The Ethereum blockchain is a distributed ledger that works without needing intermediaries like banks. It records transactions and creates value by rewarding those who update it with tokens known as ether, which are then used to purchase other services on the platform. But Ethereum is vulnerable to hackers and has been criticized for slow transaction times and high fees. To address these concerns, the Ethereum team introduced an upgrade called Merge that will switch from proof-of-work to proof-of-stake network. This new system rewards people with Ethereum for verifying other users’ updates to the ledger instead of paying mining companies directly, making it more energy-efficient and faster than existing blockchain. Both will continue operating simultaneously.

Proof of stake could help the Ethereum blockchain attract new investors. Proof of stake involves using a computer program that gives holders of cryptocurrency an incentive to maintain the system – unlike proof of work which requires competing with other computers to solve complex math puzzles and burn energy, proof of stake rewards those who invest their ETH by offering them a percentage of fees charged when other transactions occur. Some analysts believe it may help maintain Ethereum security over time.

But the biggest impact may be regulatory. With The Merge shifting Ethereum from proof of work to proof of stake, which no longer classifies as a commodity and falls under the purview of regulators such as Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), more regulation could potentially emerge and possibly diminish price gains; an action which has long been planned by Ethereum community members themselves. The shift to proof of stake is just part of this larger plan which they’ve been working on for some time.

After years of massive losses and regulatory scrutiny, crypto could use some good news, and just received it: Ethereum blockchain will undergo a major upgrade or merge that will switch it from proof of stake to proof of stake and increase energy efficiency as well as yield more staking yields; some think this move could help drive mainstream adoption; however it could also impact prices, according to CNBC Make It reports.

But will The Merge truly quiet crypto haters? Unfortunately not. It is impossible to know exactly how The Merge will impact prices given that many cryptocurrencies remain in bear market conditions and therefore anything could go wrong – yet many anticipate that it may provide Ethereum currency (ETH) with a boost, at least temporarily.

Though the Merge won’t instantly make Ethereum faster or reduce transaction fees, it will lay the groundwork for future upgrades that will make investing in its network more attractive for investors. According to Greg King of Osprey Funds’ Osprey Funds’ Greg King tells CNBC Make It: “This should provide a solid basis for further enhancements of speed, fees, ecosystem development and overall infrastructure improvements.”