<img src="https://cryptoslate.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/ethereum-sales.jpg” />
On-chain data shows that the ethereum Foundation (EF) has sold 100 eth for $336,475.
On January 20, blockchain analytics firm SpotOnChain <a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/spotonchain/status/1881285300741443740?s=46″>reported This marks the foundation's second ethereum sale in 2025, bringing its total sales to 200 eth (valued at $672,000).
These transactions have reignited discussions within the ethereum community about the foundation's approach to managing its resources.
Gamble or sell?
Critics argue that EF should prioritize staking its eth holdings to generate returns rather than selling. They believe this approach more closely aligns with ethereum's goals and supports long-term sustainability.
Vitalik Buterin, co-founder of ethereum, <a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/VitalikButerin/status/1881298926650929415″>addressed the controversy over x, explaining that regulatory concerns and the possibility of contentious hard forks influenced the decision to sell rather than participate.
While regulatory pressures have eased, the risk that the gamble will force the European Fund to take sides on divisive improvements remains a major concern.
Still, Buterin noted that the EF is actively exploring ways to use its eth holdings more effectively, including staking. However, these efforts are still in the early stages, as the foundation seeks solutions that align with its broader mission.
Meanwhile, SpotOnChain <a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/spotonchain/status/1881302552240861518″>suggested that the EF consider over-the-counter (OTC) trading for future sales.
The platform argued that such an approach would reduce public scrutiny and improve community perception of the foundation's financial management. He <a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/spotonchain/status/1881302552240861518?s=46″>fixed:
“No one wants to see EF continually dumping eth on them.”
Restructuring of the ethereum Foundation
These developments come at a time when the EF is undergoing a major leadership restructuring.
It's January. 18, Buterin <a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/VitalikButerin/status/1880635379771904423″>highlighted efforts to restructure the foundation's leadership to strengthen collaboration with developers, wallet providers and Layer 2 networks.
This restructuring emphasizes decentralization, privacy, and open source innovation, aligning with ethereum's founding principles.
According to Buterin:
“(EF) would more actively support application creators and ensure that important values and inalienable rights (especially privacy, open source, censorship resistance) are a reality for users, even at the application layer.”
Despite these changes, Buterin stressed that the foundation will maintain neutrality, refraining from political lobbying or supporting specific interests. Instead, the EF will empower developers and foster innovation across the ethereum ecosystem.
Meanwhile, these discussions also attracted Aave CEO Stani Kulechov, who <a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/stanikulechov/status/1881312457504727108?s=46″>proposed fundamental changes in the FA's operational and financial strategies.
He advocated reducing operating costs, optimizing treasury through diversification and establishing a sustainable revenue model. Kulechov's proposals included rationalizing the FA's workforce to focus on technical expertise and eliminating inefficiencies to improve financial stability.
