# Trading API – Overview

<br />

> 📘 **Beta Feature**
>
> The Trading API is currently in beta and subject to change. For participation details, contact your Fireblocks Customer Success Manager or email [CSM@fireblocks.com](mailto:CSM@fireblocks.com).

## Introduction

The Fireblocks Trading API enables executing trades directly from your Fireblocks workspace, integrating decentralized and centralized trading platforms. With it, you can:

* Execute DeFi trades (e.g., Uniswap)
* Trade through connected CeFi exchanges
* Retrieve real-time quotes
* Monitor order execution status
* Manage settlements through vault accounts

This guide outlines the process for executing trades using the Fireblocks API, including prerequisites, a detailed workflow, and necessary code examples for successful trading operations.

## Understanding Trading Platforms

The Fireblocks Trading API supports two types of trading platforms:

### Decentralized Finance (DeFi) Platforms

DeFi platforms provide direct access to decentralized protocols without requiring account management. These platforms include:

* **Uniswap**: Leading decentralized exchange (DEX) protocol on Ethereum and other EVM-compatible chains
* Direct on-chain execution through smart contracts
* No account setup required
* Requires Terms of Service approval before first use

**Key Characteristics:**

* **Access Type**: Direct - no account credentials needed
* **Settlement**: Transactions execute directly on-chain
* **Approval**: One-time Terms of Service acceptance
* **Slippage**: You control slippage tolerance for trades

### Centralized Finance (CeFi) Platforms

CeFi platforms are traditional exchanges and trading providers that require account setup and connectivity:

* Account-based access requiring credentials
* Centralized order books and execution
* Connected accounts appear in your provider list
* Settlement through exchange accounts

**Key Characteristics:**

* **Access Type**: Account-based - requires connection setup
* **Settlement**: Managed through exchange accounts
* **Approval**: Account must be connected
* **Execution**: Traditional order matching

## Currently Supported Platforms

Fireblocks currently supports the following trading platforms:

| Platform              | Type | Description                                                                       |
| --------------------- | ---- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Uniswap**           | DeFi | Decentralized exchange protocol supporting multiple asset pairs across EVM chains |
| **C2C (Coming Soon)** | CeFi | Centralized trading platform with account-based access                            |

Additional platforms will be added over time. Check the provider list endpoint for the most up-to-date information.

## Prerequisites

### 1. API Credentials

* Obtain API and Secret Keys from Fireblocks.
* Ensure the credentials have sufficient permissions for trading operations.

### 2. Vault Accounts

* Maintain adequate balances in the source and destination vaults.
* Keep additional native tokens for covering gas fees in DeFi transactions.

### 3. SDK Installation

Install or update the Fireblocks SDK with trading support before proceeding.

### 4. Asset Requirements

Different trading platforms have specific requirements:

**For DeFi Trading (Uniswap):**

* Trades execute on-chain, requiring gas fees in the native blockchain asset
* For Ethereum-based trades, ensure you have ETH for gas
* Slippage tolerance can be configured (default: 50 bps = 0.5%)
* No minimum trade amounts enforced by Fireblocks

**For CeFi Trading:**

* Minimum trade amounts vary by platform
* Fees are typically included in the quote
* Settlement handled through connected accounts

## High-Level Trading Flow

```
1. List Providers
   │
   ├─→ GET /providers
   │   └─→ Returns available trading platforms (DeFi & CeFi)
   │
2. Approve Terms (DeFi only, if required)
   │
   ├─→ One-time approval for DeFi platforms - Approved only from the console
   │
3. Create Quote (Required - optional only for non-quote-based C2C trades)
   │
   ├─→ POST /trading/quotes
   │   └─→ Get exchange rate, amounts, and fees
   │
4. Create Order
   │
   ├─→ POST /trading/orders
   │   ├─→ Using quote (quote-based execution)
   │   └─→ Direct market order
   │
5. Monitor Order
   │
   └─→ GET /trading/orders/{orderId}
       └─→ Track execution status and completion
```

***

## Settlement

### Delivery vs Payment (DVP)

Fireblocks uses **Delivery vs Payment (DVP)** settlement for Uniswap trades. > ⚙️ **Note:** Currently, trades are supported only when the source and destination vault accounts are identical, ensuring atomic settlement within a single account.

```json
{
  "settlement": {
    "type": "DVP",
    "sourceAccount": {"type": "VAULT_ACCOUNT", "id": "0"},
    "destinationAccount": {"type": "VAULT_ACCOUNT", "id": "0"}
  }
}
```

## Next Steps

See [Execute Trades Guide](https://developers.fireblocks.com/docs/execute-defi-trades-step-by-step-guide) for implementation examples.