The Stablecoins Powering Ozean’s RWA Integrations: USDX & ozUSD

Ozean, the blockchain for Real-World Asset (RWA) yield being launched by Clearpool, is the first compliant RWA yield chain built on and supported by Optimism. The chain effortlessly integrates RWAs into DeFi, enabling users to access native yield on-chain seamlessly.

At the heart of this ecosystem are two critical assets: USDX, Ozean’s native stablecoin and gas token, and ozUSD, a yield-bearing stablecoin that provides users with passive income. Together, these assets are pivotal in driving Ozean’s unique features that fuel adoption and growth on the chain. In this article, we’ll dive into them in more detail.

USDX: Ozean’s Native Gas Token and Stablecoin

USDX serves a dual role on Ozean as both a native stablecoin and the native gas token for the chain. USDX is issued by Hex Trust, the fully licensed digital asset custodian established in 2018, dedicated to providing services for protocols, foundations, financial institutions, and the Web3 ecosystem.

At the heart of USDX’s reliability is its solid backing, maintained at a steadfast 1:1 ratio against the U.S. dollar or equivalently valued assets. These reserves, primarily consisting of 1–3 month T-Bills, are securely held within the confines of global, tier-1 financial institutions, ensuring that USDX holders can place their trust in the stablecoin’s value and resilience. Users receive USDX on a 1:1 basis when stablecoins such as USDT or USDC are bridged to Ozean.

Hex Trust’s Licensing & Certifications with 24/7 Global Coverage

USDX also serves as Ozean’s native gas token. This approach simplifies user interactions by eliminating the need for separate gas tokens such as ETH in users’ wallets, a common and frustrating requirement in most Layer 2 blockchains.

By using a stablecoin as the gas token, Ozean eliminates the volatility that often complicates transactions on other blockchain networks. USDX enables seamless transactions by eliminating concerns over fluctuating gas fees, allowing users to pay for gas subscriptions easily with credit cards or fiat payments. This aligns perfectly with Ozean’s vision of building a smooth, integrated financial ecosystem for RWAs.

ozUSD: A Yield-Bearing Stablecoin for Native Yield

ozUSD is a revolutionary yield-bearing stablecoin native to the Ozean ecosystem. Users have the option to lock their USDX, converting it into ozUSD, which then begins to automatically rebase in their wallet, distributing the risk-free rate directly back to holders.

This unique mechanism bypasses current complexities in DeFi, allowing users to passively earn yield without needing to engage with external protocols. The design decision is aimed at making Ozean more intuitive and accessible with a seamless Web2-like experience, especially useful for users transitioning from traditional finance to DeFi.

By offering a native yield generation feature, ozUSD stands out as a more convenient and user-friendly option compared to other alternatives available. Users benefit from a consistent, rebasing yield distribution without the risk of losing funds in volatile DeFi pools or navigating complicated smart contracts. The simplicity and efficiency of ozUSD drive greater adoption within the ecosystem, attracting both passive investors and active DeFi participants.

Stablecoin Growth on Layer 2s: Ozean’s Role

Stablecoins have become a cornerstone of DeFi, particularly on Layer 2s, which have seen market capitalizations of stablecoins skyrocket beyond $10 billion. Ozean is set to accelerate this trend by offering both USDX and ozUSD as flexible stablecoin options that meet both transactional and investment needs within the the RWA ecosystem. These assets make it easier for users to engage with RWAs while also unlocking the ability to earn native yield without needing to seek out third-party yield options.

Ozean’s adoption of USDX as its native gas token further bolsters the use of stablecoins on Layer 2s, presenting an efficient and cost-effective alternative to traditional gas fees. Meanwhile, ozUSD’s yield-bearing structure provides users with opportunities to maximize their returns within the ecosystem, creating a dual value proposition that is likely to appeal to both individual users and larger institutions alike.

Addressing DeFi’s Challenges Through Ozean’s RWA Integrations

Ozean was designed to solve many of the key challenges that have previously hindered the integration of RWAs into DeFi. Issues like poor user experience and a lack of composability have often created barriers to widespread adoption. However, by building on Optimism’s OP Stack, Ozean delivers high-performance, scalable solutions that are also compliant with regulatory standards.

Ozean’s strategic use of USDX and ozUSD is central to its mission of transforming the DeFi landscape by integrating RWAs. USDX, as the platform’s native gas token and stablecoin, simplifies transactions and enhances user experience, while ozUSD offers an accessible, yield-bearing option for investors seeking to earn native yield on their stablecoins. Together, these assets represent a powerful cornerstone that supports Ozean’s broader goal of unlocking the potential $16 trillion RWA market over the coming years.

As stablecoins continue to gain prominence on Layer 2s, Ozean’s unique approach to yield generation and its focus on solving the challenges of RWA integration truly position it at the forefront of DeFi innovation. With its compliant, scalable, and user-centric ecosystem, Ozean is well-poised to set new standards for the future of DeFi for RWAs.

To learn more, visit the Ozean website. You can also join the Ozean Discord Server to ask any questions!