Aave Price Jumps Amid Revenue Sharing Plans With Token Holders

Aave DAO has reported $140 million in revenue for 2025, surpassing the combined income of the previous three years. This surge highlights the rapid growth of the protocol and its increasing influence within the decentralized finance (DeFi) space. The revenue milestone has sparked renewed discussions about governance, transparency, and control.

Founder Stani Kulechov has addressed recent concerns regarding his personal purchase of AAVE tokens and governance practices. He clarified that the acquisition was a personal investment and not a strategic move to influence voting outcomes. However, the timing of the purchase has fueled debate about the concentration of voting power.

Community members continue to scrutinize governance practices, especially around revenue allocation and treasury management. Critics argue that some fees from integrations, such as the CoW Swap, are directed to Aave Labs instead of the DAO treasury. This arrangement has raised concerns about the separation between the DAO and the development team according to recent reports.

Why Did This Happen?

Kulechov emphasized the growth of the Aave ecosystem and its ability to support multiple independent service providers. He also reiterated his team's commitment to collaboration with builders on the platform. Nevertheless, community members remain cautious about maintaining clear boundaries between Aave Labs and the DAO.

The recent revenue surge has intensified demands for transparency and accountability. Supporters see the earnings as a sign of the protocol's economic strength, while critics stress the importance of balanced governance and clear operational boundaries according to market analysis.

How Did Markets React?

Aave continues to dominate the DeFi lending market, commanding 59% of the total market share. The protocol processed $885 million in fees during 2025 from real economic activity, further solidifying its position. Analysts view this as evidence that Aave is well-positioned to bridge DeFi and traditional finance.

The Aave App, which offers high yields on fiat deposits and mimics a neobank experience, has contributed to the protocol's growing appeal. Institutional interest in DeFi is also rising, with 74% of institutional investors planning to enter the market within two years.

What Are Analysts Watching Next?

As the Aave ecosystem expands, attention turns to governance reforms and revenue-sharing mechanisms. The DAO has proposed transferring control of key brand assets to the community, but the measure failed in a recent vote. This outcome highlights the ongoing friction between developers and token holders according to recent developments.

Kulechov has committed to improving clarity around fee structures and income sources. These efforts are seen as critical for maintaining trust as the protocol generates more revenue. Investors are closely watching how these developments unfold and whether they lead to a more decentralized governance model according to market observers.

The growing revenue also increases expectations for accountability. Aave's $140 million milestone has intensified calls for transparent governance and clear operational boundaries. These factors will likely shape the protocol's future as it continues to scale according to community analysis.