Ethereum Foundation Unveils New Roadmap: Full Privacy for DeFi, Wallets & Voting!

On September 12, 2025, the Ethereum Foundation introduced a new roadmap under the title “Privacy Stewards of Ethereum.” This roadmap signals a major shift in how privacy will be handled across the Ethereum ecosystem. By 2027, the goal is to provide complete privacy for decentralized finance (DeFi), peer-to-peer transfers, digital wallets, and even blockchain-based voting systems.

The announcement marks the evolution of what was once called the Privacy & Scaling Explorations program. With this rebranding, the Foundation has moved from experimental projects to a full, long-term vision for privacy on Ethereum. The move reflects growing concerns over financial surveillance and data tracking, while also strengthening Ethereum’s position as a leader in blockchain innovation.

The roadmap focuses heavily on zero-knowledge proofs (ZKPs) and other cryptographic methods. These technologies make it possible to confirm that a transaction is valid without revealing details such as the amount or the participants involved. For example, someone could prove they have enough funds to complete a transfer without showing their actual balance.

Several key projects are already underway. Aztec’s Noir programming language is being used to build private smart contracts, while developers are creating zero-knowledge-based voting systems that guarantee both security and anonymity. Wallets like MetaMask are also being upgraded to allow encrypted memos, making it harder for outside observers to guess the purpose of a transaction. Since the announcement, Ethereum’s test networks have already seen a 20 percent increase in ZKP-related activity, which shows how quickly developers are adopting these tools.

Privacy is often described as a human right, and in the world of digital finance, it is becoming a top priority. As DeFi continues to grow, more users want to ensure that their financial activities cannot be tracked or exposed. Recent surveys suggest that nearly half of DeFi users consider anonymity an essential feature. The Ethereum Foundation has emphasized that privacy should be the default option, not an extra feature. This approach could reshape how people use blockchain, encouraging everyday users to adopt Ethereum without worrying about surveillance. The vision is not just about hiding information but about giving people true control over their digital lives.

Ethereum Foundation Roadmap

The roadmap has four main focus areas,  private peer-to-peer transfers, confidential DeFi trading, anonymous voting systems, and secure wallets. Each of these areas could see dramatic changes over the next two years.

In DeFi, protocols like Starknet and Aztec are already developing shielded pools where trades can be conducted without exposing the trader’s identity. Analysts estimate that these pools could process up to ten billion dollars in private transactions by 2026. Voting is another major focus, with trials like ZKorum’s 2024 experiment showing that zero-knowledge proofs can make ballots both verifiable and anonymous. Wallet improvements will add features such as encrypted notes, allowing users to interact privately while still maintaining compliance with regulations.

These efforts also respond to regulatory discussions. In October 2025, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission will held a roundtable on financial surveillance. The timing of Ethereum’s announcement suggests an effort to balance privacy with the need to remain compatible with global regulations.

To support this ambitious plan, the Ethereum Foundation has allocated two million ETH from its treasury to fund community-led privacy projects. This funding builds on Ethereum’s tradition of open governance, where community proposals play a significant role in shaping the network’s direction. In fact, the number of governance proposals has risen by 30 percent in 2025, showing strong developer engagement.

Looking Toward 2027

The next two years will be critical for Ethereum’s privacy journey. The timeline includes the expansion of shielded DeFi pools, wallet upgrades, and the introduction of tokenized assets that support private ownership. Each step will bring Ethereum closer to its goal of a fully private ecosystem. If successful, the roadmap will not only enhance user confidence but could also drive mass adoption of DeFi and blockchain governance. As one developer commented on social media, privacy might turn out to be the feature that finally brings millions of new users into Web3.

By positioning privacy as a central value rather than an optional feature, Ethereum is reshaping the conversation around blockchain technology. It is no longer just about scalability or speed, it is about giving people the freedom to interact digitally without sacrificing control over their personal information.