What is USDS? How it works and its features

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What is USDS? In a nutshell

USDS (formerly Dai) is a decentralized stablecoin pegged to the US dollar. Governed by the Maker Protocol, now called Sky, it’s backed by cryptocurrencies instead of fiat, ensuring transparency and decentralization. USDS is widely used in decentralized finance for trading, lending, and savings.

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What is Dai?

What is USDS?

USDS, formerly Dai, is a decentralized stablecoin designed to maintain a value of 1:1 with the US dollar. It’s governed by Maker Protocol, now rebranded as Sky, and is collateralized by a basket of other cryptocurrencies in order to ensure transparency and decentralization.

USDS is an Ethereum-based, decentralized stablecoin managed through the Maker Protocol, recently rebranded as Sky. It exists to give DeFi – Decentralized Finance – applications access to a dollar-pegs digital currency that is supposed to remain stable.

Unlike traditional stablecoins that are based on money kept in banks, USDS is backed by different kinds of cryptocurrencies, such as ETH and USDC, in smart contracts. That decentralized way means no one group controls USDS, making it more transparent and secure.

USDS can be used for lending, trading, and saving in the DeFi ecosystem. Renaming from Dai to USDS is a new step in the innovation of Maker Protocol and makes it even more usable by even more people.


What makes USDS special?

USDS (formerly Dai) stands out as a decentralized stablecoin with unique features that make it secure, transparent, and innovative:

1. Decentralized and transparent
Unlike centralized stablecoins, USDS is governed by the Maker Protocol (Sky), ensuring no single authority controls its supply or reserves.

2. Crypto-backed stability
USDS maintains its dollar peg using collateralized cryptocurrencies like ETH and USDC, locked in smart contracts for transparency and security.

3. Fully autonomous system
The smart contracts governing USDS automatically adjust collateral levels to maintain stability, without requiring human intervention.

4. Wide DeFi integration
USDS is a cornerstone of decentralized finance, powering lending platforms, decentralized exchanges, and yield-generating applications.

5. Sustainability and innovation
As part of the Sky ecosystem, USDS benefits from ongoing advancements aimed at simplifying DeFi and expanding its accessibility.

USDS combines decentralization, security, and stability, making it a trusted choice for stablecoin users worldwide.


Practical uses of USDS – rating 8/10 😀

USDS (formerly Dai) plays a key role in decentralized finance (DeFi) and beyond, offering stability and versatility across various use cases.

1. DeFi lending and borrowing
USDS is widely used as collateral for loans and as a stable medium for borrowing within DeFi platforms like Aave and Compound.

2. Trading pair in Decentralized Exchanges (DEXs)
USDS serves as a stable trading pair, enabling seamless swaps between volatile cryptocurrencies on DEXs like Uniswap and Curve.

3. Yield farming
DeFi users often stake USDS in liquidity pools to earn rewards or interest while benefiting from its stable value.

4. Savings solutions
Users can deposit USDS into DeFi savings platforms to earn yields, offering an alternative to traditional savings accounts.

5. Hedging against volatility
Investors use USDS to protect their portfolio value during periods of high market volatility, ensuring stability without exiting the crypto ecosystem.

6. Cross-border transactions
With no reliance on intermediaries, USDS facilitates fast and low-cost cross-border payments, making it ideal for global transactions.

USDS’s practical uses make it a vital tool for DeFi and financial stability, offering diverse opportunities for individuals and businesses.


Environmental factors – rating 7/10 🙂

USDS (formerly Dai) benefits from the energy-efficient design of the Ethereum blockchain and its Proof of Stake (PoS) system.

1. Built on Ethereum’s PoS network
With Ethereum’s transition to PoS in 2022, USDS operates on an energy-efficient blockchain, significantly reducing its environmental impact.

2. Smart contract efficiency
USDS’s smart contracts are optimized for managing collateral without unnecessary computational overhead, minimizing energy consumption.

3. Sustainability goals
As part of the Sky ecosystem, USDS benefits from Maker Protocol’s focus on creating sustainable, decentralized financial solutions.

While USDS is inherently more eco-friendly due to its reliance on Ethereum’s PoS network, its overall sustainability depends on the energy sources of collateral management systems.


Security and privacy – rating 7/10 🙂

USDS (formerly Dai) offers strong security features through its decentralized design, though privacy options remain limited.

1. Decentralized governance
USDS is managed by the Maker Protocol (Sky), ensuring that no single entity controls the stablecoin or its reserves, reducing risks of centralization.

2. Smart contract security
The system relies on audited smart contracts to manage collateral and maintain stability, minimizing vulnerabilities.

3. Transparent operations
Every USDS transaction and collateral adjustment is publicly visible on the Ethereum blockchain, enhancing transparency but limiting privacy.

4. Limited privacy features
While USDS transactions are pseudonymous, they are traceable on the blockchain, which may not suit users seeking enhanced confidentiality.

USDS provides robust security through decentralization and transparency, but its lack of advanced privacy tools leaves room for improvement.


