Ethereum Foundation Addresses Conflict of Interest Concerns Amid Controversy

By: Isha Das

The Ethereum Foundation (EF) is taking significant steps to address the community's concerns by considering the implementation of a formal conflict of interest policy. This move follows backlash after two prominent developers took advisory roles at EigenLayer, raising potential conflict of interest issues.

Executive Director Aya Miyaguchi acknowledged the issue on social media, emphasizing the importance of maintaining credible neutrality. She revealed that the foundation has been working on a formal policy and aims to accelerate its completion.

The controversy began when crypto trader Cobie publicly questioned the ethics of EF developers receiving significant incentives from projects built on Ethereum. His concerns were heightened when EF researcher Justin Drake disclosed his advisory role at EigenLayer, receiving substantial incentives in the platform's tokens.

The Ethereum Foundation's decision to formalize a conflict of interest policy is a proactive measure to ensure transparency and maintain trust within the ecosystem. Further updates on the policy are expected soon.