Ethereum Validators Rally for Gas Limit Increase to 45 Million as Network Upgrades Gain Momentum
In a significant development for the ethereum network, nearly half of its validators, representing over 500,000 addresses, are now advocating for a gas limit increase from 36 million to 45 million. This proposed 25% capacity boost aligns with Ethereum's long-term roadmap, which aims to achieve 150 million gas per block. The move could be accelerated by the upcoming Fusaka hard fork via EIP 9678. Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin has confirmed the shifting sentiment among validators toward this new target, signaling growing consensus within the community. This upgrade is expected to enhance network throughput and efficiency, further solidifying Ethereum's position as a leading blockchain platform. As of July 2025, the push for higher gas limits reflects the network's ongoing evolution to meet increasing demand and scalability challenges.
Ethereum Validators Push for Gas Limit Increase to 45 Million Amid Network Upgrades
Nearly half of Ethereum's validators, representing over 500,000 addresses, now support raising the network's gas limit from 36 million to 45 million. The proposed 25% capacity boost aligns with Ethereum's long-term roadmap targeting 150 million gas per block, potentially accelerated by the Fusaka hard fork via EIP 9678.
Vitalik Buterin confirmed shifting validator sentiment toward the new target, though it remains more conservative than earlier 60 million proposals. Network data shows gas usage already climbing, with Sumcap noting the trend reflects Ethereum's scaling trajectory.
The development coincides with ETH's 25% weekly surge to six-month highs above $3,800, underscoring renewed momentum for Ethereum's base LAYER improvements.
Ethereum Surges Past $3,800 as Institutional Demand Fuels Rally
Ethereum breached the $3,800 threshold, propelling its market capitalization above $450 billion amid renewed institutional interest. The rally coincides with $1.18 billion worth of ETH leaving exchanges since July, tightening supply dynamics.
Spot Ethereum ETF inflows totaling $2.18 billion underscore growing institutional participation. Altcoins mirrored the momentum, with the Altcoin Season Index jumping to 47 from 29 last week as capital rotates into secondary assets.
Trading volume spiked 63.85% during the breakout, with analysts eyeing the $4,000 psychological barrier. Ethereum's infrastructure role continues to anchor the altcoin market's $1.55 trillion valuation.
Ethereum Open Interest Hits Record $50B as Price Breaks Above $3,500
Ethereum's derivatives markets are flashing a strong bullish signal as open interest surges to an unprecedented $50 billion. The milestone reflects escalating trader participation and capital inflows into ETH futures and options—a historical precursor to significant price volatility.
The second-largest cryptocurrency has solidified its position above $3,500, currently trading near $3,700 with robust volume. Technical indicators confirm a breakout pattern, with analysts projecting a potential ascent toward $4,000 and beyond. ETH has rallied over 70% since late June, buoyed by improving network fundamentals and regulatory tailwinds like the proposed GENIUS Act.
"Buckle up and enjoy the Ethereum ride," warns analyst Ted Pillows, noting that while record open interest doesn't dictate direction, it invariably precedes major market movements. Institutional confidence appears to be growing alongside Ethereum's network activity, setting the stage for what could become a defining upward move.
SEC Engages Ethereum Community on Tokenized Securities Framework
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission has initiated substantive dialogue with Ethereum-focused organizations regarding blockchain-based securities compliance. This marks a notable shift from the regulator's traditionally adversarial stance toward cryptocurrency projects.
Private discussions centered on two technical solutions: the ERC-3643 token standard designed for regulated capital markets, and Chainlink's Automated Compliance Engine. Dennis O'Connell of the ERC-3643 Association described the SEC's reception as "welcoming and motivated," contrasting with previous interactions where regulatory standards were overlooked.
The development signals potential maturation of crypto regulation, with the SEC apparently recognizing the necessity of technical standards for securities tokenization. ERC-3643's distinguishing feature lies in its built-in compliance mechanisms tailored for traditional finance requirements.
Why Over 913,000 Ethereum (ETH) Is Lost Forever
Over 913,000 Ethereum (ETH), valued at approximately $3.4 billion, has been permanently lost due to irreversible errors in the decentralized ecosystem. Unlike traditional banking, Ethereum's blockchain offers no recourse for mistaken transactions—once confirmed, they are immutable.
Human and technical failures account for the losses. Wrong address transfers, smart contract vulnerabilities, and multisig wallet misconfigurations have rendered these funds inaccessible. The lost ETH represents 0.76% of Ethereum's circulating supply, a stark reminder of crypto's unforgiving nature.
Coinbase Director Conor Grogan highlighted the scale of the issue. The losses underscore the need for heightened caution in blockchain transactions, where a single error can erase millions.
Ethereum Price Surges as GENIUS Act Drives $2.18B ETF Inflows
Ethereum's price has broken out amid a wave of institutional interest, fueled by regulatory clarity from the GENIUS Act. The legislation, signed into law by President Trump, recognizes stablecoins as legal tender and establishes a federal framework for their issuance. This has directly boosted demand for ETH, as stablecoins predominantly operate on the Ethereum blockchain.
U.S. spot ETH ETFs recorded unprecedented inflows of $2.18 billion last week, with a single-day peak of $602 million. For the first time, Ethereum ETF interest has surpassed Bitcoin, signaling a shift in institutional confidence toward ETH's utility in financial services.
Bernstein analysts highlight this as the beginning of a "blockchain financial services cycle," with Ethereum at its core. ETH's price has rallied 25–45% over the past two weeks, reflecting growing adoption by banks, fintech firms, and tokenization projects.