Uniswap Eyes Legal Security with Wyoming's DUNA Framework
Uniswap Foundation Proposes DUNI in Wyoming for Legal Structure
The Uniswap Foundation is seeking to establish DUNI (Decentralized Uniswap Nonprofit Association) as a legally recognized entity for Uniswap Governance through Wyoming's legal framework. This initiative intends to provide formal credibility, enhanced capabilities, and safeguards for participants while preserving decentralization.
Wyoming's DUNA Framework to Bolster Uniswap Governance
According to a Uniswap blog post, DUNI will operate under Wyoming’s Decentralized Unincorporated Nonprofit Association (DUNA) law. The Uniswap Foundation has been exploring options for formally structuring governance since last year.
Extensive discussions with delegates, legal experts, and policymakers have led to a model aligned with the protocol's permissionless nature. Wyoming's DUNA law, enacted in 2024, is well-suited for DAOs and consistent with federal market structure legislation like the CLARITY Act.
This law enables decentralized organizations and legal entities to operate without centralized control. If approved, DUNI would position Uniswap Governance as the first major DAO to adopt this structure.
The new entity would enable Uniswap Governance to enter into agreements with developers, service providers, and partner projects. It could also facilitate the activation of protocol fees, expanding the DAO’s revenue streams.
DUNI aims to protect participants from unlimited liability, boosting confidence in governance participation and decisions. By establishing this precedent, Uniswap's DUNA model could guide other DAOs seeking long-term growth and legal compliance.
DAOs have transformed online community engagement, with Uniswap consistently ranking among the top DeFi protocols. However, their scalability is limited by the lack of legal recognition in many jurisdictions.
The structure would also incentivize innovation in the U.S. by providing digital asset projects with a legally compliant operational framework.
UNI Ecosystem Anticipates Governance Evolution with DUNI Proposal
The Uniswap Foundation views DUNI as a cornerstone for the DAO’s next phase, fostering greater autonomy, recognition, and sustainability. The long-term goal includes integrating autonomous protocol and treasury management tools to further reduce reliance on administrative functions.
Community discussions regarding the proposal are ongoing, with detailed documentation available in Uniswap’s governance forum and blog. If approved, DUNI could set a new standard for addressing decentralized governance challenges through effective legal structures.
This development has global implications for DAO operations. U.S. Senator Cynthia Lummis has expressed her support for Uniswap's decision to establish DUNI in Wyoming.
She commended the state's digital asset legislation as exemplary, praising lawmakers for creating frameworks conducive to decentralized non-profit associations.
Congrats to Uniswap for setting down roots in Wyoming! Our state’s laws for digital assets are best-in-class, and I commend the Wyoming Legislature for its foresight in creating decentralized nonprofit associations. https://t.co/R8Xosti7hQ
— Senator Cynthia Lummis (@SenLummis) August 11, 2025