The document advocates for federal recognition of Wyoming’s Decentralized Unincorporated Nonprofit Association (DUNA) framework, signed into law in 2024, as a model for providing DAOs with legal clarity while preserving their decentralized governance structures.
The letter stated:
“DAOs in the US have historically faced persistent legal uncertainty. Many DAOs do not have clarity on whether basic undertakings, such as the ability to sign contracts, manage assets, or meet tax obligations, will expose participants to personal liability.”
The letter references the President’s Working Group Report on Digital Assets, which mandates Treasury and IRS collaboration with blockchain nonprofits to facilitate US domiciliation.
Uniswap Governance, described as “one of the largest and most active DAOs in the world,” has proposed adopting the DUNA structure as a test case for the broader ecosystem. The coalition argues this represents a milestone demonstrating that compliance and decentralization can coexist within US legal frameworks.
The diverse coalition spans infrastructure providers, DeFi protocols, venture funds, and policy advocacy groups.
The signatories emphasized the competitive threat posed by other jurisdictions actively courting blockchain organizations.
The letter warns that continued regulatory ambiguity risks pushing innovation away from US markets as global competitors establish clearer frameworks for decentralized entities.
The coalition requests three specific federal actions: recognition of good-faith DAO compliance efforts, engagement with communities piloting frameworks like DUNA, and provision of federal pathways, including safe harbors, interpretive guidance, or tailored rulemaking.
The letter concluded:
“With thoughtful collaboration, we can ensure that the U.S. remains a home for internet-native innovation rooted in transparency, compliance, and open participation.”
