Vitalik outlines Ethereum’s DeFi vision focused on permissionless access, privacy, security, open-source standards, and oracle reform.
Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin has outlined a renewed vision for decentralized finance on Ethereum.
He said DeFi must remain permissionless, private, and secure. The Ethereum Foundation will support projects that align with these goals.
The focus is on user control, open systems, and reduced reliance on centralized actors.
A Renewed Focus on Permissionless and Open DeFi
Buterin said decentralized finance is a core part of Ethereum’s value. He noted that DeFi offers savings, risk management, and wealth-building tools without permission.
He added that these tools are available globally and operate without central gatekeepers.
Defi is a central part of the value that Ethereum provides. Financial empowerment is a central part of what it means to have agency and freedom in our current world. Finance is far from the only thing that Ethereum is good for, but it is an important thing. This post discusses… https://t.co/BGDRqrfUlI
— vitalik.eth (@VitalikButerin) February 24, 2026
He stated that the Ethereum Foundation does not plan to support all onchain finance projects.
Instead, it will back protocols that are open-source and security-first. He said these systems must maximize user control and reduce trusted third parties.
Buterin also introduced the “walkaway test” for DeFi protocols. He said a protocol should keep working if the original team disappears.
He added that systems must remain functional even if founders become compromised or hostile.
Security, Oracles, and Technical Standards
Security remains a central concern for the Ethereum Foundation. Buterin pointed to audits, shared standards, and wallet safeguards as key tools.
He also mentioned AI-assisted formal verification as a new method to improve smart contract safety.
He said oracle security needs urgent attention. Oracles connect blockchains to external data sources. Weak oracle systems can expose DeFi platforms to manipulation and loss.
Buterin described the issue as serious and said the ecosystem must examine it closely. He called for stronger decentralization in oracle design.
He added that secure infrastructure is essential for sustainable DeFi growth.
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Privacy and Long-Term Innovation in DeFi
Privacy is another major focus in Ethereum’s DeFi roadmap. Buterin said both payments and complex financial tools need stronger privacy features.
He referred to collateralized debt positions as one example.
Buterin asked what a privacy-preserving CDP would look like in practice. He noted that better privacy can reduce liquidation risks.
However, he said such systems require advanced technical solutions.
Buterin also encouraged deeper innovation in decentralized finance. He urged developers not to only improve existing stablecoins.
Instead, he said teams should rethink core financial problems like hedging future expenses.
Ethereum remains a permissionless network, and anyone can deploy applications.
However, the Ethereum Foundation will prioritize projects that support user agency and open access.
Buterin said the goal is a global financial system that is secure, private, and resilient.
