Key Roles

The Universal Protocol is supported by three different types of users:

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

Custodian

Merchant

User