What is USDS (USDS)?

What Is USDS?

USDS is the stablecoin of Sky Protocol, designed as an upgraded version of DAI to improve stability, scalability, and functionality in decentralized finance (DeFi). Like other stablecoins, USDS is pegged to the US dollar, meaning its value is meant to stay around $1. Unlike centralized stablecoins issued by companies like Tether (USDT) or USDC , USDS is collateral-backed and runs on smart contracts, making it fully decentralized. It plays a key role in the Sky Ecosystem, allowing users to trade, save, and earn rewards without relying on banks or centralized platforms.

You can get USDS by trading it on decentralized exchanges (DEXs), converting DAI to USDS at a 1:1 rate, or minting it using collateral. Once you have USDS, you can hold it as a stable asset, use it for transactions, or earn rewards by participating in Sky Protocol’s savings and rewards programs. Because it’s fully blockchain-based, every transaction is transparent, and no third party has control over your funds.

How USDS Works

USDS is created through Sky Vaults, where users deposit crypto assets like ETH, USDC, or tokenized real-world assets (RWAs) to mint USDS. This system is similar to how MakerDAO’s DAI works, but with added improvements in scalability and governance. Every USDS token is backed by collateral, helping it maintain a stable value. If the value of the collateral drops too much, the system liquidates the position to protect the protocol and its users.

Beyond being just a stablecoin, USDS offers ways to earn rewards. Users can stake USDS in the Sky Savings Rate (SSR) to earn passive income or participate in Sky Token Rewards (STRs), which distribute extra benefits to USDS holders. These features make USDS more than just a digital dollar—it’s also a way to engage with decentralized finance and grow your holdings while keeping stability.

Is USDS Safe?

USDS is built to be secure and stable, backed by excess collateral to prevent sudden drops in value. Since every USDS in circulation is supported by assets in Sky Vaults, the risk of collapse is reduced compared to some algorithmic stablecoins that have failed in the past. The system also has an automated liquidation process, ensuring that if a user’s collateral value falls too low, their assets are sold to keep the protocol balanced.

That said, no cryptocurrency is 100% risk-free. While USDS is designed to hold its $1 value, it’s still subject to market conditions, smart contract vulnerabilities, and potential regulatory changes. Like any DeFi project, it’s important to research the protocol, understand how it works, and only invest what you’re comfortable with.

Conclusion

USDS is a decentralized, collateral-backed stablecoin that plays a central role in Sky Protocol’s financial ecosystem. Its collateralized system and governance model help maintain its peg to the US dollar, making it a potentially useful tool for navigating the crypto space. As DeFi continues to evolve, USDS will be part of the broader shift toward decentralized, user-controlled finance, offering an alternative to traditional stablecoins and centralized financial systems.