Ethereum Catalysts

Upcoming Ethereum events

1. Ongoing

   Ethereum quantum-resistant staking upgrade proposal

   Ethereum developers have proposed a draft plan to introduce quantum-resistant keys for staking, which would permanently stop accepting the current key format after activation. This upgrade is open for community review before final implementation.

   Source: Ethereum Developers Propose First Step to Protect ETH Staking from Quantum Attacks

2. Ongoing

   Ethereum's Glamsterdam upgrade testnet live

   The Platåberget testnet for Ethereum's upcoming Glamsterdam upgrade is now live, allowing developers to test tools and updates before the mainnet launch. This upgrade includes breaking changes that require updates to wallets and apps relying on a hardcapped maximum gas limit.

   Source: Ethereum's Platåberget Testnet Launches with Breaking Changes

3. before end of 2026

   Ethereum's Hegotá upgrade proposals under review

   Ethereum developers are reviewing 66 proposals for the Hegotá upgrade, which aims to enhance privacy for Ethereum applications. This upgrade could attract users and developers prioritizing privacy in transactions.

   Source: Ethereum Developers to Narrow 66 Proposals for Hegotá Upgrade

4. before end of 2026

   Ethereum's gas fee changes for new addresses

   Ethereum's next upgrade will make sending ETH to new addresses more expensive than existing ones, breaking software that relies on a flat 21,000 gas fee. Wallets and apps will need updates to avoid incorrect fee calculations.

   Source: Ethereum's Next Upgrade Breaks the '21,000 Gas' Rule Wallets Rely On

5. before end of 2026

   Ethereum's quantum-resistant staking upgrade proposed

   Ethereum developers have proposed a draft plan to introduce quantum-resistant keys for staking, which would permanently stop accepting the current key format after activation. This upgrade aims to protect the network from future quantum computing threats.

   Source: Ethereum Developers Propose First Step to Protect ETH Staking from Quantum Attacks

Live situations

Active and unresolved, with no fixed date yet.

1. Ongoing

   Ethereum ETF staking approval pending

   Fidelity has filed with the SEC to add staking to its Ethereum ETF, planning to retain 85% of staking rewards and distribute the rest quarterly. This move could make the fund more attractive to investors seeking passive income, but approval is still pending.

   Source: Fidelity Files to Add Staking to Ethereum ETF

2. Ongoing

   Ethereum's EIP-8361 staking cap proposal

   Ethereum researchers have proposed EIP-8361, which would burn a portion of validator rewards to limit staking to 50% of the total supply. This aims to balance decentralization and security on the network, but the proposal is still under discussion.

   Source: Ethereum Researchers Propose Burning Validator Rewards to Cap Staking at 50%

3. Ongoing

   Ethereum's EIP-8363 staking proposal debate

   Ethereum's proposed EIP-8363 aims to reduce ETH issuance by slashing staking rewards, but critics warn it could harm DeFi, decentralization, and institutional adoption. The proposal has ignited a heated debate among developers and stakeholders.

   Source: Ethereum's EIP-8363 Staking Overhaul Draws Fierce Backlash

4. Ongoing

   Ethereum's Lido validator count reduction

   Lido, the largest liquid staking provider, has begun consolidating 8 million ETH (worth about $16.5 billion) to reduce its validator count by one-third. This restructuring aims to improve efficiency and security without directly impacting stETH holders.

   Source: Lido Begins Moving $16.5B in Staked Ether to Cut Validator Count by a Third

5. Ongoing

   Ethereum's cross-chain bank deposit tokens

   LayerZero and Keeta have partnered to allow tokenized bank deposits to be transferred across Ethereum, Solana, and Base. This collaboration aims to bridge traditional finance with decentralized networks, making cross-chain transactions more accessible.

   Source: LayerZero and Keeta Enable Cross-Chain Bank Deposit Tokens

6. Ongoing

   Ethereum's institutional adoption growth

   Ethereum has seen significant institutional adoption, with major financial players exploring its smart contract capabilities. This trend is expected to continue as more traditional finance institutions integrate Ethereum into their operations.

   Source: Ethereum Enters Second Decade Amid Foundation Shakeups and Institutional Growth

7. Ongoing

   Ethereum's privacy infrastructure development

   EthSystems, a startup spun out of the Ethereum Foundation, is building privacy infrastructure to help banks and financial institutions use public blockchains without exposing sensitive data. This development aims to bridge traditional finance with decentralized networks.

   Source: Ethereum Startup EthSystems Bets Privacy Is Key to Getting Banks on Public Blockchains