Ethereum Foundation Starts Staking Treasury Amid Vitalik Buterin's ETH Sales
Decrypt
by Logan HitchcockFebruary 24, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The Ethereum Foundation has launched a staking initiative as part of its new treasury operations, signaling a strategic shift in how it manages its funds. By staking 2,106 ETH worth approximately $3.8 million, the organization aims to generate yield through solo staking, with plans to scale up to 70,000 ETH over time. This move comes alongside a series of ETH sales by Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin, who has sold around $44.7 million in ETH to support the Foundation’s initiatives during its period of financial austerity.
The Ethereum Foundation’s staking program is designed to align with the network’s economic framework, ensuring transparency and operational rigor. The initiative involves participating directly in consensus through solo staking, which subjects the Foundation to the same risks and challenges faced by other validators. By doing so, it aims to set a benchmark for others to follow in terms of both financial management and ecosystem stewardship.
In addition to its own staking efforts, the Ethereum Foundation has seen significant ETH sales from Vitalik Buterin. Over the past few days alone, Buterin sold approximately $6.1 million worth of ETH, with proceeds intended to fund the Foundation’s core activities such as protocol research and development (R&D), ecosystem growth, and community grants. The Foundation’s treasury policy now includes a focus on reducing spending from 15% annually to just 5% by 2030, reflecting a broader commitment to financial discipline.
This shift in strategy is particularly notable given the ongoing challenges faced by Ethereum as a network. With ETH prices down nearly 37% over the past month and trading around $1,852 at the time of writing, the Foundation’s actions could have significant implications for the cryptocurrency market. Predictions suggest that ETH may continue to face downward pressure, with users on Myriad predicting a high probability of it dropping to $1,500 before rebounding.
Overall, the Ethereum Foundation’s staking initiative and Vitalik Buterin’s ETH sales represent a pivotal moment in the project’s history. By taking proactive steps to manage its treasury and align its operations with the broader cryptocurrency ecosystem, the Foundation is setting an example for other blockchain organizations to follow. This move not only underscores the importance of financial responsibility but also highlights the ongoing evolution of Ethereum as a platform and community.
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Originally published on Decrypt on 2/24/2026