Ethereum Emerges as Key Settlement Layer for On-chain Finance

▲ Ethereum (ETH) ©

Ethereum is fundamentally changing its role in the market, moving beyond a simple platform to establish itself as the 'settlement infrastructure for on-chain finance'.

According to cryptocurrency media outlet Bitcoinist on April 24 (local time), Ethereum (ETH) is rapidly emerging as a core settlement layer for the digital economy, alongside a recent surge in network activity. The expansion of stablecoin transactions, in particular, is driving this change, positioning Ethereum as the central axis for on-chain value movement.

The key indicator is stablecoins. According to staking infrastructure company Everstake, stablecoin transfer volume within the Ethereum network surged by 119.3% in 2026. Currently, billions of dollars are moving daily on the network, with weekly transfer volumes ranging between $500 billion and $900 billion. In some periods, transactions reaching up to $1 trillion have occurred.

This trend is interpreted not merely as a market cycle but as a structural change. As stablecoin usage expands, Ethereum is serving as a critical infrastructure connecting traditional financial systems with blockchain, further solidifying its status as the 'settlement layer' for on-chain finance.

From a price perspective, it has also reached a significant turning point. Ethereum's price recently rose close to $2,400, then underwent a correction, trading around $2,314. Notably, the realized price, estimated at approximately $2,340, represents the average acquisition cost for on-chain investors, a crucial zone that has historically acted as strong resistance or support.

The market believes that if this zone turns into a support level, there is a high probability of a strong upward trend. Conversely, with the price falling by about 2% and trading volume decreasing by more than 12% in the last 24 hours, a short-term breather is observed. Ultimately, whether Ethereum can maintain its status as a settlement infrastructure and translate that into a price rebound has emerged as a key variable determining the future direction of the market.

*Disclaimer: This article is for investment reference only, and we are not responsible for any investment losses incurred based on it. The content should be interpreted for informational purposes only.*