> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.universal.xyz/docs/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.universal.xyz/docs/introduction-to-universal.md).

# Introduction to Universal

- [Introduction to Universal](https://docs.universal.xyz/docs/introduction-to-universal/introduction-to-universal.md): Universal is a wrapped asset protocol designed to enable trading for any token, on any chain. Think Circle for cryptoassets.
- [Universal Protocol Overview](https://docs.universal.xyz/docs/introduction-to-universal/universal-protocol-overview.md): How the Universal Asset Protocol works.
- [Key Roles](https://docs.universal.xyz/docs/introduction-to-universal/universal-protocol-overview/key-roles.md): The Universal Protocol is supported by three different types of users:
- [Custodian](https://docs.universal.xyz/docs/introduction-to-universal/universal-protocol-overview/key-roles/custodian.md): Custodians are responsible for the secure storage of the underlying assets that back Universal tokens. They play a crucial role in ensuring the security and integrity of the protocol’s reserves.
- [Merchant](https://docs.universal.xyz/docs/introduction-to-universal/universal-protocol-overview/key-roles/merchant.md): Merchants are permissioned entities that facilitate the minting and redemption of Universal assets. They ensure seamless liquidity movement across chains.
- [User](https://docs.universal.xyz/docs/introduction-to-universal/universal-protocol-overview/key-roles/user.md): Users are the end participants in the Universal ecosystem, utilizing uAssets for transactions, trading, and DeFi interactions.
- [Issuance](https://docs.universal.xyz/docs/introduction-to-universal/universal-protocol-overview/issuance.md): Token issuance refers to the process of increasing the supply of Universal tokens in circulation through minting.
- [Redemption](https://docs.universal.xyz/docs/introduction-to-universal/universal-protocol-overview/redemption.md): Token redemption involves reducing the supply of Universal tokens by redeeming them for the underlying assets. This process can only be initiated by merchant addresses.
- [Bridging (coming soon)](https://docs.universal.xyz/docs/introduction-to-universal/universal-protocol-overview/bridging-coming-soon.md): Token bridging involves the process of reissuing a Universal token from one chain onto another.
- [Universal Token Liquidity & Acquisition](https://docs.universal.xyz/docs/introduction-to-universal/universal-protocol-overview/universal-token-liquidity-and-acquisition.md): Universal token merchants play a crucial role in the ecosystem by minting new tokens and supplying liquidity to both centralized (CEXs) and decentralized exchanges (DEXs).
- [Introduction to uAssets](https://docs.universal.xyz/docs/introduction-to-universal/introduction-to-uassets.md): uAssets (e.g. uBTC, uSOL, ...) are ERC-20 tokens that can solve liquidity problems builders face today.
- [Frequently Asked Questions](https://docs.universal.xyz/docs/introduction-to-universal/frequently-asked-questions.md): Commonly asked questions about the Universal Protocol, what problem it solves, and how to use it.
- [Proof of Reserves](https://docs.universal.xyz/docs/introduction-to-universal/proof-of-reserves.md): Universal's Proof of Reserves uses zkProofs and Coinbase API to enable trustless verification of asset holdings, ensuring every uAsset is 1:1 backed without exposing sensitive data.