The coalition of Input Output Global (IOG), EMURGO, Cardano Foundation, Intersect, and Midnight Foundation — now collectively referred to as the “Pentad” — has officially moved the long‑anticipated 70 million ADA proposal from planning into action. After the earlier “info governance” stage was approved, the formal Treasury‑withdrawal request was submitted a few days ago and is currently live for voting by Delegated Representatives (DReps). Upon approval, the Pentad will receive the requested funds to build critical infrastructure for the network. Why the 70 M ADA Matters The 70 M ADA request is not just another budget ask — it’s pitched as a foundational investment meant to unlock long‑awaited infrastructure upgrades. The Pentad aims to deploy the funds across five interlinked pillars: tier‑one stablecoins, institutional‑grade custody and wallets, pricing oracles, cross‑chain bridges, and advanced analytics tooling. These components are considered essential for enabling serious DeFi activity, real-world asset (RWA) tokenization, and institutional participation on the network. Historically, many observers have flagged Cardano’s lack of such infrastructure as a bottleneck preventing broad adoption and competitive parity with other smart‑contract platforms. More broadly, this move is part of a deliberate strategic reset. After a recent ledger bug triggered a chain split that jolted confidence in the network’s stability, the Pentad’s unified push signals a shift from fragmentation and isolation toward coordinated execution. By consolidating resources and aligning goals, the group hopes to give Cardano a more coherent roadmap for growth heading into 2026. Governance Process: From Info‑Action to Withdrawal Vote The process began with an “info‑action” proposal — an on‑chain mechanism that allows stakeholders to signal intent before requesting funds. This preliminary step has already been approved. A few days ago, the Pentad escalated matters by submitting a formal Treasury‑withdrawal proposal. That proposal is now publicly active, meaning DReps can cast their votes. If the vote passes, the 70 M ADA will be disbursed to the Pentad under the terms laid out in the proposal (with execution and accountability overseen by Intersect, per the original submission). This structured, two‑phase governance approach demonstrates how the ecosystem’s on‑chain governance model is evolving — potentially becoming more predictable and execution‑oriented. What Happens Next: Execution and Watchpoints If DReps approve the withdrawal, the immediate next step will be deployment: signing contracts with integration partners, rolling out stablecoins, custody solutions, oracles, bridges and analytics systems. Execution will be under a milestone‑based framework to ensure accountability and measurable deliverables. That said, the success of this plan depends on more than just funds. Stablecoins and oracles require regulatory clarity, especially given the global scrutiny on stablecoin issuers. Cross‑chain bridges and custody providers must navigate security and compliance. And institutional‑grade analytics tooling demands both technical sophistication and transparent governance. If any piece of the Pentad’s plan falters, it could stall adoption or, worse, erode confidence. Still, if all goes smoothly, Cardano could transition from years of planning and ambition to a materially improved infrastructure — positioning itself to compete more credibly in the evolving world of real‑world assets, institutional finance and large‑scale DeFi. In short: the Pentad isn’t just asking for money — it’s asking for a chance to reset how Cardano builds. With the 70 M ADA withdrawal now under active DRep voting, the network might soon turn a page — from proposals to production.
