What is the Ethereum Glamsterdam Upgrade?

Article Summary

• 🔎 Ethereum’s Dominance and Its Challenges: Ethereum leads the tokenized stock market with $578.4 million in value as of May 2026, but bottlenecks in block production and transaction processing must be resolved to maintain that position.
• ⚙️ Glamsterdam is Ethereum’s Next Upgrade After Fusaka: Scheduled for mainnet in mid-2026, it focuses on two fundamental architectural changes: decentralizing block production (ePBS) and enabling parallel transaction processing .
• 🎯 Two Headliner EIPs: EIP-7732 embeds proposer-builder separation directly into the protocol, while EIP-7928 mandates block-level state access lists, enabling Ethereum to begin processing transactions in parallel.
• 💸 Direct Impact on Users: ETH transfer fees drop by up to 71% (EIP-2780), the staking exit queue moves 4.6x faster (EIP-8061), and total exit capacity grows 8.1x larger.
• 🌐 A Technical Response to Community Skepticism: Amid price pressure and departures of some Ethereum OGs, Glamsterdam is a compelling demonstration that Ethereum development remains focused on long-term, fundamental change.

Ethereum’s Ecosystem: The Settlement Layer

Based on data from rwa.xyz as of May 25, 2026, Ethereum dominates the tokenized stock market as the network with the highest total value, reaching $578.4 million, surpassing BNB Chain ($493 million) and Solana ($360.8 million). This dominance reflects the confidence of users, developers, and institutions in Ethereum as a settlement layer, particularly amid intensifying competition between blockchain networks.

Learn more about what asset tokenization is at Pintu Academy: What Is Asset Tokenization – Pintu Academy

Ethereum is home to thousands of decentralized applications built on a wide range of innovations, including stock tokenization as part of the RWA ecosystem. Ethereum’s smart contract technology makes this possible, executing decentralized applications automatically without third-party intermediaries.

In the context of stock tokenization, Ethereum has two primary token standards: ERC-20 for freely tradable tokens, and ERC-3643, designed specifically for assets requiring regulatory compliance mechanisms (permissioned tokens).

Based on data from rwa.xyz as of May 26, 2026, the total value of tokenized stocks distributed on the Ethereum blockchain has exceeded approximately $1.37 billion. Ondo Finance dominates this sector with $946.1 million, more than 60% of the total market, followed by xStocks at $444.2 million and Securitize at $80 million. These figures reflect how Ethereum has evolved into the primary infrastructure for tokenizing traditional financial assets.

Shifting to another sector, DEX volume data tells an equally compelling story. Uniswap holds the top DEX position by trading volume, with $40.48 billion over the past 30 days, nearly twice that of PancakeSwap in second place at $24.17 billion. Notably, Uniswap now operates across 43 networks simultaneously while remaining the pioneer DEX that launched on Ethereum back in 2018.

Equally significant, Aerodrome in third place ($13.14 billion/30d) operates on Base, an Ethereum-based L2 network. This means that among the top five DEXs by volume, at least three are part of the Ethereum ecosystem and its L2 networks.

What Is Ethereum Glamsterdam Upgrade?

Glamsterdam is an Ethereum upgrade focused on two fundamental areas: how the network processes blocks, and how it manages the growth of its database. These are not mere technical improvements. Both factors directly determine how fast, affordable, and stable the Ethereum network can operate under an ever-increasing transaction load.

The upgrade is officially targeted for June 2026, though it is currently undergoing several testing phases across devnets. It will affect network infrastructure directly.

This context becomes increasingly relevant as competition between blockchain networks intensifies. Users are growing more selective about which network to use, with transaction speed and low fees among the key factors determining where liquidity and on-chain activity flow.

Scalability also remains a complex challenge Ethereum must address, particularly amid growing demand from the asset tokenization sector and AI-based applications that require high-performance blockchain infrastructure. Glamsterdam is the answer to these challenges, building on the foundation laid by Fusaka in December 2025, with a focus that has now shifted from data availability to the overall architecture of L1 execution.

