The Ethereum Foundation (EF) is facing fresh scrutiny after several prominent figures announced their departure amid an internal restructuring. The exodus has revived a familiar question inside crypto: what is going on with the main steward of Ethereum, and why does the community know so little about internal happenings?
On X, crypto commentator Andy, co-founder of the Rollup podcast, posted bluntly: "What's happening at the EF?" Joon Ian Wong, a regular in crypto event circles, echoed the frustration: "Why can't the EF just be transparent about things?"
The EF, a Switzerland-based nonprofit, funds research, coordinates upgrades, and guides development of the world's second-largest blockchain by market cap. Unlike a corporation, it has historically maintained a loose, decentralized structure. Supporters say that preserves neutrality and prevents power concentration; detractors argue the model no longer fits an ecosystem backing hundreds of billions in assets and DeFi activity.
In March, the EF released a new public mandate emphasizing long-term resilience, credible neutrality, and core infrastructure support. Many saw it as an attempt to clarify priorities under growing scrutiny. Yet community members countered that the mandate dodged deeper questions about decision-making inside the foundation and how leadership changes are handled.
In February, newly appointed co-executive director Tomasz Stańczak revealed he was leaving his role, fueling speculation of a broader internal realignment. The controversy echoes last year's backlash when former executive director Aya Miyaguchi transitioned out. Critics then blasted the EF's communication style and demanded clearer accountability. Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin publicly defended the foundation, arguing critics misunderstand its supportive role and decrying what he called toxic discourse targeting leadership.
The criticism reflects a deeper anxiety: as blockchain competition intensifies, has Ethereum's most influential institution adapted quickly enough? The tension is inherent—Ethereum champions decentralization, yet the community increasingly demands visibility into the decision-making of the organization most tied to its development.
The EF has not disclosed the full scope of recent departures or whether more changes are planned. But the online backlash signals that questions about governance and transparency at the foundation are unlikely to fade anytime soon.