Compound (COMP) remains a pillar of the decentralized finance (DeFi) lending sector. As of February 16, 2026, the protocol's latest version, Compound III, is managing billions in assets across multiple chains, prioritizing capital efficiency and security for borrowers and lenders. The simplified governance process and the focus on USDC as the base asset have made the platform more user-friendly and risk-averse, appealing to institutional participants seeking yield. The COMP token allows holders to govern the protocol, setting interest rate models and collateral factors. While the 'yield farming' craze of the past has subsided, COMP retains value as a governance right over one of the most critical infrastructures in DeFi. The market price of COMP has stabilized, trading in a range that reflects the steady revenue generation of the protocol rather than speculative hype. As regulatory clarity around DeFi improves, Compound is well-positioned to serve as a backend for fintech apps offering interest-bearing accounts to retail users.