ENS Governance Votes to Formalize Foundation as Operating Body

BitcoinWorld

ENS Governance Votes to Formalize Foundation as Operating Body

The Ethereum Name Service (ENS) community has approved a governance proposal to transform the ENS Foundation into a formal operating organization, marking a significant shift from its previous DAO-led structure. The proposal passed with roughly 70% support, according to a report from The Block.

What the Proposal Entails

Under the approved plan, the ENS Foundation will become a fully structured entity with full-time executives, permanent staff, and a five-member board. The foundation will also gain administrative control over approximately $65 million in assets. This restructuring aims to provide the organization with the legal and operational capacity to engage with formal institutional frameworks, such as working directly with ICANN, the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers, and protecting trademarks associated with the ENS protocol.

Why the DAO Model Was Insufficient

The foundation argued that a decentralized autonomous organization (DAO) alone lacks the legal standing and operational agility required to represent critical internet infrastructure and manage cross-jurisdictional activities. While DAOs excel at community governance and transparency, they often face challenges in signing contracts, holding intellectual property, and interacting with traditional legal entities. This move reflects a broader trend among blockchain projects that are maturing and seeking to bridge the gap between decentralized ideals and real-world regulatory compliance.