Definition ∞ Governance risk controls are mechanisms put in place to manage potential dangers associated with how an organization or system is directed and managed. These are the internal processes, policies, and structures designed to identify, assess, monitor, and mitigate risks related to an entity’s leadership, decision-making, and operational oversight. They ensure accountability, transparency, and compliance with ethical standards and regulatory requirements. Effective controls aim to safeguard assets, maintain data integrity, and support strategic objectives.
Context ∞ In decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs) and other blockchain-based projects, governance risk controls are paramount for maintaining the integrity and security of the protocol. News often discusses the effectiveness of voting mechanisms, treasury management, and upgrade procedures in preventing malicious actors or flawed decisions. The development of robust on-chain governance models with clear risk mitigation strategies is a key area of focus for the long-term viability of decentralized systems.