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.

Videos

What Does State Inquiry Mean for Ethereum?

The Ethereum Foundation – the Swiss non-profit organization at the heart of the Ethereum ecosystem – is facing questions from an unnamed "state authority" according to the group's website's GitHub repository. CoinDesk's Sam Kessler breaks down the latest update, as well as a report from Fortune that names the "state authority," as the SEC. Fortune's report also says the agency is seeking to classify ETH as a security. Watch.

Mar 20, 2024

Opinion

Why the SEC Shouldn’t Classify ETH as a Security

Reports suggest the agency may be about to categorize ETH as a security, with huge implications for the blockchain’s future. Here’s why the SEC would be wrong.

By Daniel KuhnMar 20, 2024

Tech

The Protocol: Bitcoin Halving in 3 Weeks, Solana's Yakovenko on Meme Coins

There's no slowdown in blockchain news, with Ethereum's Dencun upgrade in the rear view mirror and Bitcoin's halving now just over three weeks away. We spoke with Solana's Anatoly Yakovenko about the meme coin frenzy stressing the suddenly-active blockchain.

By Bradley KeounMar 20, 2024

Finance

NBA All-Star Tyrese Haliburton Talks Ethereum and Potentially Receiving Salary in Crypto

Haliburton and slam-dunk champion Mac McClung both performed at the NBA All-Star event earlier this month.

By Oliver KnightMar 20, 2024

Videos

Solana Passes Ethereum on DEX Volume

Solana has replaced Ethereum as the No. 1 smart-contract blockchain as trading volume in Solana-based decentralized exchanges (DEX) has increased 67% to $21.3 billion in seven days, according to data tracked by DeFiLlama. Could the increase in volume be catalyzed by the hype around Solana-based meme coins? CoinDesk's Jennifer Sanasie presents the "The Chart of the Day."

Mar 20, 2024

Tech

Solana Strained by Meme Coin Mania, But Co-Founder Yakovenko Welcomes the Test

In an exclusive interview with CoinDesk, Solana co-founder Anatoly Yakovenko weighs in on the meme coin frenzy that has brought attention and activity to the blockchain – along with complaints that transactions aren't going through.

By Sam KesslerMar 20, 2024

Solana co-founder Anatoly Yakovenko (CoinDesk, modified with PhotoMosh)

Tech

Starknet, an Ethereum Layer 2, Plans 'Parallel Execution' to Mimic Solana's Speed Feature

The new feature, described as "multitasking for rollups," is on Starknet's project road map for the second quarter, released Wednesday.

By Bradley KeounMar 20, 2024

StarkWare CEO Eli Ben-Sasson, speaking at ETHDenver on Thursday. (Danny Nelson)

Markets

Solana Leapfrogs Ethereum on DEX Volume

The meme coin frenzy seems to have catalyzed higher volumes on the Solana blockchain, which also boasts greater capital efficiency than Ethereum.

By Omkar GodboleMar 20, 2024

Top blockchains by DEX volume. (DefiLlama)

Markets

Citi and Brazilian Development Bank Join Hyperledger Foundation

The Foundation has also launched a collaborative working group for traditional financial institutions to work atop of the company’s Besu Ethereum client.

By Lyllah LedesmaMar 19, 2024