Vitalik Buterin's Support for ZKsync and Its Influence on Layer 2 Scaling Technologies

ZKsync Gains Momentum as Ethereum's Scaling Solution

In November 2025, Vitalik Buterin publicly voiced his support for ZKsync, sparking renewed enthusiasm for zero-knowledge (ZK) technology as a key element in Ethereum’s scaling strategy. This endorsement, combined with ZKsync’s rapid technical progress and growing institutional alliances, has established the platform as a major force within the Layer 2 (L2) landscape. For investors, these developments prompt important considerations: How does ZKsync’s trajectory fit with Ethereum’s broader vision, and what implications does this hold for investing in ZK-based infrastructure in 2025?

Breakthroughs in ZKsync Technology

ZKsync’s development has accelerated with the upcoming Atlas upgrade, which is expected to enable over 15,000 transactions per second (TPS), achieve 1-second ZK finality, and reduce transaction fees to nearly zero, according to FalconXGlobal. These enhancements directly address Ethereum’s scalability challenges, especially for enterprise and institutional users. Buterin’s praise for ZKsync’s “underrated and significant” contributions has further boosted confidence in its ability to meet the demands of high-throughput decentralized infrastructure.

The forthcoming Fusaka upgrade aims to double TPS to 30,000, positioning ZKsync as a strong competitor to Arbitrum, which held 45% of Ethereum’s L2 total value locked (TVL) as of November 2025. With the capacity to process 12 billion transactions and support real-world asset (RWA) projects totaling $1.9 billion in TVL, ZKsync is expanding its influence beyond DeFi into sectors such as gaming, artificial intelligence, and corporate finance.

Institutional Partnerships Signal Growing Trust

November 2025 marked a turning point for ZKsync’s reputation among institutions. On November 23, the platform revealed new collaborations with Deutsche Bank and Sony, integrating compliance features and high-capacity infrastructure. These partnerships reflect a shift toward enterprise adoption, where ZKsync’s privacy-focused and scalable design meets the security and efficiency needs of major organizations.

The ZKsync DAO’s governance vote (TPP-12) on November 24 reinforced this direction by launching a staking pilot with 37.5 million $ZK in rewards. This initiative aims to further decentralize the network while easing token sell pressure, balancing decentralization with institutional appeal for long-term viability.

Revamping Tokenomics: Toward Deflation and Utility

On November 5, 2025, ZKsync introduced a new tokenomics model for $ZK, linking the token’s value to protocol revenue through mechanisms such as buybacks, token burns, and staking rewards. This creates a deflationary framework where token demand is driven by network activity, echoing successful approaches in DeFi and Web3.

Buterin’s focus on ZK proofs as a foundation for “incorruptibility” adds further value. By guaranteeing transaction validity without sacrificing privacy or decentralization, ZKsync’s infrastructure is positioned as a reliable backbone for Ethereum’s institutional expansion.

Market Response: Rapid Growth in Value and Adoption

The market has reacted quickly to these advancements. Following Buterin’s endorsement, ZKsync’s token price jumped 120% to $0.74 within two days, and institutional investors contributed $15 billion to the ecosystem in 2025, according to market reports. This surge highlights increasing trust in ZK-based solutions as Ethereum’s primary scaling method.

Additionally, ZKsync’s capability to enable instant liquidity transfers between Layer 1 and Layer 2 has drawn projects seeking to leverage Ethereum’s security while maintaining speed and cost efficiency. This liquidity bridge distinguishes ZKsync in the competitive L2 market.

Strategic Outlook: ZKsync’s Role in Ethereum’s Future

Buterin envisions ZK proofs as essential for ensuring transaction validity and privacy on Ethereum. ZKsync’s Atlas and Fusaka upgrades directly support this vision by delivering high-speed, low-cost transactions without compromising decentralization.

Nevertheless, challenges remain. Rivals like Arbitrum still lead in TVL, and ZKsync’s continued success will depend on executing its roadmap while preserving decentralization. For investors, key indicators will include TVL growth after the Fusaka upgrade and the platform’s ability to attract RWA projects beyond DeFi.

Conclusion: ZK Infrastructure’s Investment Appeal

Recent milestones—bolstered by Buterin’s endorsement—underscore ZKsync’s promise as a frontrunner in Ethereum’s scaling journey. The blend of technological innovation, institutional backing, and deflationary tokenomics forms a strong investment case for ZK infrastructure in 2025. While regulatory and competitive risks persist, ZKsync’s alignment with Ethereum’s long-term objectives and its proven capacity to draw capital and enterprise partners make it a compelling opportunity in the Layer 2 space.

As the landscape evolves, investors should track ZKsync’s TVL growth, the effectiveness of its staking pilot, and the uptake of its RWA solutions. For those looking to participate in Ethereum’s next growth phase, ZKsync stands out as a high-potential choice for decentralized infrastructure investment.