TLDR
- Lido DAO plans to reduce LDO supply by using automated buybacks with Uniswap liquidity pools.
- Lido DAO aims to boost LDO’s liquidity and value through buybacks using staking fees.
- Lido’s new buyback plan is part of its 2026 roadmap to strengthen its token utility.
- The buyback strategy will be governed transparently through Aragon Agent smart contracts.
Lido DAO has introduced a proposal to launch an automated buyback program for its governance token, LDO, utilizing Uniswap-style liquidity pools. This move is designed to reduce the circulating supply of LDO tokens, enhance market liquidity, and strengthen the token’s utility in the decentralized finance (DeFi) space. The initiative, set to roll out in Q1 2026, aims to create a more efficient and robust token economy.
Key Aspects of the Proposal
Lido’s new proposal revolves around the use of Uniswap-v2-style liquidity pools for LDO and wstETH, a wrapped version of stETH. The buyback system would operate automatically through protocol revenues, specifically the staking service fee generated from Lido’s Ethereum staking platform. Lido DAO has decided to implement this approach to reduce LDO’s circulating supply over time and increase its liquidity in the DeFi ecosystem.
The buyback mechanism will be managed by an Aragon Agent, a smart contract tool that ensures governance actions are executed transparently and securely. By using Aragon, Lido ensures that the buyback process is fully automated and governed by the community. This proposal aligns with the broader goals outlined in Lido’s 2026 roadmap.
LDO and Its Role in Ethereum Staking
Lido is a leading platform in Ethereum staking, with over 30% of the total Ethereum supply currently staked through its service. Lido offers users a way to stake ETH while retaining liquidity through tokens like stETH and wstETH. These tokens can be used across various DeFi protocols, allowing stakers to earn additional rewards.
The LDO token itself serves as the governance token for the Lido protocol. LDO holders can vote on critical decisions related to the platform, such as fee structures and network upgrades. As Lido continues to expand, the LDO buyback initiative will play a key role in shaping the token’s value and its position within the DeFi ecosystem.
Economic and Technological Considerations
The proposal’s economic goal is to drive down the supply of LDO in circulation, potentially leading to an increase in its value over time. By purchasing tokens from the open market, Lido hopes to create upward pressure on the token’s price. Similar strategies have been employed by other DeFi projects to stabilize token prices, such as the surplus buyback program used by MakerDAO.
In addition to reducing supply, the liquidity pools created for LDO and wstETH on Uniswap would provide more trading opportunities and incentives for liquidity providers. This move is expected to benefit Lido in terms of both liquidity and the stability of its token’s price.
Governance and Community Approval
The proposal is currently open for discussion within the Lido community. Members will have the chance to debate and vote on the buyback plan through the Lido DAO governance forum. The decision to implement the buyback program will depend on community consensus and approval.





