> 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>