Future potential of USDS – rating 8/10 😀

USDS (formerly Dai) is well-positioned to grow as a leading decentralized stablecoin, supported by its innovative design and integration within the Sky ecosystem.

1. DeFi expansion
As decentralized finance (DeFi) continues to grow, USDS will remain a cornerstone, powering lending, trading, and savings platforms.

2. Broader adoption
With its stability and decentralization, USDS is likely to attract more users, especially in regions seeking alternatives to traditional financial systems.

3. Integration with Sky ecosystem
USDS benefits from Maker Protocol’s rebranding to Sky, opening doors to new features like rewards and savings rates designed to enhance user accessibility.

4. Sustainability and innovation
Maker Protocol’s focus on sustainable, transparent financial solutions ensures that USDS will continue evolving to meet future demands.

USDS’s decentralized nature, stability, and ongoing innovations position it as a key player in the future of decentralized finance.


Market performance

USDS (formerly Dai) has maintained steady performance, reflecting its position as a trusted decentralized stablecoin in the crypto market.

Historical performance:
Since its launch as Dai, USDS has consistently maintained its 1:1 peg to the US dollar, weathering market volatility. Its decentralized design and transparent collateralization process have built user trust over time.

Current market trends:

  • Market capitalization: USDS remains one of the top stablecoins by market cap, supported by its wide adoption in DeFi platforms.
  • Trading volume: High trading volumes on decentralized exchanges (DEXs) indicate strong demand for USDS in lending, staking, and liquidity pools.
  • Peg stability: USDS maintains a stable value through a robust collateralization mechanism, ensuring reliability for users.

Key drivers of market performance:

  1. DeFi integration: USDS’s widespread use in lending protocols, trading, and savings platforms drives its popularity.
  2. Decentralized design: Its crypto-backed, transparent structure makes it appealing to users seeking alternatives to centralized stablecoins.
  3. Sky ecosystem support: The rebranding to USDS and its integration with Sky opens up new features, enhancing its utility and market presence.

USDS’s strong track record and decentralized approach ensure its continued relevance and reliability in the growing DeFi ecosystem.

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How to buy and store USDS (USDS)

Buying and securely storing USDS tokens is simple. Follow these steps to get started:

1. Choose a cryptocurrency exchange:
Select a trusted platform like KuCoin, CEX.IO, or Gate.io that lists USDS. Ensure the exchange supports your preferred deposit method (e.g., fiat currency or another cryptocurrency).

2. Create and verify your account:
Sign up for the exchange and complete identity verification by uploading the required documents, like ID and proof of residence.

3. Deposit funds:
Add funds to your exchange account using a bank transfer, credit card, or other payment methods. Ensure the deposit covers the purchase amount and any fees.

4. Buy USDS (USDS):
Search for USDS (USDS) in the exchange. Place a market order to buy at the current price or a limit order to set your desired price.

5. Transfer to a secure wallet:
Move your USDS tokens from the exchange to a secure wallet. Hardware wallets like Ledger provide maximum security, while software wallets like Trust Wallet are convenient alternatives.

6. Enable Two-Factor Authentication:
Activate two-factor authentication (2FA) on your exchange and wallet accounts for extra protection.

7. Back up your wallet:
Safeguard your recovery phrase or private keys by storing them offline in a secure place. This ensures you won’t lose access to your funds.

By following these steps, you can confidently buy and store USDS tokens while keeping your investment safe.


FAQs on USDS

Got questions about USDS? Here are the answers to help you understand it better!

What is USDS?
USDS, formerly known as Dai, is a decentralized stablecoin pegged to the US dollar. It’s governed by the Maker Protocol, now rebranded as Sky.

How is USDS different from other stablecoins?
USDS is fully decentralized and backed by cryptocurrencies like ETH and USDC, unlike centralized stablecoins that rely on fiat reserves held in banks.

What are the uses of USDS?
USDS is used in decentralized finance (DeFi) for lending, trading, savings, and hedging against market volatility. It also supports fast, low-cost cross-border transactions.

Is USDS environmentally friendly?
Yes, USDS operates on Ethereum’s Proof of Stake blockchain, which is highly energy-efficient compared to Proof of Work systems.

How secure is USDS?
USDS is secured by audited smart contracts and a decentralized governance model, ensuring transparency and minimizing risks of central control.

Where can I buy and store USDS (USDS)? 
You can buy USDS on platforms like Uniswap or Curve. Store it securely in wallets such as MetaMask, Trust Wallet, or Ledger for added protection.

What is the future of USDS?
With its integration into the Sky ecosystem, USDS is set to offer new features like savings rates and rewards, enhancing its utility and adoption.

What is the collateral for USDS?
USDS is backed by a mix of cryptocurrencies, such as ETH and USDC, locked in smart contracts to maintain its dollar peg.

How does USDS maintain its $1 value?
The Maker Protocol automatically adjusts collateral levels through smart contracts, ensuring USDS remains stable at $1.

How can I get involved with the USDS community?  
You can join discussions and participate in governance through the Maker Protocol (Sky) forums, social media, or DeFi platforms using USDS.


This article was aided in writing by AI and edited and reviewed by our editor.