On-chain knowledge exhibits that the Ethereum Foundation (EF) has offered 100 ETH for $336,475.
On Jan. 20, blockchain analytical agency SpotOnChain reported that this marks the inspiration’s second sale of Ethereum in 2025, bringing its complete gross sales to 200 ETH (valued at $672,000).
These transactions have reignited discussions inside the Ethereum neighborhood in regards to the basis’s method to managing its assets.
Stake or promote?
Critics argue that the EF ought to prioritize staking its ETH holdings to generate yields as a substitute of promoting. They imagine such an method aligns extra intently with Ethereum’s targets and helps long-term sustainability.
Vitalik Buterin, Ethereum’s co-founder, addressed the controversy on X, explaining that regulatory issues and the potential for contentious laborious forks influenced the choice to promote moderately than stake.
Whereas regulatory pressures have eased, the chance of staking forcing the EF to take sides on divisive upgrades stays a big concern.
Nonetheless, Buterin famous that the EF is actively exploring methods to make the most of its ETH holdings extra successfully, together with staking. Nevertheless, these efforts are nonetheless within the early levels, as the inspiration seeks options that align with its broader mission.
In the meantime, SpotOnChain suggested that the EF contemplate over-the-counter (OTC) buying and selling for future gross sales.
The platform argued that such an method would scale back public scrutiny and enhance the neighborhood’s notion of the inspiration’s monetary administration. It stated:
“No person desires to see the EF constantly dumping ETH on them.”
Ethereum Basis restructuring
These developments come because the EF undergoes vital management restructuring.
On Jan. 18, Buterin highlighted efforts to restructure the inspiration’s management to strengthen collaboration with builders, pockets suppliers, and Layer-2 networks.
This restructuring emphasizes decentralization, privateness, and open-source innovation, aligning with Ethereum’s core ideas.
In line with Buterin:
“[EF would] grow to be extra actively supportive of app builders, and ensure essential values and inalienable rights (esp privateness, open supply, censorship resistance) are a actuality for customers together with on the app layer.”
Regardless of these modifications, Buterin confused that the inspiration will preserve neutrality, refraining from political lobbying or endorsing particular pursuits. As an alternative, the EF will empower builders and foster innovation throughout the Ethereum ecosystem.
In the meantime, these discussions additionally attracted Aave CEO Stani Kulechov, who proposed basic modifications to the EF’s operational and monetary methods.
He advocated chopping operational prices, optimizing the treasury by diversification, and establishing a sustainable income mannequin. Kulechov’s proposals included streamlining the EF’s workforce to concentrate on technical experience and eliminating inefficiencies to boost monetary stability.