The Ethereum Foundation (EF) has announced plans to sell 10,000 ETH, even as the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency approaches its all-time high of nearly $5,000. Unlike in the past, the organisation is being transparent about its move, explaining that the sale is part of its ongoing treasury management strategy to support research, development, and grants.
Why the Foundation is Selling ETH
The EF regularly reviews its balance sheet under a framework that assesses whether it has enough fiat reserves to cover operational expenses. This reserve, known as the “Opex Buffer,” is intended to fund salaries, grants, and other costs.
When fiat holdings fall below the target buffer, the EF sells part of its ETH holdings to close the gap. According to the Foundation, this approach ensures that its treasury remains stable while still allowing it to support ecosystem growth.
The upcoming 10,000 ETH sale follows the same policy. Funds raised will be directed towards research and development, ecosystem grants, and donations.
A History of ETH Sales
The Ethereum Foundation has consistently sold ETH when necessary, though these sales have often sparked debate within the crypto community.
- 2022: The largest disposal took place, with nearly 150,000 ETH sold.
- 2024: Activity was minimal, with just over 4,400 ETH liquidated.
- 2025: Before the latest announcement, the Foundation had sold only 300 ETH.
Once the new programme is completed, EF’s total ETH sales in 2025 will exceed 10,000 ETH, still far below the scale of earlier years.
This track record highlights that while EF is a regular seller, its sales are driven by financial policy rather than short-term market speculation.
Impact on the Market
Ethereum has had a strong year so far in 2025. Its price has surged on the back of:
- Growing decentralised finance (DeFi) activity
- Rising institutional demand through Ethereum ETFs
- Expanding real-world asset tokenisation on the network
As ETH trades just below its record high of $4,950, the Foundation’s decision to sell naturally raises concerns among traders. Some fear that even routine sales could create downward pressure on the market, especially if large amounts are offloaded at once.
However, EF has stated that the sale will be executed gradually through smaller orders across centralised exchanges. This staggered approach is intended to reduce market impact and avoid sudden shocks to liquidity.
More importantly, the Foundation has stressed that these transactions should not be seen as a signal of its view on ETH’s long-term value. Instead, they reflect the organisation’s standard treasury operations.
Transparency and Long-Term Confidence
One notable change in EF’s latest move is its emphasis on transparency. In the past, large ETH sales often triggered speculation and rumours about the Foundation’s confidence in Ethereum’s future. By announcing the sale in advance and clearly outlining its purpose, EF aims to avoid such misinterpretations.
The Foundation reiterated that it remains committed to Ethereum’s ecosystem and long-term success. Selling ETH to cover operating costs, it explained, is a matter of responsibility, not doubt in the project’s growth prospects.
With Ethereum continuing to attract institutional and retail interest alike, the timing of EF’s sale underscores the balance between financial discipline and market confidence.
The Ethereum Foundation’s decision to sell 10,000 ETH is part of its routine treasury management, not a reflection of market sentiment. While traders may keep a close eye on the impact of these sales, the gradual execution and clear communication suggest limited disruption.
As Ethereum stands on the brink of new all-time highs, the Foundation’s move demonstrates how it balances financial stability with continued investment in ecosystem development, reinforcing its role as a steward of the world’s second-largest blockchain.
