Ethereum Founder Vitalik Buterin Introduces New GKR Protocol

Key Points:

  • Vitalik Buterin introduces the GKR protocol for ZK-EVM efficiency.
  • Ethereum trading volumes surge amid market shifts from ‘Extreme Fear’ to ‘Fear’.
  • The GKR protocol aligns technological advancements with the rising DeFi role of Ethereum.

The cryptocurrency Fear and Greed Index rose to 29 on October 20, indicating a shift from “Extreme Fear” to “Fear,” as sentiment nears cautious optimism.

This shift suggests cautious market optimism amidst ongoing volatility and asset movement, underscoring potential impacts on trading patterns and investor behavior.

Buterin’s GKR Protocol Targets ZK-EVM Efficiency Boost

Vitalik Buterin unveiled the GKR protocol on October 20, focusing on enhancing the efficiency of zero-knowledge proofs. This innovation is designed to improve ZK-EVM and zk-ML operations by reducing reliance on intermediaries, boosting low-level processing capabilities.

The introduction of the GKR protocol coincides with a market sentiment shift from ‘Extreme Fear’ to ‘Fear,’ influencing trading behaviors and protocols.

GKR protocol enables fast proofs for ZK-EVM, zk-ML, and other applications, adapting to multi-layer low-level processing + extensive repeated function application computations without requiring commitment to intermediate layers – improving efficiency. – Vitalik Buterin, Founder, Ethereum

Rising Ethereum Volume Amid Fear-Induced Volatility

Did you know? The GKR protocol represents a significant advancement in the efficiency of blockchain technologies.

Market movements highlight significant changes in asset allocation and liquidity as Richard Heart’s transfer of 81,000 ETH raises questions within the community. Notable whale activities are reported, including a significant $250 million position affected by current volatility. Ethereum’s price stands at $4,069.29 with a 67.28% surge in trading volume to $37.59 billion over 24 hours. The Coincu research team suggests that Buterin’s GKR protocol could drive technological advancements that mitigate market volatility and enhance blockchain scaling, maintaining Ethereum’s key role in DeFi.

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Ethereum(ETH), daily chart, screenshot on CoinMarketCap at 05:56 UTC on October 20, 2025. Source: CoinMarketCap

The GKR protocol’s introduction is seen as a pivotal moment for Ethereum, potentially stabilizing the market and enhancing its utility in decentralized finance.

Source: https://coincu.com/ethereum/vitalik-buterin-gkr-protocol-crypto/