Vitalik Buterin addresses controversy as Ethereum Foundation sells another 100 ETH

On-chain knowledge reveals that the Ethereum Foundation (EF) has offered 100 ETH for $336,475.

On Jan. 20, blockchain analytical agency SpotOnChain reported that this marks the muse’s second sale of Ethereum in 2025, bringing its whole gross sales to 200 ETH (valued at $672,000).

These transactions have reignited discussions inside the Ethereum group in regards to the basis’s method to managing its sources.

Stake or promote?

Critics argue that the EF ought to prioritize staking its ETH holdings to generate yields as an alternative of promoting. They consider 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 considerations and the potential for contentious onerous forks influenced the choice to promote quite than stake.

Whereas regulatory pressures have eased, the danger 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 levels, as the muse seeks options that align with its broader mission.

In the meantime, SpotOnChain suggested that the EF take into account 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 muse’s monetary administration. It stated:

“No one desires to see the EF constantly dumping ETH on them.”

Ethereum Basis restructuring

These developments come because the EF undergoes important management restructuring.

On Jan. 18, Buterin highlighted efforts to restructure the muse’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 keeping with Buterin:

“[EF would] turn out to be extra actively supportive of app builders, and ensure necessary values and inalienable rights (esp privateness, open supply, censorship resistance) are a actuality for customers together with on the app layer.”

Regardless of these adjustments, Buterin pressured that the muse will keep neutrality, refraining from political lobbying or endorsing particular pursuits. As a substitute, 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 adjustments to the EF’s operational and monetary methods.

He advocated reducing operational prices, optimizing the treasury by means of 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 reinforce monetary stability.