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

Protocol Village: Sentinel Releases Decentralized VPN App for Android, Says Apple iOS Support to Follow

The latest in blockchain tech upgrades, funding announcements and deals. For May 23-29. NOTE: Protocol Village will be on a limited publishing schedule May 24-June 2 as we cover CoinDesk's Consensus conference in Austin, Texas. Hope to see you there!

By Bradley KeounMay 28, 2024

Scene from Protocol Village at Consensus 2023 in Austin, Texas.

Tech

Ethereum-Based Domain Protocol ENS Seeks Own L2, Possibly With ZK Rollups

ENS’s proposal, dubbed “ENSv2,” will completely overhaul the network’s registry system, and transform it into a layer 2.

By Margaux NijkerkMay 28, 2024

Ethereum Name Service founder Nick Johnson (ENS)

Markets

Ethereum Meme Coins PEPE, MOG Hit Lifetime Highs on Ether ETF Filing Approvals

Ether surged more than bitcoin over the weekend on renewed optimism for the second-largest cryptocurrency.

By Shaurya MalwaMay 27, 2024

Pepe the Frog Meme Gallery (Danny Nelson/CoinDesk)

Opinion

3 Questions About the SEC’s Abrupt ETH ETF Approval

Was the decision politically motivated? What does it mean for Ethereum going forward? Will other leading chains benefit too?

By Daniel KuhnMay 24, 2024

Gary Gensler's SEC must now decide what to do about multiple applications for BTC and ETH ETFs (Jesse Hamilton/CoinDesk)

Podcasts

Clarity, Blockchain Integration, and the Wormhole Interoperability Initiative

By Margaux Nijkerk, Sam Kessler, Bradley KeounMay 24, 2024

Finance

Ether ETF Listing Approval Sees Billions Poured Into Restaking Protocol Ether.Fi

The protocol now has $5.4 billion in total value locked (TVL).

By Oliver KnightMay 24, 2024

Ether.Fi CEO Mike Silagadze (CoinDesk, modified using PhotoMosh)

Videos

Aptos' APT Token Down 52% in April After Booming March: VanEck

According to data from VanEck, Aptos' APT token dropped 52% in value after an auspicious March where it surged 44%. The asset manager added that Aptos lost the most on-chain revenue, month to month, of any chain outside of Ethereum. CoinDesk's Jennifer Sanasie presents "The Chart of the Day."

May 24, 2024

Tech

Plume, Layer-2 Blockchain for Real-World Assets, Pulls $10M in Seed Funding from Haun, Galaxy

Plume plans to make it possible for people to easily – and compliantly – bring real-world assets (RWAs) like real estate and collectibles onto blockchains.

By Sam KesslerMay 23, 2024

Plume co-founders Eugene Shen, Chris Yin and Teddy Pornprinya (Plume)

Policy

Gensler Says 'Stay Tuned' on U.S. SEC's Decision on ETH ETF

The SEC faces a Thursday deadline for at least one of the spot ether ETF applications it's reviewing.

By Jesse HamiltonMay 23, 2024

SEC Chair Gary Gensler (Jesse Hamilton/CoinDesk)

Markets

PEPE’s Surge to Top 20 Tokens Turns Early $460 Purchase to $3.4M

The recent surge in PEPE's value is partly attributed to its use as a levered bet on the growth of the Ethereum ecosystem, with traders anticipating the approval of a spot ether exchange-traded fund (ETF) in the U.S.

By Shaurya MalwaMay 23, 2024