Ethereum’s Upgrade Timeline

Since transitioning to Proof-of-Stake through the upgrade known as The Merge in 2022, Ethereum has undergone a series of increasingly ambitious upgrades. Shapella (2023) unlocked the ability to withdraw staked ETH. Dencun (2024) introduced blobs, cutting L2 transaction costs by 90–95%. Pectra (May 2025) introduced staking flexibility and account abstraction features.

The most recent upgrade before Glamsterdam was Fusaka (December 2025), which built on Dencun’s foundation by introducing PeerDAS, a technology that enables validators to verify blob data without downloading it in full. As a result, data capacity for L2 networks increased significantly, and transaction costs on networks such as Arbitrum, Optimism, and Base became more affordable, not only for users but also for developers building applications on top of these networks.

To learn more about Fusaka, read: What is the Ethereum Fusaka Hardfork? Read on Pintu Academy.

As an innovator in smart contract development, Ethereum maintains a clear and transparent upgrade timeline. Each upgrade contains a distinct set of Ethereum Improvement Proposals (EIPs), each identified by a unique number, providing detailed context about its benefits and the parties it affects.

What Takes Priority in the Glamsterdam Upgrade?

Of all the EIPs included in Glamsterdam, two carry headliner status: they are the most prioritized and form the foundation of the entire upgrade.

1. EIP-7732: Enshrined Proposer-Builder Separation

EIP-7732 splits an Ethereum block into two parts: a consensus block handled by the proposer, and an execution payload built by the builder. Previously, coordination between proposers and builders was handled through MEV-Boost, a third-party external software that was not part of the Ethereum protocol, meaning the network depended on trust in centralized relays.

With ePBS, this separation is embedded directly into the protocol. Four key benefits result from this:

• Near-100% slot utilization: broadcasting and execution run on separate tracks and no longer block each other in the same 2-second hot path per slot.
• Lighter hot path validation: heavy computational work is moved outside the tight 2-second slot window, enabling the network to handle significantly larger payloads.
• No more trust assumptions between proposer and builder: the protocol itself guarantees the mechanism, not a third party.
• No more dependency on closed-source external software: MEV-Boost, which currently handles approximately 90% of Ethereum blocks, will no longer be needed.

2. EIP-7928: Block-Level Access Lists

EIP-7928 requires each block to include a complete map of the accounts and storage slots that will be accessed by the transactions within it, before execution begins. Previously, the network only learned what data was needed after transactions were executed sequentially, making this the primary throughput bottleneck on Ethereum.

Four key benefits from EIP-7928:

• Lower gas costs for DeFi applications: protocols such as DEXs that repeatedly access the same price data within a block no longer need to pay the full cost for each repeated read, since the data is pre-mapped at the block level.
• New design patterns for developers: dApp developers can architect contracts that explicitly leverage block-level access patterns, significantly reducing gas costs for state-heavy applications.
• More efficient node operation: nodes can perform parallel disk reads, fetching data for multiple transactions simultaneously because they already know which data is needed before execution begins.
• More accurate gas estimation: since state access patterns are known upfront, gas cost calculations become more accurate and predictable for both users and developers.

The Impact of the Glamsterdam Upgrade on Users

In broad terms, Glamsterdam will not change how users interact with Ethereum on a day-to-day basis. Its impact, however, differs significantly depending on where the user sits in the ecosystem.

1. ETH Holders (Non-Staking)

For those who simply hold ETH or use it in DeFi applications, no action is required. What changes is the cost: EIP-2780 cuts the base gas fee for ETH transfers to existing accounts by 71%. This means sending ETH between active wallets will be significantly cheaper after the upgrade.

One important warning: every major Ethereum upgrade is typically followed by scams posing as “swap your old ETH for new ETH” or “claim your upgrade airdrop.” Users should be vigilant and avoid any phishing attempts. No new tokens are issued with Glamsterdam. ETH does not need to be swapped, moved, or connected to any contract.

