Ethereum Foundation May Convert 1,000 ETH to Stablecoins via CoW Swap to Support Research, Grants and DeFi

• 1,000 ETH converted to stablecoins via CoW Swap

• Transaction worth roughly $4.5 million supports EF research, grants and DeFi funding priorities.

• Part of a broader treasury strategy that previously included a 10,000 ETH conversion plan; executed to balance liquidity and stewardship.

Ethereum Foundation sells 1,000 ETH to stablecoins to fund research and grants — read the transaction details and treasury context. Learn more.

What did the Ethereum Foundation do with 1,000 ETH?

Ethereum Foundation sells 1,000 ETH into stablecoins via CoW Swap to finance research, grants and DeFi initiatives. The sale, executed on a decentralized liquidity aggregator, totaled about $4.5 million and follows EF’s broader treasury plan that aims to balance returns and ecosystem stewardship.

Why did the Ethereum Foundation convert ETH to stablecoins?

The Ethereum Foundation converted ETH to stablecoins to provide predictable funding for research and grants and to preserve capital while supporting DeFi projects. The foundation’s Treasury Policy emphasizes balancing return-seeking with stewardship of the ecosystem. Executing via CoW Swap helped reduce market impact and accessed aggregated liquidity.

Ethereum Foundation sells 1,000 ETH via CoW Swap for stablecoins to support research, grants and DeFi funding as part of its treasury strategy.

The Ethereum Foundation (EF) executed a 1,000 ETH conversion to stablecoins using CoW Swap. The trade, valued at approximately $4.5 million at market rates on execution, was positioned to fund research, grants and prioritized DeFi initiatives. EF did not disclose which stablecoins were received.

The transaction differs in scale and routing from a previously disclosed plan to convert 10,000 ETH over several weeks. This iteration used a decentralized aggregator rather than a centralized exchange, signaling a focus on limiting slippage and preserving on-chain execution privacy.

EF’s Treasury Policy states the foundation aims to “balance between seeking returns above a benchmark rate and extending EF’s role as a steward of the Ethereum ecosystem, with a particular focus on DeFi.” The increased use of stablecoins supports predictable budgeting for multi-year programs and reduces exposure to native-asset volatility.

The Foundation also temporarily paused open grant submissions to its Ecosystem Support Program due to an influx of applications. EF said it will prioritize funding for the network’s most pressing needs while reallocating treasury resources for ongoing commitments.

Operationally, EF announced leadership restructuring this year by appointing Hsiao-Wei Wang and Tomasz K. Stańczak as co-executive directors. Earlier restructuring included staff changes and refocusing of core development teams.

Related: ‘Vitalik: An Ethereum Story’ is referenced here as context on the ecosystem’s public discourse and leadership narratives.

How does this sale affect DeFi and Ethereum’s treasury strategy?

The conversion reinforces EF’s commitment to DeFi funding while reducing ETH exposure on its balance sheet. Ethereum still accounts for a dominant share of DeFi total value locked (TVL)—roughly 68% according to industry trackers—so EF’s funding choices can influence ecosystem support and research priorities.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much was the 1,000 ETH sale worth?

The 1,000 ETH sale was worth roughly $4.5 million at market prices at the time of execution. Exact proceeds can vary depending on the stablecoin swap rates and on-chain execution timing.

Did the Ethereum Foundation say which stablecoins it received?

No. EF’s announcement and treasury policy did not specify which stablecoins were used in exchange for the 1,000 ETH conversion.

Key Takeaways

• Targeted conversion: EF converted 1,000 ETH via CoW Swap to fund research and grants.
• Treasury alignment: The move aligns with EF’s Treasury Policy balancing returns and ecosystem stewardship.
• DeFi focus: Funds are prioritized for DeFi initiatives and immediate ecosystem needs.

Conclusion

The Ethereum Foundation sells 1,000 ETH into stablecoins as a tactical treasury move to support research, grants and DeFi funding while managing market impact. This decentralized execution and the continued emphasis on stablecoin holdings reflect EF’s dual goals of fiscal prudence and ecosystem stewardship. Watch for future disclosures as EF implements its broader 10,000 ETH conversion plan.