Yuzu Money is a decentralized finance (DeFi) protocol that provides access to high-yield investment strategies through its core product, yzUSD, an overcollateralized stablecoin. The platform aims to simplify participation in DeFi by packaging curated, complex yield-generating strategies into a single token, thereby abstracting the associated technical challenges, research requirements, and risks for the end-user. ^{[1] [2]}

Overview

Yuzu Money was designed to address the high barriers to entry in the DeFi sector, which include a steep learning curve, the need for constant research in a rapidly evolving ecosystem, and persistent financial and technical risks. The protocol's solution is to wrap these complex strategies into a single stablecoin, yzUSD, which is layered with what it describes as institutional-grade risk mitigation. This allows users to gain exposure to DeFi yields by simply holding a stable-value asset. The project is built upon three core principles: offering high yields, providing robust user protection, and maintaining verifiable transparency. The project was created by an anonymous group described as "OG DeFi yield farmers" and is incubated by Ouroboros Capital. The core mission, as stated in its communications, is "to make some of the highest yields in DeFi accessible to everyone." The protocol also operates on the Plasma network. ^{[5] [2] [3]}

Features

Yuzu provides a structured framework for accessing on-chain yield with integrated risk controls. Its core asset, yzUSD, is an overcollateralized stablecoin supported by diversified on-chain strategies.

Key features include:

• Risk Tranching (yzPP): A first-loss tranche offering higher target yields in exchange for increased risk exposure.
• Exploit Monitoring: Real-time on-chain surveillance through a semi-automated system designed to respond to potential exploits.
• Smart Contract Coverage: Protocol-level insurance applied to specific exploit categories through third-party providers. ^{[10] [1]}

Tokenomics

Yuzu operates with a dual-asset structure consisting of its native token, $YUZU, and its ecosystem stablecoin, yzUSD, along with its staked variant syzUSD.

• $YUZU: Serves as the platform’s utility and governance token. It has no equity characteristics and does not provide claims on profits, assets, or returns.
• yzUSD (Yuzu Stablecoin): An overcollateralized asset-referenced token targeting a value of US$1. Collateral remains fully on-chain, supported by a Proof-of-Reserves dashboard. Minting and redemption are accessible only to eligible participants who meet KYC/AML and related requirements.
• syzUSD (Staked yzUSD): An ERC-4626 vault token representing staked yzUSD. It enables DeFi composability, with yield accrual determined by the program’s staking policies and underlying portfolio performance. ^{[6] [9] [8]}

Partnerships

• Incubator: The project is incubated by Ouroboros Capital. ^[3]
• DeFi Protocols: Yuzu Money's tokens are integrated with Euler Finance for lending markets and with Pendle Finance for liquidity provision and yield trading. ^[5]
• Security Partners: The protocol collaborates with Hypernative for real-time threat detection (via its Sentinel system), Nexus Mutual for smart contract insurance, and Fordefi for MPC-based wallet infrastructure. ^{[2] [7]}
• Transparency and Verification: Accountable provides the technology for Yuzu Money's zero-knowledge proof of reserves. ^[1]
• Institutional Partners: K3 Capital curated the syzUSD markets on the Euler Finance platform. ^[5]