# Appoint Index as DUNA Compliance Administrator

## TL;DR

Appoint **Index** as a DUNA Compliance Administrator. This proposal lays out relevant legal guidance, admin responsibilities, and related information for the upcoming DUNA admin term.

The Compliance Administrators’ duties, responsibilities and authorization to act on behalf of the DAO are enumerated in the Bylaws set forth in [Proposal 727](https://nouns.wtf/vote/727). This proposal contains certain modifications of those duties, responsibilities, and authorization to act on behalf of the DAO that are effective only as to my initial term as a Compliance Administrator. (If another Compliance Administrator is elected, her duties, responsibilities and authorization to act on behalf of the DAO will be determined by the Bylaws, or a DAO proposal that modifies them.) These modifications are in accordance with Section 2.2 of the Bylaws, which states that the DAO may authorize a Compliance Administrator to exercise rights, powers, and privileges set forth in an approved DAO proposal.

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## Introduction

Hi, it’s Index again. I’m applying to continue in the role of Nouns DUNA Compliance Administrator (or Reserve).

Over the last year, I’ve been fortunate to serve as Compliance Administrator during the initial DUNA transition and first operating year. My work focused on making the Wyoming DUNA real in practice while building processes and structure that balanced regulatory compliance with the DAO’s long history and unique culture.

Some of that work included:

- Coordinating with the Foundation and its advisors to ensure a seamless transition to the Wyoming DUNA 
- Working to establish new processes for the DUNA in line with legal, tax, and accounting advice 
- Supporting compliant payments and grants, including the return of funds from cancelled or adjusted proposals 
- Engaging with external parties to legitimize the DUNA through discussions and required documentation 

Outside of the DUNA work, I’ve also contributed to Nouns in a variety of ways over the years:

- **Noundry contributions**: Index Card head, Curling Stone head, broken heart accessory 
- **Meta-governance support**: Lil Nouns, Nouncil, Lil Nouncil 
- **ZeroWeight**: Experimented with providing a voice to community members without voting weight 
- **Tabs**: Built a resource-focused dashboard for DAO information 
- **Nouns.game**: Working on a Nouns client funded strictly through the incentive program, most known for the crystal ball 

## Modifications

I think the Compliance Administrator role is already well defined, and it is best for the DAO’s overall health if it remains that way.

Based on my past experience, the Administrator will still receive requests that fall outside the specific scope of the role. When that happens, I will aim to be helpful without expanding authority. That may mean resolving something quickly, connecting the request with an appropriate DAO member, or bringing it to the broader DAO for discussion, with the goal of reducing friction and keeping things running smoothly.

## Eligibility

This proposal is in accordance with the 2026 DUNA Admin Election process ratified by [the Election Process proposal](https://www.nouns.camp/proposals/905), and meets the following criteria:

- Candidate proposals must be submitted onchain during the designated submission window.    
- Compensation streams for all admin candidates must begin 2/1/26 and end 1/31/27 and shall not exceed 100,000 USDC.  
- Nominees must refrain from influencing the election through voting, meta-governance, or governance discussions, including but not limited to Lil Nouns, Nouncil, or Nogs. 

## Closing Statement

I’m grateful for the time I’ve spent with Nouns so far, from the first FOMO and OG Noundry, through the different “seasons” and forks, and of course the infamous DUNA transition. I hope to keep contributing in whatever way is most useful, regardless of the outcome, and I’m excited to see how Nouns continues to change everyday, forever.

---

# DUNA Context and Admin Info

Nouns DAO has completed its transition from a Cayman Foundation structure to a Wyoming DUNA, as authorized in [Proposal 662](https://nouns.wtf/vote/662). Under the Wyoming DUNA Act:

> "Administrator" means a person authorized by the members of a decentralized unincorporated nonprofit association to fulfill administrative or operational tasks at the direction of the membership (**[Wyoming DUNA Act](https://wyoleg.gov/2024/Enroll/SF0050.pdf)**, 17-32-102. "Definitions(a)(i)"). Additionally, Section 17-32-123. "Selection of administrators; rights and duties of administrators" provides that an administrator will have no authority to act on behalf of the DAO absent specific authorization from its membership.

The DAO now operates as a legally recognized nonprofit association within the United States. This requires ongoing compliance with:

- U.S. federal tax rules  
- Wyoming state law  
- OFAC and sanctions-related restrictions  
- Record-keeping obligations  
- Information-reporting requirements for grant recipients 

The Compliance Administrator structure exists to ensure that the DAO can confidently and continuously meet these obligations.

## Administrator Workload and Day-to-Day Responsibilities

Compliance Administrators review proposals, ensure alignment with the DAO Bylaws and U.S. law, oversee KYC onboarding, manage offchain assets, and coordinate with accountants, tax and legal advisors, and other vendors. These responsibilities require continuous monitoring, communication, and coordination. A high-level overview of the workload is below.

**Proposal and Legal Oversight**

- Review proposals for legal, tax, sanctions, and governance risks  
- Confirm alignment with Bylaws and U.S. law  
- Provide guidance on grant structures and complex proposal flows  
- Engage legal counsel only when needed for liability, sanctions, contracts, or governance interpretation 

**Grant and Treasury Compliance**

- Collect and maintain required tax documents before disbursement  
- Administer sanctions checks and verify grantee eligibility  
- Coordinate with accountants and tax advisors on proper categorization and reporting  
- Support accurate crypto or fiat payouts authorized by proposals 

**KYC and Contributor Onboarding**

- Manage grantee onboarding and verification through Persona  
- Assist with technical or verification issues  
- Maintain secure compliance records for audits and reporting needs 

**Operations and Administration**

- Execute required offchain actions for passed proposals, including agreements and payments  
- Manage compliance documentation and secure storage  
- Oversee offchain assets and infrastructure such as domains and service accounts  
- Coordinate with registered agent and external vendors  
- Ensure administrator actions reflect the intent and scope of passed proposals 

**Community Transparency**

- Answer contributor questions about compliance and legal processes  
- Publish updates, resources, and best practices  
- Provide compliance insights to Veto Administrators when needed 

The above work enables smooth operations, reduces legal and tax exposure, and ensures the DAO remains transparent and accountable to its contributors.

