Balancer Labs to shut down as protocol shifts to leaner DAO and foundation control after financial strain.

Balancer Labs is closing as the DeFi protocol transitions to management by the Balancer Foundation and DAO to reduce costs after financial difficulties. The decision follows a major hack in November 2025 and a sharp decline in total value locked (TVL), which dropped from $3.3 billion in 2021 to about $158 million recently. Executives aim to cut BAL token emissions to zero and increase revenue flow to the DAO, while operating with a smaller team. The protocol will continue under this leaner structure, focusing on sustainability and governance by the community and foundation.