Former AAVE core member warns: Challenges of DAO sovereignty and brand management

According to PANews reports, former AAVE core member Mark Zeller made important remarks about the true driving force behind the protocol. He emphasized that the DAO supporting AAVE is the core engine, not the now-independent company Avara. Zeller’s perspective, having been involved as a core member of AAVE for many years, is of significant interest within the industry.

Aave DAO as the true driving force: 3 years of proven track record

Over the past three years, all major functions of AAVE have been handled by DAO service providers. Critical tasks such as risk management operations, continuous technical upgrades, and phased ecosystem expansion have been steadily implemented, which are essential for the protocol’s development. The results of these efforts have brought substantial economic value and trustworthiness to the entire AAVE protocol. In other words, the actual operation is supported by a decentralized DAO structure, and the effectiveness of this model has already been proven.

Centralized management of brand assets leading to weakened governance functions

Zeller is concerned that strategic brand assets such as domain names and trademarks continue to be unilaterally managed by private companies. If this situation persists, the governance functions that the DAO should inherently possess could be significantly weakened. The retention of brand management rights outside the DAO is not merely a formal issue but could seriously impact the decision-making structure of the entire protocol.

Chain reaction of negative impacts on ecosystem and talent acquisition

Centralization of brand management not only leads to weakened DAO governance but also undermines fairness within the ecosystem and hampers the recruitment and retention of talented individuals. Core members, developers, and other stakeholders are more likely to commit long-term to protocols where true DAO sovereignty is guaranteed. As long as private management of brand assets continues, this trust structure will inevitably weaken.

The foundation for long-term protocol development is at risk

Zeller ultimately warns that if these structural issues are not addressed, the long-term development foundation of the entire AAVE protocol could face a crisis. The essence and ideal of decentralized governance are that all critical assets and authorities belong to the DAO itself. Returning strategic brand assets and establishing centralized management rights are not just internal adjustments but urgent issues that will determine the future of the AAVE protocol.