Stablecoin developer Usual faces backlash after changing redeem function

The creator of Stablecoin, known as Usual, is facing examination following an alteration in the 1:1 redeeming mechanism for USD0++, a yield-generating token linked to the USD0 stablecoin.

The person behind creating the Stablecoin called Usual is being looked into after adjusting the way it can be exchanged directly for US dollars with USD0++, a type of token that generates income and is connected to the USD0 stablecoin.

The staked variant of the USD0 stablecoin issued by Usual, named USD0++, dipped to $0.92, representing an 8% drop from its prior redemption price, following the activation of new early exit options that sparked a sell-off and disrupted its largest Curve pool.

USD0++ is not a type of stablecoin; instead, it’s a variant of USD0 that requires users to lock their funds for a period of four years in exchange for USUAL tokens as rewards. Initially, USD0++ could be exchanged on a 1:1 basis with USD0. However, now there are two redemption options available: a conditional exit where you can redeem at a 1:1 rate but lose some accumulated rewards, or an unconditional exit starting at a floor price of $0.87, which gradually rises to $1 over the course of four years.

The USUALMoney team has been asserting for several weeks that USD0++ could be exchanged for a straight dollar equivalent, making everything seem stable.

However, today they suddenly halted the one-to-one redemption feature without any prior warning, apparently to trap farmers and preserve their Total Value Locked (TVL).

Currently, USD0++ is trading at about $0.92. Please disseminate this information…

— CBB (@Cbb0fe) January 10, 2025

The alterations have transformed USD0++ into a hybrid of a bond and a farming instrument for yield. Risk-takers can deposit USD0 into USD0++ to cultivate USUAL tokens with substantial returns, while more risk-averse investors can secure their funds for four years to receive a constant 4% annual interest.

Consequently, the system’s structure involves making choices or compromises. Holders of USD0 forgo high returns in exchange for stability, while those with USD0++ keep funds locked away, hoping that potential rewards from USUAL will compensate for their lost returns. Meanwhile, USUAL stakers receive yields from others, all while wagering on the token’s price growth.

Due to recent changes, USD0++ has become riskier and less enticing, mainly because of its extended lock-up periods and fluctuating redemption guidelines. These factors make it less desirable compared to more liquid alternatives, prompting a surge in selling as investors and yield farmers seek to exit their positions. This mass sell-off has resulted in the largest Curve pool becoming imbalanced, causing the value of USD0++ to drop below the dollar mark ($1).

Currently, at the time of reporting, Usual Labs, creators of the Usual protocol, have not issued any comments regarding fluctuations in the price of USD0++. In 2024, Usual Labs managed to gather $7 million and secured a total commitment of $75 million in value locked for USD0 from investors such as IOSG Ventures, Kraken Ventures, GSR, Mantle, Starkware, Flowdesk, and others.

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2025-01-10 12:40