Published: February 4, 2026 | Tapbit On-Chain & Ethereum Ecosystem Desk
Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin executed multiple on-chain transfers and sales totaling approximately 1,441 ETH (worth ~$3.3 million at the time) across February 2–3, 2026. The transactions — tracked by Lookonchain, NS3.AI, and Arkham Intelligence — consisted of roughly 704 ETH swapped into GHO and USDC in several batches (often ~211 ETH every 2 hours), with the remainder sent to various addresses linked to his long-standing donation commitments.
While any large transfer from Vitalik’s well-known wallets tends to spark speculation about “dumping” or bearish sentiment, the pattern aligns closely with his publicly stated multi-year plan to donate the majority of his ETH holdings to scientific research, open-source development, AI safety, biotech, and other public-goods initiatives. This article provides a detailed on-chain timeline, historical context of Vitalik’s giving, market reaction, and realistic assessment of whether these sales represent meaningful selling pressure on ETH in early 2026.
On-Chain Details – February 2–3, 2026 Transfers
| Date / Time (UTC) | ETH Moved | Approx. Value (USD) | Destination / Action | Source Tracker |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 2, multiple batches | ~704 ETH total | ~$1.65M | Swapped to GHO/USDC via DEX aggregators | Lookonchain, NS3.AI |
| Feb 2–3, various txs | ~737 ETH total | ~$1.65M | Transferred to donation-linked addresses & contracts | Arkham, Etherscan labels |
| Combined (Feb 2–3) | ~1,441 ETH | ~$3.3M | Mix of swaps & direct sends | Aggregated trackers |
The largest individual batches were ~211 ETH each, swapped through DEX aggregators (primarily 1inch) into GHO (Aave’s over-collateralized stablecoin) and USDC. Funds were then routed to multisig wallets and smart contracts historically associated with Vitalik’s charitable entities (e.g. Kanro, Existential Risk Observatory, AI safety groups, biotech initiatives, open-source protocol funding).
Vitalik’s Multi-Year Donation Plan – Context & Precedent
Vitalik Buterin has been transparent about his intention to donate the vast majority of his personal ETH holdings over time. Key points from his public statements and on-chain history:
- 2018–2021: Donated hundreds of millions in ETH and SHIB to COVID relief, India crypto education, SENS Research Foundation (longevity), Methuselah Foundation, and others.
- 2022–2024: Continued large gifts to AI alignment organizations (e.g. MIRI, FAR), Ukrainian humanitarian aid, and Ethereum ecosystem grants.
- 2025–2026: Focused on biotech (longevity, rare diseases), AI existential risk mitigation, open-source privacy tech, and public-goods funding via Kanro and similar vehicles.
- Public commitment: Vitalik has repeatedly stated he plans to give away “almost all” of his ETH during his lifetime, keeping only what he needs for personal expenses and security.
The February 2026 transfers fit this long-running pattern: regular, methodical sales/swaps into stable assets, followed by distribution to vetted charitable and research organizations.
ETH Price Reaction & Market Impact
Ethereum price weakened notably during and immediately after the visible transfer window:
- Feb 2–3 intraday range: $2,180–$2,340
- Weekly change: –7% to –10% (depending on exact measurement period)
- Broader context: ETH already down ~**55–57%** from August 2025 highs near $4,900
While the sales contributed to short-term selling pressure — especially in low-liquidity hours — the total volume (~$3.3M) is relatively small compared to daily ETH spot & futures turnover (>$20–$40B). The move appears more sentiment-driven (FUD around “Vitalik dumping”) than fundamental supply shock.
Trading & Positioning Considerations on Tapbit
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- Risk control: Max 1–2% account risk per trade; trailing stops below recent lows
Conclusion & 2026 Outlook
Vitalik Buterin’s transfer and sale of ~1,441 ETH (~$3.3 million) on February 2–3, 2026 fits squarely within his multi-year, publicly disclosed plan to donate the vast majority of his Ethereum holdings to high-impact scientific, open-source, AI-safety, and biotech initiatives. While the on-chain visibility triggered short-term FUD and contributed to downward pressure (ETH –7–10% over the week), the actual volume is negligible relative to daily turnover and should not be interpreted as a fundamental bearish signal from Ethereum’s creator.
Tapbit provides traders with efficient tools to navigate sentiment-driven volatility: 0% maker fees on ETH/USDT spot & perpetuals, deep liquidity, up to 125x leverage (use conservatively), staking/yield options, and instant fiat ramps. Watch on-chain donation follow-through, ETF flow direction, February jobs report (Feb 7), Fed speakers, and DEX volume recovery — extreme fear phases have historically offered the best asymmetric entry points of the cycle.
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Disclaimer: Cryptocurrency trading involves significant risk of loss. Prices are highly volatile and can change rapidly. On-chain transfers and public statements do not guarantee future price action. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Always conduct your own research (DYOR) and never invest more than you can afford to lose completely.
