$ETH Ethereum is a decentralized blockchain platform launched in 2015 by Vitalik Buterin, known for its native cryptocurrency, Ether (ETH). It allows for the execution of smart contracts and the development of decentralized applications (dApps), serving as the foundation for DeFi, NFTs, and more. As of May 2025, Ethereum leads in institutional adoption following its transition to Proof of Stake (The Merge, 2022), improving its energy efficiency. With updates like Pectra and the Trillion Dollar Security Initiative, it aims to scale and strengthen its security to manage trillions in on-chain value. ETH fluctuates between $3,000-$4,000, with a dominance of ~15% in the crypto market. Its ecosystem supports thousands of tokens but faces competition from blockchains like Solana. Despite criticism for opaque governance, its innovation and adoption keep it as a pillar of the crypto space.