strategy

The latest transaction follows a similar March deal in which the foundation sold 5,000 ETH to BitMine, raising roughly $10.2 million.

By Margaux NijkerkMay 1, 2026

Tech

The Protocol: Mythos forces crypto industry to rethink security practices

Also: Aave’s $300 million recovery effort, crypto for AI agents, and Bitcoin proposal for Satoshi-linked tokens.

By Margaux NijkerkApr 29, 2026

A masked person holds a finger to their mouth. (Max Bender/Unsplash)

Tech

A crypto coalition releases technical proposal to save Aave users from a massive token exploit

DeFi United, a coalition of multiple blockchain projects and crypto ecosystem individuals, has laid out a detailed plan to restore the backing of rsETH after this month’s Kelp DAO hack sent shockwaves through lending markets.

By Margaux NijkerkApr 28, 2026

Tech

Industry leaders are pouring hundreds of millions into a rescue plan for Aave users after massive crypto hack

The response to the DeFi recovery fund has quickly extended beyond Aave, and in some cases began with direct outreach.

By Margaux NijkerkApr 27, 2026

DeFi community comes together to support AAVE users. (CoinDesk)

Markets

Fidelity Digital Assets says bitcoin is leading crypto market stabilization

Despite muted prices to start the second quarter, the report said improving onchain metrics and network activity point to a market finding its footing.

By Will Canny, AI BoostApr 27, 2026