# Governance Structure in Detail

SolvBTC governance is implemented through a two-layer architecture designed to balance Bitcoin storage security with operational governance efficiency. This document provides a detailed overview of how the governance system is structured and how responsibilities are separated across layers.

The architecture consists of:

* a **FROST Signing Layer**, which secures Bitcoin storage on mainnet via threshold signing, and
* a **Protocol Governance Layer**, which governs smart contract-level operations and administrative controls.

Together, these two layers provide cryptographic security for Bitcoin reserves while enabling robust, continuous governance for protocol operations.

***

### FROST Signing Layer

The first layer secures SolvBTC Bitcoin mainnet storage through **FROST (Flexible Round-Optimized Schnorr Threshold Signatures)**.

Three institutions from the committee act as FROST operators:

* Solv Protocol
* Antalpha
* UOB Ventures

The system operates with **five key shares** in a **3-of-5 threshold configuration**. Solv Protocol holds two key shares, while the remaining three shares are held by the other two institutions.

This layer provides:

* distributed cryptographic control
* resilience against individual signer failure
* strong security guarantees for Bitcoin storage

As the Governance Committee expands, the FROST signing layer can be expanded accordingly to further strengthen security, fault tolerance, and operational efficiency.

***

### Protocol Governance Layer

The second layer governs protocol-level operations, including:

* SolvBTC minting and burning
* Protocol configuration and administrative actions
* Smart contract upgrades

The protocol governance layer is designed to operate across multiple execution environments, including various Layer 1 and Layer 2 networks where SolvBTC is deployed. On EVM-compatible chains, governance actions are executed via a multi-signature mechanism implemented with **Gnosis Safe**. On non-EVM chains, the same governance model is enforced using the ecosystem’s widely adopted multi-signature solution for that network. This approach ensures consistent security and operational control across heterogeneous blockchain environments.

#### Key Distribution

From the seven institutions, **six members serve as active governors**, while **one member remains as a backup participant**.

Among the six active participants:

* Solv Protocol holds **two governance keys**
* The other five active institutions each hold **one governance key**

This results in **seven governance keys**.

Governance decisions require a **4-of-7 approval threshold**.

#### Backup Member Mechanism

The remaining institution acts as a backup member.

If one of the active members exits or becomes unable to participate:

1. The backup institution immediately replaces the departing member
2. Governance operations continue without interruption
3. The committee subsequently identifies a new seventh member to restore the original structure

This mechanism ensures continuity, stability, and resilience of the governance process.


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