Across Protocol Plans Move to C-Corp, ACX Token Rockets 80%

Across Protocol is proposing a major structural shift, offering ACX token holders the choice to swap their tokens for equity in a new U.S. C-corporation or sell them for a 25% premium. If approved, this would be one of the first significant reversals from a DAO to a traditional corporate structure.

The team cited hurdles in securing institutional deals under its current DAO setup. “The token and DAO structure has materially impacted our ability to close partnerships and integrations,” the proposal reads. “Transitioning to a traditional legal entity would improve our ability to enter enforceable contracts, structure revenue agreements, and deliver more value to stakeholders.”

ACX surged 80% to $0.06 after the proposal, up from $0.033, briefly reaching $0.07. The spike reflects market pricing of the buyout floor, though traders may also be anticipating that the equity option could be more valuable. Bitcoin and the CoinDesk 20 remain largely flat.

Under the plan, holders have two options:

• Equity Conversion: Large holders (5M ACX+) can directly convert tokens into shares of the new entity, AcrossCo, which will manage protocol IP. Smaller holders can participate via a no-fee SPV starting at 250,000 ACX, with a 1:1 token-to-share ratio for all.
• USDC Buyout: Tokens can be sold at $0.04375, a 25% premium, with a six-month window funded by protocol liquidity.

Governance includes a community call on March 18, discussions through March 25, and a Snapshot vote on March 26. Conversion would begin in early April if approved.

While DeFi has long promoted DAOs over traditional corporations, Across argues that a conventional C-corp will better support growth and institutional adoption. Risk Labs called ACX “significantly undervalued” and the proposal an opportunity to “double down on Across.”

The token’s 24-hour trading volume of $149 million—over three times its market cap—reflects intense speculative interest as governance decisions approach.