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Bankless · Monday, August 10, 2026

Ethereum's Future: Derivatives vs. Raw ETH and the 'Bitcoin Mindset'

The discussion delved into the nature of Ethereum's future as a financial platform, with arguments that ETH will predominantly exist in derivative forms rather than as raw ETH. This perspective contrasts with a 'Bitcoin mindset' that prioritizes self-custody and appreciation of the base asset. Concerns were raised that a focus on raw ETH overlooks the essential development of financial derivatives and institutions needed for a sophisticated economy.

The tape

3 quotes
If Ethereum becomes the platform for all the finance, all ETH is going to be in derivatives. Like that's just the reality of it.
Mike Silagadze
This perspective that the only true ETH is like raw ETH that you hold in your EOA is, um, it's almost like it's based on this lack of belief that Ethereum truly can be the foundation for a proper economy, right?
Mike Silagadze
So I think this, I don't know, this perspective that the only true ETH is like raw ETH that you hold in your EOA is, um, it's almost like it's based on this lack of belief that Ethereum truly can be the foundation for a proper economy, right?
Mike Silagadze
Heard on Bankless — “The EIP That Destroys DeFi | Stani Kulechov & Mike Silagadze, published Monday, August 10, 2026. Heardvine summarizes and quotes with attribution and timestamps, and links to the original everywhere.
Transcribed via publisher transcript · $0.00
Ethereum's Future: Derivatives vs. Raw ETH and the 'Bitcoin Mindset' — Heardvine