On July 30, 2025, Ethereum, the leading programmable blockchain, marked its tenth anniversary. This remarkable milestone highlights the profound influence it has exerted on finance, technology, and decentralized systems. Over the past ten years, Ethereum has evolved from an ambitious whitepaper to a global smart contract platform, as Nexo’s latest update illustrates.
If you’re new to the concept, Ethereum is a blockchain-based platform that backs smart contracts, decentralised applications (dApps), and more. Vitalik Buterin first proposed it in a whitepaper in 2013, and it officially launched two years later. Now, ten years on, Ethereum proudly stands as the world’s top smart contract platform.
Despite facing numerous challenges, Ethereum has held onto its position as the premier platform for dApps. Its open-source nature has spurred the creation of countless applications, ranging from games to financial services. Moreover, its smart contract capabilities have enabled the growth of DeFi (Decentralised Finance) applications, significantly transforming traditional financial systems.
The Influence of Ethereum on Finance and Technology
Ethereum is more than just a cryptocurrency; it’s a major contributor to the financial technology (fintech) industry. It has instigated a paradigm shift in our understanding and interaction with financial systems. The rise of DeFi applications on the Ethereum platform has introduced a decentralised alternative to conventional banking and financial services. These applications provide services like loans, insurance, and asset trading, all without a central authority.
Beyond finance, Ethereum’s impact permeates various sectors of technology. Its smart contract functionality offers a new degree of automation and transparency in business operations. For example, these self-executing contracts can automate payment processes, reducing fraud risk and removing intermediaries.
As Ethereum celebrates its tenth year, its pivotal role in shaping the fintech landscape is clear. From revolutionising financial services to driving technological advancements, Ethereum’s decade-long journey reflects its enduring relevance and potential in the dynamic world of blockchain technology.
