Etherfi, Scroll’s Top Fee-Generator, Leaves for Optimism
The Defiant
by Denis OmelchenkoFebruary 19, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Decentralized neobank and crypto card issuer **Etherfi** is making a significant move by transitioning its operations from Scroll to **Optimism’s OP Mainnet**. This shift marks a strategic partnership between two major players in the DeFi space, with Etherfi planning to migrate over 70,000 active cards, nearly 300,000 user accounts, and $160 million in TVL (Total Value Locked) from Scroll to Optimism. The move is expected to have a substantial impact on both platforms, reshaping their ecosystems and fee structures in the process.
Etherfi’s departure leaves Scroll with a notably smaller TVL of around $188 million as of February 19, according to DefiLlama data. This decline highlights the reliance of certain networks on key DeFi projects for generating revenue and attracting users. Scroll, which has positioned itself as an L2 (Layer-2) blockchain solution, will now need to focus on retaining and growing its remaining user base while optimizing its platform to attract new participants.
The transition is being framed as a long-term partnership rather than a competitive move. **Optimism**, known for its fast transaction speeds and low fees, stands to gain significantly from Etherfi’s migration. By bringing such a large portion of TVL and user activity to its ecosystem, Optimism aims to further solidify its position as a leading DeFi platform. This strategic decision by Etherfi underscores the importance of selecting the right blockchain for scaling and operational efficiency.
For users and stakeholders in the crypto space, this move signals a broader trend toward optimizing DeFi operations across more efficient networks. It also demonstrates how partnerships between projects can lead to mutual growth and innovation. As Etherfi continues its journey on Optimism’s OP Mainnet, both platforms are poised to benefit from increased liquidity
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Originally published on The Defiant on 2/19/2026
