MEV Blocker Starts Earning Revenue from Builders, Remains Free for Users
MEV Blocker Starts Earning Revenue from Builders, Remains Free for Users
🐮 MEV Blocker's New Chapter
MEV Blocker, a product launched by CoW DAO a year ago to protect users from maximal extractable value (MEV) attacks, has reached an important milestone. As per CIP-40, MEV Blocker has started earning revenue from builders, allowing CoW DAO to continue supporting the product while keeping it completely free for users. Since its launch, MEV Blocker has rebated almost 1750 ETH to users, with a median refund of 0.007 ETH (approximately $24). It has defined a new category of user-protective RPC endpoints known as 'mev blockers.' MEV attacks are considered theft, and MEV Blocker aims to protect users from such attacks as a public good.
Today marks an important milestone in the evolution of MEV Blocker. Per CIP-40, MEV Blocker is now earning revenue from builders. This allows CoW DAO to continue its support for MEV Blocker and – most importantly – keeps the product completely FREE for users.
🗳️ CIP-40 asks whether MEV Blocker should start charging a fee to builders to use the service. Importantly, the proposed fee mechanism keeps MEV Blocker 100% free for users. Vote on CIP-40 here 👉 snapshot.org/#/cow.eth/prop…
CoW DAO Launches on New Chain and Reports Strong Revenue in January 2026
CoW DAO kicked off 2026 with significant developments in January: - **Chain expansion**: The protocol launched on a new blockchain network - **Revenue growth**: Posted strong protocol revenue numbers for the month - **Performance**: The DAO demonstrated momentum heading into the new year The organization has published a [detailed January recap](https://cow.fi/learn/cow-dao-monthly-recap-january-2026) covering all developments from the month. CoW Protocol specializes in finding optimal trade prices across multiple exchanges and aggregators while providing MEV protection for users.
DAO Secures 2026 Foundation with Renewed Grants Programs
The DAO has voted to renew its core funding programs for 2026, ensuring continued support for builders and contributors. **Key Approvals:** - **CIP-82**: Grants Program renewed - **CIP-83**: Team Grants renewed with enhanced accountability measures The renewed Team Grants now include **stricter, performance-linked milestones**, introducing more rigorous oversight for funded projects. These governance decisions establish the operational framework for the year ahead, with builders and contributors now confirmed for 2026.
CoW DAO Value Distribution RFP Proposals Under Review
CoW DAO's Request for Proposals (RFP) for designing a **Value Distribution Mechanism** has closed submissions and entered the review phase. **What's Being Decided:** - How protocol profits are captured - Management of treasury funds - Distribution mechanisms to token holders The RFP aims to establish a sustainable framework for CoW Protocol's economic model, defining the path forward for value accrual to the community. Proposals are currently being evaluated by the DAO. [Read the full RFP details](https://forum.cow.fi/t/rfp-cow-value-distribution-mechanism/3328)
CoW Protocol Expands: First Aggregator on Plasma Network with New Integrations
CoW Protocol has become the **first aggregator on Plasma Network**, enabling gasless stablecoin swaps on the platform. The protocol also launched three new integrations: - **HeyElsaAI**: Integration with AI agents - **Ondo Finance**: Support for institutional assets - **TokenPocket**: Mobile wallet integration These additions expand CoW Protocol's reach across different user segments, from AI-powered trading to institutional investors and mobile users. The Plasma Network integration builds on the stablecoin-native chain that launched in September 2025 with USDT at its core.
COW Token Achieves Net Negative Emissions in 2025
**Protocol Economics Highlights** COW token demonstrated strong performance in 2025: - **Net buy pressure**: 4.7M COW (0.5% of total supply) - **Buybacks exceeded emissions** in 11 out of 12 months - **37.6M COW bought back** vs. 32.9M emitted This marks sustainable tokenomics with consistent net deflationary pressure. The buyback program, initiated in April 2024 under CIP-38, converts protocol fees into COW tokens through weekly TWAP purchases to offset solver emissions.