Ethereum Reports Over $99B DeFi TVL and $18.8T Stablecoin Volume in 2025
Written by Ohris M. Greyoon, Blockchain & Crypto Expert
Source: Coinmarketcap
Updated: Jan 10 2026- Significant DeFi Growth: In 2025, Ethereum's total value locked (TVL) in decentralized finance (DeFi) surpassed $99 billion, which is over nine times that of the next largest Layer 1 ecosystem, underscoring its dominant market position and appeal.
- Stablecoin Usage Surge: The network settled $18.8 trillion in stablecoin transactions throughout the year, reflecting strong user demand driven by lower transaction costs and expanding infrastructure, further solidifying Ethereum's core position in the cryptocurrency space.
- Declining Transaction Costs: Ethereum Layer 1 fees fell to five-year lows, while Layer 2 networks recorded transaction costs below $0.01, which not only reduced user expenses for payments and remittances but also encouraged broader user participation.
- Increased Institutional Participation: More than $35 billion worth of Ethereum assets were incorporated into exchange-traded funds and strategic reserves, demonstrating institutional trust in Ethereum smart contracts and driving innovation in capital management and yield strategies.
About the author
Ohris M. Greyoon
Ohris M. Greyoon holds a Master’s in Computer Science from MIT and has 10 years of experience in blockchain technology and cryptocurrency markets. A pioneer in decentralized finance (DeFi) analysis, he leads Intellectia’s Crypto News, offering cutting-edge insights into digital assets.