2. Stakers and Validators

For those running validators, there is one technical obligation: both clients must be updated before mainnet, covering the Consensus Layer (Lighthouse, Prysm, Teku, Nimbus, Lodestar) and the Execution Layer (Geth, Nethermind, Besu, Erigon). This is because ePBS introduces the Payload Timeliness Committee (PTC), a new role in the validation process that requires the latest software version.

Behind that requirement comes significant good news. EIP-8061 raises the exit churn limit from 256 ETH per epoch to approximately 1,187 ETH per epoch, a 4.6x increase based on the current total of 38.9 million staked ETH, according to Figment data. Combined with EIP-8080, which opens the consolidation pathway for all validators, not just those holding 2,048 ETH or more. Total exit capacity reaches approximately 2,077 ETH per epoch, or 8.1x what it is today. Exit queues that previously stretched for weeks during periods of high market stress will be substantially shorter.

For users of liquid staking protocols such as Lido (stETH) or Rocket Pool (rETH), these improvements happen behind the scenes. The tokens users hold remain unchanged, but the more efficient exit mechanism directly reduces liquidity pressure on these protocols during volatile market conditions.

3. dApp Developers

Glamsterdam brings several gas pricing changes that are critical to audit before mainnet. EIP-8037 raises the cost for operations that permanently store new data. Contracts that frequently create new accounts or deploy sub-contracts need to have their gas estimates reviewed. On the other hand, EIP-7708 adds log events to every ETH transfer, simplifying deposit tracking for exchanges and applications. EIP-7954 also raises the contract size limit from approximately 24 KB to 32 KB, opening room for more complex contracts without requiring them to be split into separate modules.

Why the Glamsterdam Upgrade Matters

Glamsterdam matters because it directly addresses two structural bottlenecks within the network that have constrained Ethereum’s performance.

First, Ethereum currently processes transactions sequentially, one at a time. The network does not know what data a transaction will access until that transaction is actually executed, meaning two transactions cannot be processed simultaneously without risking data conflicts. This sequential execution model is the primary bottleneck limiting network throughput.

Second, the cost of permanently storing data on Ethereum has historically not reflected the actual burden borne by every node on the network. Without adjustment, Ethereum’s database growth could reach 200 GiB per year, a figure that would eventually exceed the capacity of common hardware and threaten network decentralization. Glamsterdam addresses this by introducing a dynamic pricing reservoir model, in which data storage costs are calculated dynamically based on the permanent storage space actually consumed.

Glamsterdam Addresses Community Doubts

Ethereum is currently facing considerable sentiment pressure from the community on Platform X. ETH’s price performance lagging behind several other crypto assets has sparked extended debate, drawing responses not just from the broader crypto community but from some of Ethereum’s longest-standing supporters.

Among the most discussed was David Hoffman, co-founder of Bankless, who for years had been one of Ethereum’s most vocal advocates. He announced that he had sold all of his ETH, citing his view of ETH as an asset unlikely to see a significant rerating, not because he had lost fundamental confidence in the network. Another key reason was his view that Layer 1 token prices are highly dependent on revenue and fee share at the L1 level, and Ethereum lost that dominance after 2021.

Community concerns about the direction of the Ethereum Foundation also intensified after several contributors considered OGs departed in close succession. Vitalik Buterin stated via a posted tweet that the EF would transform into a smaller, more focused organization, while prioritizing decentralization, censorship resistance, security, and privacy as Ethereum’s core values as an L1.

Vitalik also chose to prioritize technically ambitious development directions, including transaction verification mechanisms, consensus improvements, and reducing the network’s reliance on intermediaries, because he believes these will generate far greater long-term value than simply chasing speed and TPS metrics.

This is the context in which the Glamsterdam upgrade becomes both relevant and logical. This is a concrete technical response to the most pressing questions Ethereum faces today, not a routine iteration. The mainnet schedule may still shift with implementation complexity. But what does not change is the direction: Ethereum continues building infrastructure for the long term, even under the most intense sentiment pressure.

Conclusion

Glamsterdam is an upgrade that will not be immediately visible on the surface, but one that fundamentally changes how Ethereum works at its core. ePBS and BAL address the architecture of block production and transaction execution, addressing the very constraints that have long limited the network’s capacity.

