ADVANCING DAO STANDARIZATION
A Blockstand Project
About The Project
This project, implemented by us, funded by Blockstand and supported by key partners, aims to advance the standardization and regulatory frameworks for Decentralized Autonomous Organizations (DAOs) across multiple jurisdictions. As DAOs continue to grow and evolve, there’s a pressing need to address the legal and structural complexities surrounding them. This study will analyze existing legal frameworks, capture insights from DAO practitioners, and ultimately propose a framework tailored to the European Union, informed by lessons learned from global best practices. By fostering understanding and collaboration between policymakers, industry leaders, and DAO communities, we aim to create a foundation that supports both innovation and regulatory clarity, paving the way for secure and scalable DAO adoption worldwide.
01
Comparative Analysis Report
A comprehensive report reviewing DAO legal frameworks across various jurisdictions, including the Cayman Islands, Marshall Islands, Switzerland, the United States (Wyoming), Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), Japan, and the United Kingdom. This analysis will identify strengths, weaknesses, and differences to provide a foundational understanding of how each jurisdiction addresses DAO operations, setting the stage for informed discussions.
02
Interviews & Challenges Article
Based on the findings from the comparative analysis, this article will summarize insights gathered from interviews with DAO practitioners and decentralization experts. The focus will be on practical challenges DAOs face within different legal frameworks, providing real-world insights into governance, compliance, and operational issues. The article will propose actionable solutions based on expert recommendations.
03
Policy Position Paper
04
Stakeholder Engagement
The final phase will involve engaging with policymakers, policy experts, and standardization bodies to discuss recommendations from industry experts. This position paper will offer a concise proposal for a European DAO framework, drawing on global best practices and lessons learned. By aligning with the unique needs of the EU, this paper will aim to foster an environment that supports innovation while ensuring robust legal protections for DAOs operating within the region.
To maximize the project’s impact, we will actively engage with key stakeholders throughout the research process. This includes ongoing collaboration with Ismael Arribas, Liaison Officer of ISO TC 307 for INATBA and Convenor of Working Group 3 on Smart Contracts and their Applications, to align findings with current ISO standards and provide insights that may inform future ISO initiatives on DAOs. We will also involve policymakers, industry leaders, and community stakeholders to foster a holistic dialogue that supports the project’s objectives and facilitates adoption of the proposed framework. This engagement will ensure that the proposed recommendations are practical, aligned with international standards, and ready for real-world implementation.
Our Partners
We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to María del Sagrario Navarro, Professor of Commercial Law at the University of Castilla-La Mancha, and Ismael Arribas, Liaison Officer of ISO TC 307 for INATBA and Convenor of the Working Group on Smart Contracts and their Applications, for their invaluable support and expertise in the development of this project. Our heartfelt thanks also go out to all our partners whose collaboration is essential to the successful implementation of this initiative. Their commitment and contributions are instrumental in advancing the standards and frameworks that will shape the future of DAOs.