> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://usdu.gitbook.io/docs/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://usdu.gitbook.io/docs/governance/guardians.md).

# Guardians

**Guardians** provide a critical layer of decentralized security for the USDU Finance Protocol. Guardians are the collective of $**sUSDu holders**, and they hold **veto power** over any proposed change or new module that could affect the protocol.

**Why Guardians?**

While the Curator (USDU Core DAO) proposes new modules or integrations, the protocol must remain community-driven and resistant to governance capture or unsafe upgrades.

Guardians act as the final line of defense to ensure that:

* The core principles of $USDu remain intact.
* No risky or malicious proposal can be pushed through.
* The protocol evolves in a way that aligns with the interests of $sUSDu holders and the broader ecosystem.

**How It Works:**

* After a proposal from the Curator has passed the DAO vote and completed the Timelock, it enters a **Guardian veto window**.
* During this window, **any $sUSDu holder** can participate in governance to reject a proposal.
* If a veto threshold is reached, the proposal is canceled and will not be executed.
* If no veto occurs, the proposal is executed and goes live on the protocol.

**Benefits of the Guardian Model:**

* **Decentralized oversight** by the token holders who are most aligned with protocol success.
* Ensures **checks and balances** on the actions of the Curator and Core DAO.
* **Empowers $sUSDu holders** with real governance utility beyond passive staking.
* Protects against **malicious or rushed changes** to the system.

**Summary:**

Guardians are a vital safeguard for the long-term stability and integrity of $USDu. They ensure that the protocol remains community-aligned, transparent, and resilient while still allowing innovation through the modular Curator system.