Pendle to replace vePENDLE with new sPENDLE governance token in January 2026

Pendle plans to phase out its vePENDLE governance token and transition to a new liquid staking token, sPENDLE, with staking set to start on Tuesday and vePENDLE locks paused on Jan. 29. The protocol aims to simplify governance, reduce lock-up frictions with a 14-day withdrawal period or instant exit for a 5% fee, and expand interoperability so the token can be used across other DeFi platforms.