Katana Governance¶
From day one, Katana launches in Stage 1.
It meets and exceeds this standard via…
- Full Execution Proofs, which use zero-knowledge technology to ensure that chain data is accurate;
Instead, on-chain controls and institutional checks ensure that governance decisions reflect the interests of a diverse, security-conscious ecosystem. All critical upgrades and administrative functions must be reviewed and approved by a group of independent stakeholders, rather than a single team or company.
Overview: Purpose-Built for Security, Speed, and Ecosystem-First Control¶
Katana is more than a high-yield, deep-liquidity DeFi chain—it’s a governance-first blockchain where infrastructure and decision-making are embedded directly into the chain’s architecture. From day one, Katana’s technical governance ensures rapid iteration and swift emergency response—without compromising decentralization.
Katana launches with a two-tier governance structure: a nimble proposal engine (Katana Admin) and a robust safety mechanism (DeFi Security Council). Together, they ensure Katana Network can evolve quickly, protect user funds, and stay aligned with its ecosystem partners.
tl;dr: Two Multisigs, One Coordinated System¶
- Katana Admin (5/9 Multisig): Proposes all critical system changes. Controlled by foundational engineering contributors at Katana Foundation, Polygon Labs, Conduit, and GSR.
- DeFi Security Council (10/13 Multisig): Oversees system security. Can veto or fast-track changes. Composed of top-tier infrastructure providers and DeFi integrators offering in-protocol services and tooling within the Katana ecosystem.
Security and speed shouldn’t be trade-offs. By separating proposal power (Admin) from execution control (Security Council), Katana ensures:
- Fast iteration without sacrificing trust.
- Robust defense against bugs or exploits.
- Clear accountability backed by top-tier ecosystem partners.
Just like Katana’s yield-generating tokens and composable apps, governance here is protocol-native—flexible enough to evolve, and secure enough to scale.
Katana Admin: Fast, Focused, and Frameworked¶
Multisig Address: TBD
The Katana Admin multisig is the operational heartbeat of Katana governance. It initiates all technical upgrades, config changes, and system-level proposals. Here’s how it works:
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5-of-9 multisig, controlled by major network partners Katana Foundation, GSR, Conduit, and Polygon Labs.
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Upgrades and improvements are proposed by the Admin and automatically enter a 10-day timelock—a cooling-off period designed to give the network time to audit and react.
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The Admin is responsible for systems-level architecture: bridge contracts, verifier upgrades, revenue mechanisms, $KAT token issuance, and ecosystem subsidies.
Think of the Admin as the first-mover in a system built for safe agility—ready to evolve Katana without risking centralization.
DeFi Security Council: Watchdog with Real Teeth¶
Multisig Address: TBD
Sitting above the Admin multisig is the DeFi Security Council, a 13-member multisig that provides oversight and final control. It’s designed for ecosystem-aligned emergency governance, and it plays two critical roles:
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Veto Power: With a 10-of-13 vote, the Council can stop any Admin proposal before it executes.
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Emergency Execution: In the event of a critical vulnerability or exploit, the Council has power to intervene.
Members include leading DeFi protocols and infrastructure teams operating within Katana—those running core apps, managing stablecoins, or maintaining validator infrastructure.
| Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Katana Foundation Engineering/Security Multisig | 0xd0673F989bc3BA9314d0AAF28BfC84e99B7898CC |
| Polygon Labs Engineering/Security Multisig | 0x4e981bAe8E3cd06Ca911ffFE5504B2653ac1C38a |
Communication and Coordination¶
The Council operates informally via secure channels.
Proposals, upgrades, and emergency signals are shared asynchronously.