Vitalik Buterin Supports ZKsync: What This Means for Layer 2 Scaling

Ethereum’s ongoing scalability issues have remained a central concern for both developers and investors. As the platform’s user numbers and transaction activity continue to rise, layer 2 (L2) solutions have become essential to uphold Ethereum’s goal of a decentralized and trustless ecosystem. Among these solutions, has attracted notable interest, especially following public recognition from co-founder Vitalik Buterin. This article explores the technical and strategic significance of Buterin’s support for ZKsync, analyzes its standing in the market, and considers its long-term investment prospects in the fast-changing environment.

Vitalik Buterin’s Support: Strategic Importance

Vitalik Buterin has repeatedly highlighted incorruptibility as Ethereum’s core attribute, guaranteeing data security and trust without relying on central authorities, as noted in a

. His recent commendation of ZKsync emphasizes the project’s contribution to this ideal while tackling scalability limitations. The Coinotag report quotes Buterin describing ZKsync’s efforts as “a lot of underrated and valuable work” within the Ethereum ecosystem. This recognition goes beyond mere praise; it demonstrates a strategic alignment between ZKsync’s design and Ethereum’s overarching objectives.

ZKsync utilizes zero-knowledge (ZK) rollups to process transactions off-chain while preserving the security of the main chain. The latest Atlas upgrade has increased its throughput to 30,000 transactions per second (TPS) with 1-second finality, marking a significant efficiency improvement, according to Coinotag. Buterin’s support also includes advocating for the removal of Ethereum’s modexp precompile, an outdated feature that can increase the computational cost of ZK proofs by as much as 50 times, as detailed in a

. By pushing for this update, Buterin demonstrates his dedication to refining Ethereum’s cryptographic framework, which directly benefits ZK-rollups like ZKsync.

Technical Strengths and Market Differentiation

ZKsync’s development roadmap places it as a strong competitor in the L2 sector of Ethereum. The Atlas upgrade not only accelerates transaction processing but also improves programmability, allowing advanced smart contracts and dApps to function with minimal delay, as reported by Coinotag. By the fourth quarter of 2025, ZKsync had handled 1.2 billion transactions, reflecting its reliability and growing adoption, according to Coinotag.

Nevertheless, ZKsync contends with major rivals such as

and Optimism, which command substantial total value locked (TVL) due to their early presence and established developer communities, as highlighted in a . Newer entrants like , which debuted with $1.8 billion in TVL, add further competition, according to TokenMetrics. Despite this, ZKsync stands out for its emphasis on privacy, affordable fees, and compatibility with Ethereum. Its application of ZK proofs maintains data security without compromising speed, a crucial benefit for enterprise and DeFi applications.

Security and Governance: Building Trust

Security remains paramount for any blockchain initiative. In 2025, ZKsync underwent comprehensive audits, including assessments by Spearbit and OpenZeppelin, as referenced in ZKsync’s documentation. The ZKsync Security Council (ZKSC) has shown responsiveness, recovering from the April 2025 airdrop incident and executing emergency updates, as reported by the ZKsync Security Council. These actions, along with a revised funding structure that prioritizes swift interventions, highlight the project’s dedication to strong governance, as outlined in the ZKsync Security Council report.

However, investors should exercise caution. While ZKsync’s technical achievements are notable, its ability to maintain performance under real-world pressures—such as heavy transaction loads or malicious attacks—will ultimately determine its sustainability, according to Coinotag.

Investment Outlook: Weighing Progress and Uncertainty

ZKsync’s investment prospects are rooted in its alignment with Ethereum’s scaling objectives and its technological progress. With Buterin’s endorsement and the Atlas upgrade, ZKsync has emerged as a prominent contender in the L2 “arms race.” Nonetheless, its future depends on several key factors:
1. Adoption Levels: Broad uptake by developers and users is essential. The 1.2 billion transactions processed by ZKsync indicate momentum, but rivals are also innovating, as noted by Coinotag and TokenMetrics.
2. Regulatory Environment: As L2s manage increasing value, regulatory developments could shape their growth.
3. Ethereum Enhancements: Planned changes such as the removal of modexp and other EIPs will have a direct impact on ZKsync’s efficiency, as mentioned in the Coinotag article.

From a risk and reward standpoint, ZKsync presents significant potential if it can secure a leading role in Ethereum’s L2 space. However, its dependence on Ethereum’s development path and the unpredictable nature of crypto markets call for a cautious approach.

Conclusion: Will ZKsync Shape Ethereum’s Next Era?

Vitalik Buterin’s backing of ZKsync goes beyond simple approval—it signals a strategic belief in ZK-rollups as the future of Ethereum’s scalability. Thanks to its technical progress, strong security measures, and alignment with Ethereum’s vision, ZKsync is well-placed to gain substantial market share. Still, investors must consider its prospects in light of intense competition and shifting regulations. For those willing to embrace innovation-driven risk with a long-term perspective, ZKsync stands out as a noteworthy example of blockchain’s coming evolution.