Deep Dive
1. Transition to USDS Stablecoin (Ongoing)
Overview: MakerDAO has rebranded to Sky Protocol, with its stablecoin DAI being upgraded to USDS. The tokens are interchangeable 1:1, but USDS is designed as the successor with access to new ecosystem features like the Sky Savings Rate. Major exchanges like Bitso completed technical migrations supporting this transition by September 2025 (Bitso). The shift is voluntary, and DAI remains active as a legacy token.
What this means: This is neutral for DAI holders as parity is maintained, but it's bullish for ecosystem growth as it funnels users toward the upgraded, feature-rich USDS and its integrated governance.
2. Governance Evolution via Endgame (2026–2027)
Overview: The long-term "Endgame" roadmap aims to complete a major governance overhaul by 2027 (Blockworks). This includes implementing staking reforms with lock-ups and establishing a "Core Council" to streamline decision-making. The goal is to move beyond basic stablecoin transactions toward a vertically integrated economy of capital formation.
What this means: This is bullish for long-term protocol resilience and capital efficiency if successfully executed. However, it carries bearish execution risk and depends on achieving higher voter participation to decentralize control.
3. Real-World Asset (RWA) Expansion (Strategic Focus)
Overview: A key strategic initiative is increasing the protocol's collateralization with real-world assets like U.S. Treasury bills. This aims to generate more reliable yield for the ecosystem. As of 2025, RWAs already constituted a significant portion of the collateral mix (CoinMarketCap).
What this means: This is bullish for the protocol's revenue stability and attractiveness as a yield-bearing stablecoin. The main risk is regulatory scrutiny over the tokenization and management of these traditional assets.
Conclusion
Dai's path forward is intrinsically linked to Sky Protocol's ambitious shift from a simple stablecoin to a complex, capital-forming ecosystem through the USDS upgrade, governance modernization, and RWA integration. Will the focus on institutional capital and complex governance attract broader adoption or introduce new points of failure?