That said, in Ethereum’s case, starting with a proof-of-work protocol allowed its network to grow and expand to the point where it is not easily dominated by any one person or group of actors. “What will happen is a significant drop in Ethereum inflation in part because you’re no longer having people waste billions of their dollars on electricity,” Malekan said. Ethereum has been getting ready to "merge," creating temporary disruptions in some crypto trading and potentially new opportunities for investors.