Ethereum Foundation Unites to Protect Blockchain Values in Changing Times

The Ethereum Foundation's bold move to establish the "Silviculture Society" signals a renewed commitment to safeguarding the core principles of blockchain technology. Meanwhile, Permuto Capital's blockchain-powered equity innovation is poised to disrupt traditional stock ownership, and NHN Corporation's Pebble City redefines Web3 gaming accessibility. These developments highlight the transformative potential of blockchain across diverse industries, from finance to gaming.

Ethereum Foundation Establishes "Silviculture Society" to Uphold Blockchain Values

The Ethereum Foundation (EF) has announced the creation of the "Silviculture Society," an external advisory group aimed at preserving the core values of the Ethereum blockchain. According to Cointelegraph, the group, introduced on February 28, 2025, will provide informal counsel to the EF and focus on maintaining principles such as open source, privacy, security, and censorship resistance. The council includes 15 individuals, ranging from researchers to developers and project founders, who will work to ensure that Ethereum's ecosystem remains aligned with its foundational values.

This initiative follows Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin's recent criticism of the crypto industry's moral shift toward gambling. Buterin expressed disappointment over Ethereum being labeled as "intolerant" for not embracing blockchain-based casinos. Despite these challenges, Buterin remains optimistic about the community's commitment to Ethereum's values, as evidenced by offline interactions with its members. Additionally, the EF has pledged $1.25 million to support the legal defense of Tornado Cash developer Alexey Pertsev, reinforcing its stance on privacy and open-source principles.

Source: Cointelegraph (https://cointelegraph.com/news/ethereum-foundation-silviculture-society-external-counsel)

Blockchain-Powered Certificates Redefine Stock Ownership

Permuto Capital is set to revolutionize the investment landscape with its blockchain-powered equity securities, which separate common shares into two tradable components: "Dividend Certificates" and "Asset Certificates." According to Forbes, this innovative approach, built on the Chia blockchain, allows investors to unbundle dividend payments from the remaining equity value of stocks. On February 28, 2025, Permuto Capital filed registration statements for products tied to Apple (AAPL) and Broadcom (AVGO), adding to their earlier filing for Microsoft (MSFT).

The Dividend Certificates are designed to attract income-focused investors, such as retirees and pension funds, by offering favorable tax treatment and steady cash flows. Meanwhile, Asset Certificates provide a leveraged trading option for those seeking capital appreciation. By leveraging blockchain technology, Permuto Capital aims to reduce costs and enable 24/7 trading on decentralized marketplaces. Co-CEO Trent Martensen emphasized the company's commitment to expanding this innovative asset class, which could redefine how investors construct their portfolios.

Source: Forbes (https://www.forbes.com/sites/digital-assets/2025/02/28/blockchain-powered-certificates-redefine-stock-ownership/)

Pebble City Launches on Sui Blockchain

NHN Corporation's Web3 division has officially launched Pebble City, a social casino game, on the Sui blockchain. As reported by VentureBeat, the mobile-based game offers a seamless entry into Web3 gaming, requiring no prior blockchain knowledge. Players can engage in virtual casino activities, earning in-game rewards such as Stars, which can be converted into SBTL tokens. The game utilizes Sui's zkLogin and Kiosk features to simplify transactions, making blockchain technology accessible to a broader audience.

Ujin Chung, CEO of NHN Corporation, highlighted the company's goal of delivering meaningful engagement and value to players through this innovative gaming experience. Adeniyi Abiodun, co-founder of Mysten Labs, praised Pebble City as a prime example of how blockchain can enhance gaming without disrupting the user experience. By integrating blockchain ownership with traditional gaming mechanics, Pebble City sets a new standard for decentralized gaming ecosystems.

Source: VentureBeat (https://venturebeat.com/games/social-casino-game-pebble-city-launches-on-sui-blockchain/)

The Ethereum Foundation's establishment of the "Silviculture Society" represents a significant step in safeguarding the ideological and technical principles that have underpinned Ethereum's growth. By creating an advisory group dedicated to values such as open source, privacy, and censorship resistance, the Ethereum Foundation is addressing a critical challenge in the blockchain space: the tension between rapid commercialization and the preservation of foundational ethics. This move is particularly timely given the increasing criticism from Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin regarding the industry's drift toward speculative and gambling-focused applications. The inclusion of diverse stakeholders, from researchers to developers, ensures a multi-faceted approach to maintaining Ethereum's integrity. However, the success of this initiative will depend on its ability to influence decision-making within the ecosystem, especially as external pressures from regulators and market forces intensify. The Foundation's financial support for Alexey Pertsev further underscores its commitment to privacy and open-source principles, but it also highlights the ongoing legal and ethical battles that could shape the future of decentralized technologies.

Permuto Capital's introduction of blockchain-powered equity securities marks a groundbreaking innovation in the financial markets. By unbundling traditional stock ownership into Dividend Certificates and Asset Certificates, the company is not only leveraging blockchain's efficiency but also addressing the diverse needs of modern investors. This approach could democratize access to equity markets, offering income-focused investors a more tailored product while providing speculative traders with new opportunities for capital appreciation. The use of the Chia blockchain for this initiative is particularly noteworthy, as it emphasizes sustainability and cost-efficiency. However, the success of this model will hinge on its adoption by institutional investors and its ability to navigate regulatory scrutiny. If widely embraced, this innovation could disrupt traditional equity markets, forcing legacy financial institutions to rethink their offerings. The potential for 24/7 trading on decentralized platforms further underscores the transformative impact this could have on global financial markets, but it also raises questions about market stability and investor protection in a decentralized trading environment.

The launch of Pebble City on the Sui blockchain exemplifies the growing convergence of blockchain technology and mainstream gaming. By integrating blockchain features such as zkLogin and Kiosk, NHN Corporation has successfully lowered the entry barriers for players unfamiliar with Web3 technologies. This approach not only broadens the appeal of blockchain gaming but also sets a precedent for how decentralized technologies can be seamlessly incorporated into traditional gaming experiences. The ability to convert in-game rewards into tokens adds a layer of economic utility, potentially increasing player engagement and retention. However, the reliance on a social casino model raises ethical questions, particularly around the gamification of financial incentives. While Pebble City demonstrates the potential of blockchain to enhance user experiences, its long-term success will depend on its ability to balance entertainment with responsible gaming practices. Additionally, the scalability and security of the Sui blockchain will be critical in supporting the game's growth and ensuring a smooth user experience as adoption increases.

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