Governance
LiQ Governance Structure: Decentralized Governance Framework
LiQ’s Governance structure is designed to be a decentralized, transparent, and participatory framework that empowers $LIQ token holders to shape the protocol’s evolution. As a DeFi-native liquid staking protocol, LiQ requires robust governance mechanisms to manage its staking infrastructure, DeFi strategy allocations, liquidity incentives, treasury funds, and long-term sustainability.
The governance framework operates through a DAO where $LIQ holders have the ability to propose, vote, and implement changes to the protocol. With a hierarchical governance structure, on-chain voting mechanisms, and a multi-sig controlled treasury, LiQ ensures that the decision-making process remains transparent, democratic, and resistant to centralization.
Governance Model Overview
LiQ follows a progressive decentralization model, transitioning from initial foundation control to full community-driven governance as the protocol matures. Governance operates on a token-weighted system, where $LIQ holders determine key protocol parameters and strategic decisions.
Governance Layers & Roles
$LIQ Token Holders (General DAO Members)
The core governance participants, responsible for voting on proposals.
Stakeholders who hold $LIQ can participate in governance.
Their voting power is proportional to the number of $LIQ tokens staked in the governance contract.
Governance Proposal & Voting Mechanism
LiQ governance operates through a structured on-chain proposal system, ensuring that protocol upgrades, economic policies, and treasury decisions are made transparently and democratically.
Proposal Lifecycle & Submission Process
Proposal Creation
Any $LIQ holder meeting the minimum token threshold can submit a governance proposal.
Proposals must be structured, detailed, and contain clear execution parameters.
A preliminary discussion phase on the governance forum ensures community feedback before formal submission.
On-Chain Voting
The proposal is published on-chain, and $LIQ holders vote via the governance contract.
Voting power is determined by staked $LIQ balances at the snapshot block.
Voting Period: Typically 5-7 days, ensuring fair participation.
Quorum Requirement: A minimum percentage of total $LIQ supply must participate for a vote to be valid.
Voting Outcomes:
Yes → Proposal moves to execution.
No → Proposal is rejected and cannot be resubmitted immediately.
Proposal Execution
If approved, the Governance Council (multi-sig) executes the decision.
Some changes require timelock delays before implementation to prevent governance attacks.
Voting Power & Delegation
Token-Weighted Voting: Governance power is directly proportional to the number of $LIQ tokens held and staked in the governance contract.
Delegation System: Users can delegate their voting power to trusted representatives who participate in decision-making on their behalf.
Quadratic Voting (Future Implementation): To balance governance influence, quadratic voting may be introduced, preventing large holders from dominating the vote.
Key Governance Decisions & Control Parameters
LiQ governance oversees all major protocol decisions, ensuring that community stakeholders control key parameters affecting staking rewards, DeFi strategy allocations, and treasury management.
Governance-Controlled Parameters
1. Protocol Fees & Revenue Allocation
Adjusting protocol performance fees and revenue distribution mechanisms.
Deciding how revenue from DeFi yield strategies is allocated to staking rewards, treasury reserves, and buyback programs.
Staking & Yield Strategy Management
Determining how MNT deposits are allocated between lending, yield farming, cross-chain strategies, and vaults.
Adjusting stMNT reward rates and incentives for liquidity providers.
2. Treasury & Liquidity Fund Allocation
Managing treasury reserves, liquidity mining programs, and ecosystem grants.
Funding new partnerships, cross-chain expansions, and research initiatives.
3. Protocol Security & Risk Management
Approving security audits and implementing safety measures to protect stMNT and governance funds.
Authorizing emergency actions in case of an exploit.
4. Tokenomics & Emission Adjustments
Adjusting $LIQ staking emissions to ensure sustainable long-term token distribution.
Implementing buyback & burn mechanisms to support $LIQ price stability.
Treasury Management & Fund Allocation
LiQ’s governance oversees a decentralized treasury, ensuring that funds are used efficiently for protocol growth and sustainability.
Treasury Composition & Revenue Sources
Protocol Fees: A portion of yield farming, lending, and cross-chain strategy profits.
Liquidity Incentives: Funds allocated to DEX trading pairs & liquidity providers.
DAO Reserve Funds: A governance-controlled treasury used for ecosystem expansion & security grants.
Treasury Fund Utilization
Liquidity Incentives (stMNT/MNT pairs) – Ensuring deep liquidity for efficient trading.
Ecosystem Development & Grants – Funding DeFi integrations, developer bounties, and research projects.
Security & Audits – Allocating funds for ongoing smart contract audits and risk mitigation measures.
Governance Security & Safeguards
Governance Attack Prevention Measures
Timelock Delays: Critical proposals require a 48-hour timelock before execution, preventing flash governance attacks.
Multi-Sig Execution: Governance proposals must be approved by multi-sig signers, ensuring decentralized oversight.
Emergency Pause Mechanism: A failsafe allowing the Security Council to temporarily halt protocol functions in case of an exploit.
Long-Term Decentralization Roadmap
As LiQ evolves, governance will progressively transition from foundation-led oversight to full DAO control.
Phase 1: Governance begins with multi-sig execution & community voting.
Phase 2: Staking rewards & treasury management shift to fully decentralized control.
Phase 3: Full on-chain execution of proposals, removing reliance on manual execution.
Conclusion
LiQ’s governance model is built for decentralized, transparent, and community-driven decision-making. Through on-chain voting, treasury oversight, and protocol governance, $LIQ holders play a direct role in shaping the future of liquid staking, DeFi integrations, and ecosystem expansion. With structured proposal mechanisms, secure execution frameworks, and progressive decentralization, LiQ governance ensures long-term protocol sustainability and alignment between stakeholders.
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