How Universal Works
Universal routes trades to get you the best execution. Native tokens go through DEX aggregators. Non-native assets are minted as uAssets.
Universal is a protocol that lets you trade any token on any chain. You connect your wallet, pick an asset, and trade. Universal handles the rest.
Two types of trades
When you trade on Universal, your order takes one of two paths:
Native tokens (tokens that already exist on your chain) get routed through DEX aggregators. Universal finds the best price across available liquidity sources.
Non-native assets (assets that don't exist on your chain, like DOGE on Base) are minted as uAssets through Universal's Merchant network.
The Merchant network
Merchants are permissioned market makers who mint and burn uAssets. When you want to buy DOGE on Base:
- You request a quote from Universal
- A Merchant provides a guaranteed price
- You confirm the trade
- The Merchant mints uDOGE and sends it to your wallet
- The backing is held in Coinbase Prime custody
This happens in seconds. You don't need to find a liquidity pool or worry about slippage.
Coinbase Prime custody
All underlying assets are held in Coinbase Prime, an institutional-grade custody solution. This means:
- Regulated custody with insurance coverage
- Segregated accounts
- Real-time proof of reserves
No bridges
Universal doesn't bridge assets between chains. Instead, uAssets are minted natively on each chain. This means:
- No bridge risk or exploits
- No wrapped-wrapped tokens
- Each uAsset is backed 1:1, no matter which chain it's on
Supported chains
Universal currently supports Base, Arbitrum, Solana, Polygon, and World. More chains are coming.
Try it
How to Trade on Universal
A simple guide to trading on Universal. Connect your wallet, select an asset, confirm the swap.
Proof of Reserves
Every uAsset is backed 1:1 by real assets. Here's how the reserve system works and how to verify it yourself.
What's a uAsset?
uAssets bring any asset to any chain. They're 1:1 backed and redeemable anytime.
