Vitalik Buterin Supports ZKsync: What This Means for Ethereum’s Scalability and the Next Phase of Expansion

Vitalik Buterin's Backing Sparks New Momentum for ZKsync and Ethereum

The cryptocurrency landscape is experiencing a major transformation following Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin’s recent public support for ZKsync. This endorsement has not only boosted confidence in ZKsync but also reinvigorated Ethereum’s broader scalability ambitions. With the introduction of ZKsync’s Atlas upgrade, strategic institutional collaborations, and a revamped token structure, Ethereum is poised to reassert itself as a premier blockchain for global financial applications. Here’s why these developments are significant for investors.

Buterin’s Influence: Fueling ZKsync’s Rapid Growth

Vitalik Buterin’s opinions carry substantial weight in the crypto sphere. His recent commendation of ZKsync as a vital and underappreciated part of Ethereum’s ecosystem sent ripples throughout the industry. The immediate impact was dramatic: the $ZK token soared by 120%, reaching $0.74 in just two days, as reported by market analysts. Buterin’s support serves as a strong endorsement of ZKsync’s technical capabilities. The Atlas upgrade, which debuted alongside his remarks, delivers an impressive 15,000 transactions per second (TPS) and nearly instant finality, according to technical documentation, positioning ZKsync as a leading contender among Layer 2 solutions.

However, the advancements go beyond transaction speed.

The Atlas upgrade also introduced the ZK Stack framework, which facilitates seamless liquidity movement between Ethereum’s mainnet and its Layer 2, reducing fragmentation and enhancing cross-chain settlements. For investors, ZKsync is emerging as a cornerstone in Ethereum’s future, not just another scaling tool.

ZKsync’s Innovation: Technical Progress and Evolving Tokenomics

ZKsync’s future plans are as ambitious as its current achievements. The platform aims to double throughput to 30,000 TPS with the upcoming Fusaka upgrade, scheduled for December 2025, directly challenging the dominance of competitors like Arbitrum. What truly differentiates ZKsync is its comprehensive overhaul of token economics. The $ZK token is evolving from a governance-only asset to a mechanism for value capture, incorporating buybacks, token burns, and staking, as outlined in recent platform updates. This realignment incentivizes token holders to support the network’s growth, creating a positive feedback loop that could drive further adoption and value.

Institutional engagement is another major catalyst. Leading organizations such as Deutsche Bank and Sony have already joined forces with ZKsync. By the fourth quarter of 2025, the network is projected to have processed 12 billion transactions, according to financial disclosures. With $15 billion in institutional capital and 28 real-world asset (RWA) projects contributing $1.9 billion in total value locked (TVL), ZKsync is proving itself as a robust infrastructure for enterprise blockchain applications.

Ethereum’s Layer 2 Revolution: Scaling Toward 100,000 TPS

Ethereum has long grappled with scalability limitations, but 2025 marks a turning point as Layer 2 solutions take center stage. The Dencun upgrade, implemented in March 2024, reduced L2 transaction fees to below $1, paving the way for widespread adoption. Platforms such as Base and Optimism now handle millions of transactions daily, while ZK-Rollups like ZKsync and Arbitrum lead in throughput and settlement speed, according to industry reports.

Looking ahead, Ethereum’s roadmap is equally bold. The network is targeting 100,000 TPS by leveraging innovations in blob data and compression, as highlighted in technical analyses. Forthcoming upgrades like Pectra are expected to further expand data capacity, potentially increasing demand and value across both Layer 1 and Layer 2. For investors, this signals that Ethereum is not just maintaining its relevance—it’s actively advancing.

Why ZKsync Stands Out for Investors

Although ZKsync currently accounts for 15% of the total value locked in Ethereum’s Layer 2 ecosystem—compared to Arbitrum’s 45%—its technological roadmap and growing institutional support make it a strong contender for future growth. The Fusaka upgrade’s goal of 30,000 TPS, as outlined in development schedules, could significantly disrupt the market, especially if the platform’s tokenomics continue to attract sustained interest.

Furthermore, ZKsync’s emphasis on real-world assets (RWAs) is transforming the landscape. By bridging the gap between traditional finance and blockchain, ZKsync is helping to create a new class of assets that could draw substantial capital inflows. With major players like Deutsche Bank and Sony already involved, ZKsync is not just a crypto project—it’s at the forefront of financial infrastructure innovation.

Balancing Opportunity and Risk

As with any investment, there are risks to consider. ZKsync faces intense competition from established platforms like Arbitrum and Optimism, and the successful rollout of the Fusaka upgrade is not guaranteed. Additionally, the Layer 2 ecosystem is still evolving, and regulatory uncertainties around RWAs persist. Nevertheless, the combination of Buterin’s endorsement, institutional momentum, and a strong technical vision presents a compelling opportunity for those willing to take a calculated risk.

For investors with a medium-term outlook, ZKsync offers a high-conviction opportunity tied to Ethereum’s ongoing evolution. Its ability to scale, attract major partners, and innovate in token design sets it apart in a crowded field.

Conclusion: ZKsync Leading the Next Wave of Crypto Expansion

Vitalik Buterin’s support for ZKsync is more than just a boost for the platform—it signals that Ethereum’s journey toward greater scalability is just beginning. As Layer 2 solutions like ZKsync continue to push the boundaries of performance and utility, they are laying the foundation for the next era of cryptocurrency growth. For investors, this is a pivotal moment. The future of Ethereum lies not only in its mainnet but also in the dynamic ecosystem of solutions that make it faster, more affordable, and widely accessible—with ZKsync at the forefront of this transformation.