Aave governance clash over brand ownership and fees may reshape DeFi in 2026

Aave is holding a governance vote that ends on December 26, 2025, to decide whether its brand and related assets should be transferred to a new DAO-controlled entity for the benefit of AAVE token holders. Large holders, including founder Stani Kulechov, have amassed significant voting power, and the proposal has triggered a sharp move in AAVE's price to around $146 before a modest recovery above $150. As of December 25, most votes were against the transfer, leaving the future structure of Aave's brand control and fee distribution uncertain heading into 2026.