> 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/universal-protocol-overview/key-roles.md).

# Key Roles

**Custodian:** 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:** Merchants are permissioned entities that facilitate the minting and redemption of Universal assets. They ensure seamless liquidity movement across chains.\
\
**User:** Users are the end participants in the Universal ecosystem, utilizing uAssets for transactions, trading, and DeFi interactions.

#### Summary Table of Key Roles

| Role      | Responsibilities                                                                 | Participants                     |
| --------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | -------------------------------- |
| Custodian | Stores and secures underlying assets, manages collateral, ensures 1:1 backing    | Regulated institutions           |
| Merchant  | Mints and redeems uAssets, provides liquidity, facilitates cross-chain execution | Permissioned entities            |
| User      | Trades, transfers, and utilizes uAssets in DeFi                                  | Retail and institutional traders |

<table data-view="cards"><thead><tr><th></th><th></th><th></th><th data-hidden data-card-target data-type="content-ref"></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td></td><td><strong>Custodian</strong></td><td></td><td><a href="/pages/kREjZjYYAvWfUNK4EXA6">/pages/kREjZjYYAvWfUNK4EXA6</a></td></tr><tr><td></td><td><strong>Merchant</strong></td><td></td><td><a href="/pages/LW6mGqeEPoEa5vF91K9d">/pages/LW6mGqeEPoEa5vF91K9d</a></td></tr><tr><td></td><td><strong>User</strong></td><td></td><td><a href="/pages/TL25Kwa5Q1gN7oZEYFcW">/pages/TL25Kwa5Q1gN7oZEYFcW</a></td></tr></tbody></table>


---

# Agent Instructions
This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com.

## Querying This Documentation
If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter:

```
GET https://docs.universal.xyz/docs/introduction-to-universal/universal-protocol-overview/key-roles.md?ask=<question>
```

The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.