Usual Protocol UIP-9 Vote Ends

UIP-9, launched by Usual on July 1, 2025, introduces USUALx locking (1, 3, 6, or 12-month terms with up to 8x reward boosts), revenue-funded buybacks (70% of $25M annual revenue), and a phased reduction of token inflation [Usual Blog, Jul 1, 2025]. The goal? Shift from short-term yield farming to sustainable growth, addressing a valuation gap where USUAL trades at 0.1% of Circle’s market cap despite generating 20% of its net income [Usual Blog]. Voting ends at 11:59 PM UTC on July 6, and the outcome could reshape Usual’s token economics, potentially lifting its price and attracting new users. This rapid timeline reflects urgency amid recent market shifts—expect volatility as the community decides.

Recent News

Usual has been on a roll. In May 2025, it hit a $650M TVL milestone, solidifying its position in the stablecoin sector [Usual Blog]. A June 2025 community survey revealed 90% support for locking and 76% for buybacks, driving UIP-9’s design [Usual Blog]. Meanwhile, a 5% drop in Ethereum-based token values on July 4, 2025, per CoinGecko, underscores the need for this reform to stabilize USUAL amid broader market trends.

Future Plans

Post-UIP-9, Usual plans to automate buybacks via smart contracts by late 2025 and explore strategic treasury uses for repurchased tokens [Usual Blog]. The roadmap also hints at expanding USD0 revenue streams and enhancing governance for locked token holders, aiming to cement Usual’s role as a pioneer in revenue-sharing DeFi.

Onchain Data

Specific onchain metrics for UIP-9 (e.g., current staking volume or wallet activity) aren’t publicly detailed yet, as voting is ongoing. However, Usual’s $25M annual revenue and $25M treasury provide a solid foundation for buyback execution [Usual Blog]. Check back post-vote for updated analytics on Dune Analytics or Etherscan.

Community Sentiment

X is buzzing with excitement! Users praise the buyback plan for potential price support, with @CryptoAnalyst21 calling it “a smart move to close the valuation gap” [X, Jul 2, 2025]. Some express caution about lock-in risks, but the 90% approval in the survey suggests strong community buy-in [Usual Blog]. Influencers like @DeFiWatcher highlight Usual’s innovative approach, though a few worry about short-term APY drops.

Additional Insights

Compared to competitors like Curve, Usual’s multi-term locking offers flexibility, while its revenue-backed model mirrors traditional stock buybacks—a unique DeFi twist. With Ethereum’s price forecast at $2,612 by July 6, 2025 [Changelly, Jul 4, 2025], a successful vote could ride this bullish wave. New users might enjoy higher yields with longer locks, but existing holders should weigh liquidity trade-offs.

Risk Disclaimer

Voting or holding USUAL involves risks like market volatility or changes in yield. Always research and invest cautiously.