Usual
USUALStablecoin protocol backed by RWAs that redistributes revenue to token holders
Technology Stack
Introduction to Usual
Usual challenges the stablecoin status quo where issuers like Tether and Circle capture billions in yield while users receive nothing. The protocol creates USD0, a stablecoin backed by real-world assets (primarily US Treasury bills), and distributes the yield generated to USUAL token holders rather than keeping it as profit. This represents a novel approach to DeFi stablecoin design.
The premise is simple: stablecoin backing generates significant revenue, and that revenue belongs to the community that provides the capital. By tokenizing ownership of this yield stream, Usual attempts to create a more equitable stablecoin model.
How Usual Works
USD0 Stablecoin
Core product:
- Backed by RWAs (T-bills)
- Fully collateralized
- Yield-generating backing
- Transparent reserves
USD0++ (Liquid Staking)
Enhanced product:
- Stake USD0
- Receive USD0++ token
- Earn USUAL rewards
- Maintain liquidity
Revenue Distribution
Value flow:
- RWA backing earns yield
- Yield accrues to protocol
- USUAL holders receive value
- Community ownership
Technical Specifications
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Network | Ethereum |
| Stablecoin | USD0 |
| Backing | US Treasury Bills |
| Collateral | 100%+ |
| Distribution | USUAL token |
The USUAL Token
Utility
USUAL serves multiple purposes:
- Yield Rights: Protocol revenue share
- Governance: Decision making
- Staking: Enhanced rewards
- Ecosystem: Utility expansion
Tokenomics
Value mechanism:
- Backed by protocol revenue
- Yield accrual
- Staking rewards
- Supply dynamics
Revenue Sharing
Distribution model:
- T-bill yield generated
- Distributed to stakers
- USUAL as claim mechanism
- Proportional to holdings
The Stablecoin Thesis
Current Problem
Industry critique:
- Tether earns billions, users get nothing
- USDC same model
- Capital provided by users
- Yield extracted by issuers
Usual’s Solution
Redistribution:
- Users provide capital
- Users receive yield
- Token represents ownership
- Aligned incentives
Why It Matters
Economic significance:
- Billions in annual yield
- Community capture
- More equitable model
- User empowerment
USD0 Details
Backing Assets
Collateral composition:
- US Treasury Bills
- Short-duration
- High-quality
- Transparent reserves
Minting Process
Creation mechanism:
- Deposit approved collateral
- Receive USD0 1:1
- Backing held in custody
- Auditable reserves
Redemption
Exit mechanism:
- Redeem USD0 for backing
- 1:1 value
- Transparent process
- Liquidity available
USD0++ Staking
Enhanced Yields
Staking benefits:
- Deposit USD0
- Receive USD0++
- Earn USUAL rewards
- Liquid token representation
Lock Periods
Commitment options:
- Various durations
- Higher rewards for longer
- Flexible vs. locked
- User choice
Rewards
Income streams:
- Base yield from backing
- USUAL token rewards
- Potential bonuses
- Compound opportunities
Competition and Positioning
vs. Other Stablecoins
| Stablecoin | Backing | Yield to Users |
|---|---|---|
| USD0 | T-bills | Yes (via USUAL) |
| USDC | Cash/T-bills | No |
| USDT | Mixed | No |
| DAI | Mixed | DSR (partial) |
Usual Differentiation
Key advantages:
- Yield redistribution
- Transparent backing
- Community ownership
- Token value alignment
Risk Considerations
RWA Custody
Counterparty risks:
- Custodian reliance
- T-bill management
- Operational risks
- Regulatory compliance
Token Mechanics
Economic risks:
- USUAL price volatility
- Yield sustainability
- Market conditions
- Competition
Regulatory Uncertainty
Legal considerations:
- Stablecoin regulations
- Securities questions
- Jurisdictional issues
- Compliance requirements
Governance
DAO Structure
Decentralized control:
- USUAL governance voting
- Protocol parameters
- Treasury management
- Strategic decisions
Key Decisions
Governance scope:
- Collateral policies
- Fee structures
- Distribution rates
- Ecosystem development
Team and Backing
Founders
Leadership:
- Pierre Person: Former French MP
- Traditional finance experience
- Regulatory understanding
- Political connections
Investors
Funding:
- Venture backing
- Strategic partners
- DeFi investors
- Growth capital
Challenges and Criticism
Sustainability
Long-term questions:
- T-bill yields variable
- Market conditions change
- Competition for TVL
- Economic sustainability
Complexity
User understanding:
- Multiple tokens
- Staking mechanics
- Yield sources
- Value proposition
Competition
Market dynamics:
- Many stablecoins
- Yield products exist
- Differentiation hard
- Network effects
Recent Developments
Launch Progress
Platform rollout:
- USD0 live
- Exchange listings
- TVL growth
- User adoption
Ecosystem Growth
Expansion:
- DeFi integrations
- Partnership announcements
- Product development
- Community building
Future Roadmap
Development priorities:
- TVL Growth: Capital attraction
- Integrations: DeFi ecosystem
- Products: New offerings
- Governance: DAO maturation
- Compliance: Regulatory clarity
Conclusion
Usual represents a philosophical challenge to how stablecoins capture value. The argument that yield belongs to capital providers rather than issuers is logically compelling, and the mechanism to redistribute that yield through USUAL creates potential alignment.
Whether this model can compete with the network effects and trust that established stablecoins possess remains to be seen. The complexity of multiple tokens and staking mechanisms may limit adoption among users seeking simple stablecoin functionality.
For users interested in yield-bearing stablecoin exposure with protocol revenue sharing, Usual offers a differentiated approach—though understanding the token mechanics and risks is essential for informed participation.