What makes this upgrade particularly compelling is its context. Glamsterdam arrives at a moment when skepticism toward Ethereum is running high, both in terms of price sentiment and questions about development direction. This upgrade is a strong technical answer: Ethereum remains focused on changes that are genuinely difficult, not the easiest to communicate to the market.

Disclaimer: All information presented in this article is compiled for educational and general informational purposes. This content is not intended as investment advice, a recommendation, a solicitation to buy or sell any specific crypto asset, or as a basis for any financial decision. All investment decisions remain solely the responsibility of the reader, taking into account their own financial situation, investment goals, and risk tolerance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why is this upgrade called Ethereum Glamsterdam?

The name Glamsterdam combines two names: “Gloas” for the Consensus Layer, following the tradition of naming Consensus Layer upgrades after stars, and “Amsterdam” for the Execution Layer, a city that previously hosted Devconnect. Ethereum has a tradition of naming each upgrade by combining a star name and the city where Devcon or Devconnect was held. Previous examples include Fusaka (Furadachi + Osaka) and Dencun (Deneb + Cancun).

Do users need to take any action once Ethereum Glamsterdam is live?

No. For regular users and ETH holders, no action is required. ETH balances, wallet addresses, and access to all applications remain unchanged. The only parties required to update are validators and node operators who directly run network infrastructure.

Does Ethereum Glamsterdam affect wallets, dApps, and smart contracts?

Existing smart contracts will continue running without needing to be redeployed. Key changes to note: the gas cost for ETH transfers to already-active accounts drops by approximately 71% (EIP-2780), while costs for creating new accounts or new storage increase (EIP-8037). Developers whose contracts frequently perform new data storage operations should review their gas estimates before mainnet.

Do node operators and validators need to update their clients before the Glamsterdam upgrade?

Yes, updates are mandatory and must be completed before the mainnet date. Glamsterdam requires updates to both layers simultaneously: Consensus Layer clients (Lighthouse, Prysm, Teku, Nimbus, Lodestar) and Execution Layer clients (Geth, Nethermind, Besu, Erigon). ePBS introduces the Payload Timeliness Committee (PTC) mechanism, which cannot run on older client versions. Validators that do not update will lose synchronization with the network once the fork activates.

What are the main risks or challenges in implementing Ethereum Glamsterdam?

The complexity of ePBS is the greatest challenge. Separating the proposer and builder roles at the protocol level touches nearly the entire Ethereum technical stack, requiring all clients to handle the concept of “partial blocks”, something that previously did not exist in the protocol. The Ethereum Foundation acknowledged in its May 2026 protocol update that ePBS implementation is more complex than initially estimated, though multi-client devnets have been running stably. The second risk is the gas repricing from EIP-8037: changes to how data storage costs are calculated could catch dApp developers off guard if they have not completed an audit before mainnet.

How to Buy ETH and Other Crypto on Pintu

Now that you understand the major upgrade underway on the Ethereum network, you can start investing in ETH and other assets directly through Pintu. You can also trade Futures on Pintu Pro Web!

1. Create a Pintu account and complete the identity verification process to start trading.
2. On the homepage, click the deposit button and top up your Pintu balance using your preferred payment method.
3. Open the market page and find your favorite asset!
4. Click buy and enter the amount you want.
5. You now own crypto assets!

Download the Pintu crypto app on the Play Store and App Store! Your security is guaranteed as Pintu is licensed and supervised by the Financial Services Authority (OJK) & CFX.

In addition to trading, you can also learn about crypto further through various Pintu Academy articles updated every week!

References

• Ethereum Foundation, “Glamsterdam Upgrade“, ethereum.org, accessed June 11, 2026.
• Forkcast, “Glamsterdam“, forkcast.org, accessed June 11, 2026.
• Benjamin Thalman, “Glamsterdam: What Ethereum’s Next Upgrade Means for Institutional Stakers“, figment.io, May 5, 2026.
• Ethereum Foundation, “Protocol Update May 2026“, blog.ethereum.org, May 28, 2026.