Token-Curated Registries | Documentation

What is a Token-Curated Registry?

A Token-Curated Registry (TCR) is a decentralized list where entries require economic stake. In KnowYourModel, each capability registry (e.g., "payment-ops", "vector-search") is designed to use TCR mechanics.

Current status: The staking, challenge, and bond mechanics described on this page are the registry design and roadmap. The bond/challenge write path is not live yet — entries are added manually by authenticated callers, and community votes update entity scores without changing registry membership or rank.

Key principle: Skin in the game. Listing a model version requires staking USDC. Bad actors risk losing their stake.

How Registry Mechanics Work

1. Application with Bond

To list a model version in a registry, the applicant stakes a minimum bond in USDC on Base. This bond is held in escrow.

2. Challenge Period

After application, there's a challenge window. Other token holders can challenge the listing by staking against it.

3. Vote Resolution

If challenged, token holders vote. Winners keep their stake; losers forfeit theirs to winners. No challenge = automatic acceptance.

4. Ongoing Ranking

Once listed, entries are ranked by usage-proof voting. Real orchestrator usage drives rankings, not stake size.

Registry Types

Capability Registries

Lists of models/agents for a specific task: "payment-ops", "vector-search", "auth-ops".

Orchestrator Registries

Lists of master orchestrators available for coordination tasks.

Model Registries

Version-specific lists of foundation models with quality attestations.

Sub-Agent Registries

Domain-specific agent lists curated for orchestrator discovery.

Why Token-Curated Registries?

Quality Gate: Economic stake filters out low-quality or malicious entries
Decentralized Curation: Community-driven without central authority
Incentive Alignment: Curators profit from accurate assessments
Permissionless: Anyone can apply to list with sufficient stake