Cetus Confirms Aggregator Back Online, Addresses Frozen Funds Issue

Cetus Protocol, a DeFi platform on the Sui blockchain, announced its aggregator is back online following a $223 million hack on May 22, 2025.

The incident has sparked debates over decentralization and protocol governance, as Cetus coordinates recovery efforts and user reimbursements within the Sui community.

Cetus Restores After $223M Crypto Asset Compromise

$223 million in crypto assets were compromised, prompting discussions about decentralization and the need for protocol upgrades. Cetus Protocol updated the community on the status of frozen assets.

Key actions include restoring the aggregator platform online and announcing an upgrade proposal. Involved parties such as the Sui Foundation and validators are weighing in on the implications of these changes.

Community Concerns Over $223M Hack’s Economic Impact

The hack’s immediate impact included a substantial drop in TVL (Total Value Locked), affecting platform liquidity and user trust. Community responses have been varied, focusing on governance and decentralization concerns.

The financial implications emphasize the reliance on protocol governance, especially in asset recovery processes. The Sui Foundation’s statement highlights the ongoing need to safeguard user funds amid recovery efforts.

Examining Past DeFi Exploits for Future Insights

Parallels with past DeFi platform exploits highlight recurring debates on immutability and user protection. Experiences on Ethereum and Solana are especially relevant as the Sui community navigates these challenges.

Potential outcomes include stronger community-driven governance structures to prevent future incidents. Historical trends suggest such incidents prompt regulatory and self-regulatory shifts in DeFi ecosystems.

Sui Foundation, Governance Body, Sui Foundation, “Earlier today, Cetus called for a community vote on a protocol upgrade to return the frozen funds, without rolling back chain history or reversing transactions. This is an extraordinary request in response to extraordinary need–Cetus’s customer funds are at stake. After consideration, we support their call for an on-chain vote.”