Arbitrum DAO okays proposal to boost ARB performance and treasury security

• Arbitrum DAO approves a proposal targeting ARB utility and enhancing treasury security.
• The proposal introduces ARB token staking and retaking using stARB tokens.
• Measures aim to address ARB token underperformance and strengthen the DAO structure.

The Arbitrum DAO has taken a significant step to strengthen its ecosystem by approving a proposal focused on boosting the utility of the ARB token and enhancing governance security.

Garnering an overwhelming 91% approval from over 25,000 participants, the proposal introduces ARB staking and a new liquidity-staking token, stARB, as part of a strategic initiative to address token underperformance and secure the DAO’s growing treasury.

Introduction of a new ARB staking and restaking mechanism

The core of the newly approved proposal is designed to unlock the utility of the Arbitrum (ARB) token by enabling a staking mechanism.

This initiative allows ARB tokenholders to stake and delegate their tokens in exchange for stARB, a liquidity-staking token introduced through the Tally protocol.

The stARB token offers automatic compounding of future rewards, restaking options, and compatibility with various decentralized finance (DeFi) applications, thereby integrating more deeply into the DeFi ecosystem.

While the proposal stops short of immediately distributing fees to token holders, it sets the stage for future benefits. By staking ARB tokens and actively participating in delegation, holders will eventually be eligible to receive surplus sequencer fees.

This mechanism is expected to incentivize greater voter participation within the DAO, addressing the current issue of low engagement among ARB token holders.

A key concern highlighted in the proposal is the underperformance of the ARB token in terms of value accrual. Currently, less than 1% of ARB tokens are actively utilized within the on-chain ecosystem, and voter participation has seen a decline since the DAO’s inception.

The proposal also emphasizes the need to protect the Arbitrum treasury, which has become an increasingly attractive target for potential governance attacks.

By implementing the staking mechanism and encouraging active delegation, the DAO aims to create a more secure governance structure.

This proactive approach is crucial for safeguarding the treasury and ensuring the integrity of the governance process, marking a significant milestone in the ongoing development of the Arbitrum ecosystem.