Ethereum News Today: Ethereum Soars Past $4,300 Vitalik Buterin Reaches $1.04 Billion in Holdings

Vitalik Buterin, co-founder of Ethereum, has once again joined the ranks of cryptocurrency billionaires, with his on-chain holdings reaching approximately $1.04 billion following Ether’s (ETH) recent surge past $4,300 [1]. According to blockchain analytics firm Arkham, Buterin’s portfolio includes 240,042 ETH and smaller positions in tokens such as Aave Ethereum (AETHWETH), WhiteRock (WHITE), Moo Deng (MOODENG), and Wrapped Ether (WETH) [1]. This resurgence in wealth follows ETH’s 6.4% jump over the weekend, reaching $4,332 — its highest since December 2024, according to Nansen data [1]. The rally saw ETH temporarily surpass Bitcoin in market performance, with Bitcoin’s dominance slightly declining [1].

Ether’s climb has drawn renewed interest from institutional investors. Spot ETH exchange-traded funds (ETFs) experienced a surge in inflows, with $461 million in flows reported on Friday, outpacing Bitcoin ETFs which attracted $404 million [1]. Over the past week, U.S.-listed ETH ETFs added $326.6 million in net inflows, compared to $253.2 million for Bitcoin ETFs, according to Farside data [1]. These trends suggest growing confidence in Ethereum as a core component of crypto portfolios.

Buterin, 30, previously entered the billionaire ranks in May 2021 when ETH reached $3,000, briefly valuing his holdings at just over $1 billion [1]. At the time, he owned 333,500 ETH, representing a small portion of the total supply. In 2018, he stated that his holdings never exceeded 0.9% of the supply and his net worth had “never come close” to $1 billion [1]. His return to billionaire status highlights the volatile nature of the crypto market and the significant impact of price swings on individual wealth.

Despite the bullish momentum, Buterin has raised concerns about the Ethereum ecosystem’s evolving dynamics. In a recent statement, he warned that the growing influence of Ether treasury companies could lead to instability if it becomes an “overleveraged game” [1]. His remarks reflect a broader concern among Ethereum’s core developers about maintaining decentralization and long-term sustainability.

The broader crypto wealth landscape in 2025 remains dominated by a mix of well-known figures and enigmatic figures. Bitcoin’s pseudonymous creator, Satoshi Nakamoto, holds the top position, with an estimated fortune ranging from $93 billion to $135 billion depending on market conditions [1]. Binance founder Changpeng Zhao (CZ) ranks second with $63–66 billion, while Tether’s Giancarlo Devasini holds the third spot with around $22 billion [1]. Other notable names include Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong, Michael Saylor of MicroStrategy, and the Winklevoss twins [1].

Buterin’s return to the billionaire list underscores Ethereum’s continued relevance in the crypto space. As ETH approaches its November 2021 high of $4,878, market participants are closely watching for signs of sustained momentum. Traders have noted that a move to $4,500 could trigger approximately $1.35 billion in short liquidations, according to CoinGlass data [1]. This development could further fuel speculation around Ethereum’s potential in the coming months.

Source: [1] Ethereum’s Vitalik Buterin Back in Billionaire Ranks as Ether Climbs Past $4,300 (https://coinmarketcap.com/community/articles/68989c799af91a539f438882/)