Sonia Shaw, President of CoinW, Reflects on EthCC[7]
The 7th Ethereum Community Conference (EthCC[7]) took place in Brussels this year. One of the main focuses of EthCC[7] was on key technical themes like layer-2 (L2) scaling, ETH staking issuance, and cross-chain interoperability. These topics are crucial for the evolution of Ethereum. The advancements in L2 solutions, in particular, are game-changing. By reducing the computational load on the main chain, L2 technologies can significantly increase transaction speeds and lower costs, making Ethereum more accessible to a wider audience.
Vitalik Buterin’s keynote talk was a highlight for many of us. His reaffirmation of Ethereum’s roadmap as a maximally decentralized and secure layer-1 (L1) for various L2s was particularly striking. While immediate scaling improvements in terms of gas per second might not be on the horizon, the emphasis on enhancing data availability for L2 storage is a strategic move. It sets the stage for long-term success and stability.
This year’s location change from Paris to Brussels was a strategic choice. As the headquarters of the European Union, Brussels plays a pivotal role in shaping digital assets regulation and blockchain initiatives in Europe. Hosting EthCC[7] here provided a unique opportunity to engage with policymakers and discuss the evolving regulatory landscape. With the Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation soon coming into force, these conversations are more important than ever. MiCA will bring much-needed clarity for blockchain companies and investors, and it’s crucial that we continue to engage with regulators to ensure a supportive environment for innovation.
EthCC[7] was also notable for its scale, with over 350 speakers and 6,000 attendees from around the world. The diversity of thought and the collaborative spirit of the Ethereum community were evident throughout. One trending topic that stood out to me was the robust discussions about smart accounts and their role in the Ethereum ecosystem. Smart accounts, which incorporate programmable logic into user accounts, represent a significant step forward in terms of user experience and security. They can automate a range of functions, from payment authorizations to complex multi-signature transactions, making the Ethereum platform even more versatile. The potential for smart accounts to enhance usability and security was a recurring theme, and it’s an area I believe will see substantial growth and adoption.
Reflecting on my time at EthCC[7], the discussions we had reinforced my belief in Ethereum’s potential to transform various industries, from DeFi to NFTs. At CoinW, we are committed to supporting this ecosystem and contributing to its growth. The road ahead is filled with challenges and opportunities, but with the collective effort of this incredible community, I am confident we will continue to make great strides.