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## Administrator Duties

The Administrator shall fulfill certain administrative or operational tasks required by the DAO by exercising only the powers, rights, and privileges as specifically enumerated via proposals passed by Nouns DAO, including this proposal and the Bylaws set forth in [Proposal 727](https://nouns.wtf/vote/727). The Reserve Administrator acts as an alternate to the Compliance Administrator, ensuring consistent fulfillment of compliance duties and providing advisory support as needed.

Per Nouns DAO [Proposal 662](https://nouns.wtf/vote/662), Administrators "will be responsible for making sure taxes are filed, overseeing KYC of grants, and making sure vetoers are aware of potentially problematic proposals" as main priorities. In accordance with this, the Compliance Administrator's duties shall include:

1. Reviewing each DAO proposal for compliance with applicable laws and regulations and the DAO' governing principles. Compliance includes:
   a) Tax compliance and confirming receipt of W9 or W8 tax information for grant recipients prior to disbursement of funds.
   b) OFAC/Sanctions compliance by confirming there is an operational wallet check process.
   c) Compliance with applicable laws and regulations (e.g. ensuring no illegal activity is included in a proposal).
   The Compliance Administrator shall signal the state of compliance for each proposal using available DAO tools/clients. If the Compliance Administrator deems that a veto should be used on a proposal due to non-compliance or other existential risk to the DAO, they will inform the Veto Administrators promptly for their review. This is a recommendation only and shall not bind the Veto Administrators in any way.
   Additionally, the Compliance Administrator shall have the authority to take all necessary action to ensure compliance with such applicable laws or regulations, including but not limited to notifying the DAO of regulatory or legal risks, notifying the Veto Administrator(s), or engaging outside legal counsel and advisors.  
2. The Compliance Administrator may coordinate the contracting of a Registered Agent as allows by the **[Wyoming DUNA Act](https://wyoleg.gov/2024/Enroll/SF0050.pdf)**, 17-32-110 "Appointment of agent to receive service of process", and serve as the contact for said agent.  
3. The Compliance Administrator shall be responsible for contracting legal and tax professionals, ensuring that taxes are filed, and serving as the DAO's contact with said professionals and related contractors.  
4. The Compliance Administrator shall be responsible for the legal enactment of any proposals passed by the DAO such as the execution of contracts or agreements, the opening of bank accounts, or the facilitation of payments of DAO debts or liabilities.  
5. The Compliance Administrator shall be responsible for communicating relevant DUNA information to DAO members and facilitating requests for information. Whenever possible under law, information will be made publicly available, preferably onchain. 

## Administrators' Participation in DAO Activities

During the Administrator's term, to ensure clarity, the Administrator will refrain from voting with their own Nouns and will use a separate administrator wallet to signal whether a proposal is in compliance. They will not vote FOR or AGAINST any proposal, but will communicate on-chain in regards to compliance. They will retain all other rights as a member of the DAO.

Additionally, the Compliance Administrators will avoid voting on Nouns DAO proposals in any subdaos or meta-governance during their term. 

The Compliance Administrators may however submit any proposals needed to further the authorized activities noted in this proposal or as needed.

## Opening of Bank Accounts for Fiat Payment Processing

In order to facilitate payments that can not be made directly in crypto via proposal, the Compliance Administrator will be authorized by this proposal to open a bank account for this purpose. The Compliance Administrator may only pay any specific DAO service providers or bills if authorized to do so via a DAO proposal.

## Indemnification

The DAO shall indemnify and hold harmless, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, the Compliance Administrator for any debt, obligation or other liability incurred in the course of activities on behalf of the DAO. Note any limitations that may be found in the **[Wyoming DUNA Act](https://wyoleg.gov/2024/Enroll/SF0050.pdf)**.

## Term

The intended term for this role as Compliance Administrator under this proposal is 1 year from the beginning of the compensation stream. The DAO may adjust this term via proposal to remove/replace me as Compliance Administrators. Note: Administrators are independent contractors and not employees of the DAO.

## Additional Governing Documents

Relevant information may also be found in the **[Wyoming DUNA Act](https://wyoleg.gov/2024/Enroll/SF0050.pdf)**, The Bylaws and any proposals passed by the DAO may alter the duties and responsibilities of the Administrator or limit the authorization of Administrator to act.

## DUNA Admin Payment and Administrator Agreement

The proposed compensation for **Index**'s role as Compliance Administrator will be **72,000 USDC** paid via stream (**6,000 USDC per month**). This stream will be cancellable upon the passage of a proposal to remove and/or replace the Compliance Administrator.

Administrators will be responsible for the purchase of any E&O or D&O insurance if desired. Any other expenses necessary to execute the Administrator's duties will be submitted for authorization via proposals to the DAO.

Following the successful passing of this proposal, the DUNA will enter into an Administrator Agreement with **Index** that sets forth the proposed compensation and other terms and conditions of their role as Compliance Administrator.

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### Transactions

- Stream **72,000 USDC** to **indexcard.eth (**0x10deC36B4AC9d3b60490dFE2799881287d4a74cc) from 2/1/2026 through 1/31/2027

Outcome: EXECUTED