For episode 219 of the Crypto Altruists podcast, we’re excited to welcome Matthias (Matze) Seidl of growthepie and Leon Waidmann of the Onchain Foundation to explore how Ethereum has grown into a force for global impact and discuss their landmark report: 10 Years of Ethereum - Building the World Ledger.
In just a decade, Ethereum has gone from a bold idea about a “world computer” to becoming the backbone of a global settlement layer, coordinating everything from stablecoin payments and decentralized finance to identity, governance, and impact funding. The report traces that journey and makes a compelling case for why Ethereum is evolving into the “World Ledger”: the neutral infrastructure layer underpinning our digital and social economies.
In this episode, we’ll dive into Ethereum’s unique strengths in a multi-chain world, the rise of stablecoins, RWAs, and decentralized AI, the critical role of credible neutrality, how Ethereum is already shaping real-world impact around the world, and where it might take us in the decade ahead.
You’ll learn:
🌍 From World Computer to World Ledger: Over the past decade, Ethereum has weathered cycles, hype, and evolving narratives around DAOs, NFTs, L1s and L2s, and more. However, throughout this evolution, Ethereum has always stayed true to its founding vision: a free, open, and permissionless platform for innovation.
⚖️ Credible Neutrality as the Cornerstone: For Ethereum to truly serve as the World’s ledger, neutrality isn’t optional, it’s essential; there needs to be a common ground where everyone can build, without gatekeepers. This, alongside a high level of transparency, security, and decentralization, are key in Ethereum reaching its potential as the World Ledger.
💸 The Social Finance Stack Takes Shape: Stablecoins have proven to be Ethereum’s killer use case, driving billions in volume worldwide. Alongside tokenization, ZK-based decentralized identity, and decentralized AI, they’re forming the foundation of a new “social finance stack” poised to reshape how we move, store, and coordinate value.
10 Years of Ethereum - Building the World Ledger Report
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02:45 - To kick things off, can each of you briefly introduce yourselves and what got you into the world of Web3?
08:00 - The report focuses on Ethereum’s evolution into a trusted global settlement layer. From your perspective, what does it mean for Ethereum to become the “World Ledger”, and how does that vision compare to the initial vision of Ethereum a decade ago?
14:15 - You write that Ethereum’s strength in a multi-chain world is not about “highest TPS” but about credible neutrality and reliability. What does “credible neutrality” mean, and why is it important?
24:10 - One of the most notable real-world use cases highlighted in the report is the rapid global growth of stablecoins. Why do you think stablecoins have caught on so successfully, and how do you see them advancing financial inclusion and access in emerging markets and underbanked communities?
31:15 - In addition to stablecoins the report also highlights RWA tokenization and ZK-based identity like Celo’s Self Protocol. What role do you see decentralized identity as playing in a new “social finance stack” on Ethereum?
34:40 - What role do you see Artificial Intelligence playing in the tech stack of Ethereum’s World Ledger?
37:05 - Despite incredible growth, there is still a long way to go for Ethereum to truly reach its potential. What barriers still remain for Ethereum to achieve widescale adoption as the World Ledger?
42:15 - The report is packed with some interesting stats. Is there a favorite statistic that you feel really exemplifies Ethereum’s evolution over the past 10 years?
46:00 - Do you have a CTA for listeners? How can they best engage with the work you’re doing at growthepie and Onchain Foundation?
48:05 - Looking back at Ethereum’s 10-year journey through the lens of social and environmental impact, which use case do you believe holds the greatest potential to positively impact humanity and the planet?
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While we may discuss specific web3 projects or cryptocurrencies on this podcast, please do not take any of this as investment advice, and please make sure to do your own research on potential investment opportunities, or any opportunity. We host a variety of guests on this podcast with the sole purpose of highlighting the social impact use cases of this technology. That being said, Crypto Altruism does not endorse any of these projects, and we recognize that, since this is an emerging sector, some may be operating in regulatory grey areas, and as such, we cannot confirm their legality in the jurisdictions in which they operate, especially as it pertains to decentralized finance protocols. So, before getting involved with any project, it’s important that you do your own research and confirm the legality of the project. More available HERE.
