Vitalik Buterin addresses controversy as Ethereum Basis sells one other 100 ETH

On-chain information reveals that the Ethereum Basis (EF) has bought 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 group concerning 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 consider such an method aligns extra carefully with Ethereum’s objectives and helps long-term sustainability.

Vitalik Buterin, Ethereum’s co-founder, addressed the controversy on X, explaining that regulatory considerations and the potential for contentious onerous forks influenced the choice to promote fairly 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. Nonetheless, these efforts are nonetheless within the early phases, as the inspiration seeks options that align with its broader mission.

In the meantime, SpotOnChain recommended that the EF contemplate over-the-counter (OTC) buying and selling for future gross sales.

The platform argued that such an method would cut back public scrutiny and enhance the group’s notion of the inspiration’s monetary administration. It said:

“No one 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 rules.

In accordance with Buterin:

“[EF would] turn into extra actively supportive of app builders, and ensure vital 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 careworn 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 elementary modifications to the EF’s operational and monetary methods.

He advocated reducing operational prices, optimizing the treasury via diversification, and establishing a sustainable income mannequin. Kulechov’s proposals included streamlining the EF’s workforce to deal with technical experience and eliminating inefficiencies to boost monetary stability.

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