Governance Passed: Sonic Labs Prepares to Take On U.S. Capital Markets

Blockchain developer Sonic Labs has approved a major governance proposal aimed at bringing its ecosystem deeper into traditional finance.

The vote, held on August 20, cleared with near-total support, authorizing $150 million in new token issuance to back the firm’s entry into U.S. capital markets.

ETF plans and Nasdaq strategy

According to the proposal, titled “U.S. Expansion and TradFi Adoption,” Sonic Labs plans to partner with an exchange-traded fund provider to create a regulated ETF tied to its native S token. Around $50 million has been allocated to seed liquidity and support operations for the launch.

The roadmap also includes a $100 million commitment to a Nasdaq private investment in public equity (PIPE). This fund would serve as a strategic reserve for a Nasdaq-listed vehicle, which could purchase S tokens on the open market and through over-the-counter trades.

Tokens involved in this process are expected to be locked for at least three years, an approach designed to strengthen market presence and signal long-term alignment with traditional finance.

U.S. operations and updated tokenomics

Beyond financial products, Sonic Labs is also establishing a dedicated U.S. arm called Sonic USA LLC. The Delaware-based entity will focus on regulatory engagement and new partnerships, with regional executives set to lead operations.

To support this structure, the company will issue 150 million S tokens specifically for Sonic USA, in addition to the $150 million earmarked for ETF and Nasdaq initiatives.

“The focus is to drive adoption and growth and lead engagement in Washington D.C.,” the proposal noted. Sonic Labs framed the expansion as a response to rising institutional demand from the U.S. market.

Alongside the expansion plan, the company also introduced a proposal to adjust its tokenomics. The update includes directing a portion of fees toward gas burns, a move intended to make the S token ecosystem more deflationary over time.

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