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Key Takeaways

Usual introduces a decentralized financial system focused on democratizing access to real-world assets. 

It aims to address common issues faced by traditional stablecoin providers, such as revenue centralization, limited accessibility, and lack of transparency.

The Usual ecosystem has two key tokens: USD0 and USUAL. The first is a stablecoin backed by real-world assets. The second is a governance token.

Usual also has a liquidity staking token (LST) called USD0++, which represents staked USD0.

What Is Usual?

The Usual Protocol is a blockchain project designed to change the way users interact with real-world assets (RWAs) in the Web3 space. 

By combining stability, transparency, and inclusivity, the project addresses long-standing challenges in the stablecoin market and creates new opportunities for decentralized finance (DeFi) users.

What Is the Usual Protocol?

In short, the Usual Protocol introduces a decentralized financial system that is focused on democratizing access to RWAs. At the heart of the protocol are two key tokens:

USD0: A stablecoin designed for permissionless minting, backed by real assets collateral.

USUAL: A governance token that rewards users and lets them have a say in the development of the protocol.

Why Was Usual Created?

Stablecoins are an important part of DeFi because they make it easier to move money around without worrying about significant price changes. They help connect traditional finance (TradFi) with DeFi, providing a stable medium for transactions. 

However, existing stablecoin providers have certain limitations:

Profit centralization: Big stablecoin providers make billions, but users don’t see any of that money.

Limited access: Access to RWAs is often restricted, leaving many users unable to benefit from yield-generating assets.

Lack of transparency: Users often have limited visibility into the management and collateralization of stablecoins. It’s hard to know what backs them and how secure they really are.

The Usual Protocol was developed to address these issues by redistributing economic benefits, improving transparency, and ensuring fair access to RWAs.

Core Components of the Usual Protocol

1. USD0: the stablecoin

USD0 is a stablecoin that serves as the gateway to the Usual ecosystem. Its unique features include:

Easy to mint: Users can create USD0 by depositing approved collateral.

Backed by real assets: USD0 is supported by fully collateralized, low-risk investments like U.S. Treasury bills.

Transparency: Collateral details are verifiable both on-chain and off-chain through public audits.

How minting and redemption work

There are two primary methods to mint and redeem USD0:

Direct: Users directly deposit eligible collateral to mint USD0.

Indirect: For users who can’t hold certain assets, the protocol’s DAO helps with minting and redistributes USD0 back to them.

Collateral management

To keep USD0 secure, the protocol only accepts collateral that meets strict standards:

It must be fully backed and free from leverage.

It should be low-risk and liquid, so it can be quickly sold if needed.

The collateral’s details must be transparent, with regular audits.

To enhance resilience, the protocol has mechanisms like an insurance fund to address potential collateral losses.

2. USD0++: liquid staking token (LST)

USD0++ is a liquid staking token representing USD0 locked until maturity (June 30, 2028). It’s designed to reward users for locking their USD0. 

Users can earn USUAL tokens proportional to their locked USD0. While USD0 tokens are locked, the USD0++ LSTs remain tradable in secondary markets.

Early redemption options

There are a few situations that allow users to unlock USD0++ before maturity:

Burning USUAL: Users can burn some USUAL tokens to exchange their USD0++ back to USD0 at a 1:1 ratio.

Floor price redemption: Redeeming USD0++ at a discounted rate set by the DAO.

Parity Arbitrage Right (PAR): the DAO may unlock USD0 before maturity during extreme market conditions to prevent the market price of USD0++ from depegging.

3. USUAL: The governance token

USUAL is the backbone of the Usual Protocol, serving as both a reward mechanism and a governance tool. Its design ensures alignment between users’ interests and the protocol’s growth.

Key features of USUAL

Revenue-based minting: USUAL tokens are minted based on the protocol’s revenue, making it more sustainable.

Staking rewards: Users can stake USUAL to earn additional USUAL tokens.

Governance participation: Holders can vote on changes to the system, like which assets to accept as collateral or how rewards are distributed.

Dynamic minting mechanism

The minting rate for USUAL adapts to market conditions using factors like:

The supply of USD0++ (ensuring scarcity as demand grows).

Interest rate fluctuations (reflecting protocol revenues).

DAO-controlled variables to manage ecosystem growth.

Governance and Decentralization

The Usual Protocol begins with centralized oversight by Usual Labs to ensure a smooth launch. Over time, governance will transition to a decentralized model through the Usual DAO, where decisions will be made collectively by USUAL Holders and early supporters.

Governable aspects include collateral management, treasury allocation, and adjustments to reward structures.

Incentives for Liquidity Providers

To ensure there’s enough liquidity in the market, Usual rewards users who provide liquidity for its tokens. For example, users who add USD0 or USUAL to specific liquidity pools can earn extra USUAL tokens as a reward.

Closing Thoughts

The Usual Protocol is a decentralized financial system focused on addressing common issues faced by traditional stablecoins. The USD0, USD0++, and USUAL tokens can offer new methods for users to access and potentially benefit from real-world assets. With innovative mechanisms and a multi-token system, Usual is helping to bridge the gap between traditional finance and decentralized finance.

Further Reading

What Is a Stablecoin?

What Is Ethena (ENA)?

Why Do Stablecoins Depeg?

Disclaimer: In compliance with MiCA requirements, unauthorized stablecoins are subject to certain restrictions for EEA users. For more information, please click here.

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