Ethereum Foundation Reports $970 Million Treasury with Majority in ETH Amid Calls for Financial Transparency

• The release of the Ethereum Foundation’s financial report underscores a significant reduction in its treasury, now totaling $970.2 million as of October 31.

• This marks a staggering 39% decline from its previous valuation of $1.6 billion reported in March 2022, reflecting the broader volatility in the cryptocurrency markets.

• According to the foundation’s report, “We choose to hold the majority of our treasury in ETH,” emphasizing a long-term belief in Ethereum’s potential.

The Ethereum Foundation reveals a 39% decrease in treasury holdings to $970.2 million, primarily in ETH, reflecting market volatility impacting the ecosystem.

Ethereum Foundation Financial Insights: A Detailed Look

The latest financial report from the Ethereum Foundation has provided some much-needed transparency regarding its financial position. As of October 31, the foundation reported a treasury of $970.2 million, a decline of 39% from the previous report dated March 31, 2022. This drop highlights the significant fluctuations and challenges faced in the cryptocurrency markets over the past year.

Breakdown of Assets: Crypto vs. Non-Crypto Holdings

A closer examination reveals that the majority of the foundation’s assets, approximately $788.7 million or 81.3%, are held in cryptocurrencies, primarily in Ether (ETH). This reliance on ETH, which constitutes 99.45% of their crypto holdings, illustrates the foundation’s firm commitment to the asset and its future. In contrast, the remaining $181.5 million is allocated to non-crypto investments and assets. This strategy is both a reflection of the foundation’s belief in Ethereum’s long-term potential and a pragmatic approach to asset management amidst widespread market uncertainty.

Spending Patterns and Future Financial Strategy

The foundation’s report also detailed its spending over the past two years, disclosing expenditures of $105.4 million in 2022 and $134.9 million in 2023. These figures align with past statements from foundation representatives indicating an average annual expenditure of $100 million. With these financial trends, the foundation estimates it has approximately ten years of runway at its current spending rate.

New Conflict of Interest Policy to Enhance Transparency

To address ongoing concerns about potential conflicts of interest, the Ethereum Foundation has implemented a new policy requiring all researchers and developers to disclose any additional external work and investments. This includes stipulating that if outside work earns over $25,000 annually, it must be reviewed by a discussion group. Additionally, personnel will not be allowed to accept payment in illiquid assets or tokens before the launch of new projects, addressing potential conflicts that could arise from external affiliations.

Conclusion

The Ethereum Foundation’s financial report signals a pivotal moment for the organization, revealing substantial declines in treasury assets while simultaneously emphasizing a commitment to transparency and ethical governance. As it navigates market challenges and implements measures to reduce potential conflicts of interest, the foundation stands at a critical juncture, poised to continue its essential role in the development of the Ethereum ecosystem. Keeping the community informed about its financial health will be imperative as it moves forward.