Deep Dive
1. Transfer of Labs Assets to DAO (Early 2026)
Overview: A core principle for Usual in 2026 is clarifying ownership. The team, known as the Labs, built the initial protocol infrastructure. The upcoming milestone involves transferring the assets and intellectual property developed by the Labs into the ownership of the Usual DAO (Usual Blog). This formalizes the DAO as the true owner of the system, separating execution (Labs) from governance and ownership (DAO).
What this means: This is bullish for USUAL because it materially advances decentralization, reducing central points of failure and aligning the protocol's future directly with tokenholder interests. The main risk is execution complexity during the asset transfer process.
2. Sunset of USUAL STAR Rights (2026)
Overview: USUAL STAR was a distinct token issued to early investors to fund development pre-launch, with its rights linked to USUAL. As part of the governance maturation phase, these associated rights are scheduled to sunset at the token's maturity in 2026 (Usual Blog). This simplifies the governance structure by consolidating authority solely within the USUAL token.
What this means: This is neutral to bullish for USUAL. It removes a layer of complexity, making the token's value accrual and governance rights more legible. However, it may introduce sell pressure if STAR holders decide to exit their positions upon maturity.
3. Expansion of Native Token Utilities (2026)
Overview: Following the foundational work in Q4 2025, 2026 is set for a broader expansion of utilities for the USUAL token itself (Road to USUAL v2 — Q4 2025). The DAO will explore and implement mechanisms such as enhanced yield opportunities, fee reductions for holders, and loyalty features within the product ecosystem, moving beyond pure governance and revenue distribution.
What this means: This is bullish for USUAL because increased utility can drive higher demand for the token, potentially reducing net sell pressure and strengthening its fundamental value proposition within the Usual ecosystem.
Conclusion
Usual's path focuses on institutionalizing decentralization, simplifying governance, and deepening the utility of its core token. How effectively will the community leverage its newfound ownership to steer the protocol's next growth phase?