MetaMask Is Exploring Launching Its Native Token, May Launch a Decentralized Autonomous Organization (DAO)

MetaMask, the Ethereum ecosystem's most widely used wallet, is still mulling over the idea of launching its native token, according to co-founder Dan Finlay.

In the rapidly evolving landscape of cryptocurrency, the prospect of MetaMask launching its own native token has long been a subject of anticipation and speculation. During a recent interview on The Block's popular "Crypto Beat" podcast, Dan Finlay, co-founder of the Ethereum ecosystem’s most widely used wallet, offered a rare glimpse into the project's potential plans.

When asked directly about a MetaMask token, Finlay playfully responded, "Maybe," hinting at the ongoing internal discussions.

"If we ever do it, it’ll be clear, straightforward, and embedded right within the wallet itself," Finlay stated. "Users won't need to chase links from random social media accounts or worry about phishing scams. The announcement and access will come directly through MetaMask’s official app and website."

This cautious approach reflects the project's awareness of the complex regulatory environment that currently surrounds token launches. The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), previously led by Chair Gary Gensler, has historically taken a stringent stance on digital assets that resemble securities offerings.

Finlay acknowledged that while regulations are still evolving, the potential for a more permissive climate, particularly congruent with the previous Trump administration's policies, could open doors for new, innovative token models.

"There’s a growing space for experimentation," he said. "If regulatory frameworks become clearer and more supportive, it could unlock what I like to call the 'next fun season, a wave of new tokens and decentralized projects that push boundaries and create meaningful user ownership."

MetaMask's token discussions have often been linked to broader ambitions for decentralized governance and community participation. Back in 2021, MetaMask engineer Erik Marks suggested that a token could grant users a form of community ownership over the wallet. This idea came to the forefront when ConsenSys CEO Joseph Lubin teased the prospect with a playful tweet, "Wen $MASK?" further fueling speculation.

In 2022, Lubin elaborated that the token launch would be accompanied by a Decentralized Autonomous Organization (DAO), designed not as a cash grab but as a mechanism to support "progressive decentralization" across ConsenSys projects. The DAO's role would primarily be funding-driven rather than governance-heavy, and steps were planned to prevent abuses such as airdrop farming, a common issue where opportunists game token distributions.

Finlay also expressed concern about the darker side of hype and speculation.

"Speculation tends to attract scammers and phishing attempts," he warned. "That’s why transparency and direct communication through official channels are crucial. MetaMask will never send token links via unsolicited emails, text messages, or unknown social media accounts."

As the crypto space grows increasingly competitive, with rivals like Rainbow and Rabby making strides, MetaMask continues investing in user experience improvements to maintain its leadership.

Finlay concluded, "We’re operating in a permissionless environment with rapid innovation and competition. Staying ahead means constantly evolving and prioritizing user trust."

For now, while no official launch date or tokenomics have been confirmed, the possibility of a MetaMask token remains a hot topic among crypto enthusiasts, who eagerly await further developments. Should it materialize, it could mark a significant milestone in mainstream crypto wallet adoption and user empowerment.