Trade Flows
OTC Hub supports two main trade directions and two distinct order types, each with its own flow and collateral requirements. Understanding these flows is crucial for successful trading.
Order Types Overview
OTC Hub supports two distinct order types to accommodate different trading needs:
Traditional Orders (经典订单)
Traditional orders follow a multi-step funding process where both parties deposit collateral separately after trade creation. This provides maximum transparency and control over the funding process.
Key Characteristics:
- Two-step funding: Maker and Taker fund separately after trade creation
- Flexible timing: Parties can fund at different times within the funding window
- Clear state tracking: Visible progression through Open → Funded → Settled states
- Dispute support: Full dispute resolution mechanisms available
- Suitable for: Complex negotiations, high-value trades, first-time counterparties
Signed Orders (签名订单)
Signed orders enable instant, one-step trade execution where the trade is fully funded and completed in a single transaction by the accepting party.
Key Characteristics:
- One-step execution: Complete trade in a single transaction
- Instant settlement: No separate funding phases required
- Gas efficient: Lower transaction costs due to single-step process
- Time sensitive: Orders have expiration times for security
- Pre-signed: Orders are cryptographically signed off-chain before execution
- Suitable for: Market making, high-frequency trading, immediate execution needs
Trade Directions Overview
MakerSells (Seller-Initiated)
The Maker is selling an asset to the Taker, who initiates the trade by creating it on-chain.
MakerBuys (Buyer-Initiated)
The Maker is buying an asset from the Taker, who initiates the trade by creating it on-chain.
Detailed Trade Flows
MakerSells Flow
Step-by-step breakdown:
- Trade Creation: Taker creates trade specifying Maker as seller
- Maker Funding: Maker deposits collateral (deposit amount)
- Taker Funding: Taker deposits price + collateral
- Off-chain Delivery: Maker delivers asset to Taker through agreed method
- Confirmation: Both parties confirm trade completion on-chain
- Settlement: Automatic fund distribution
Signed Order Flows
Signed orders provide a streamlined trading experience with instant execution:
Signed Order Creation and Execution
Signed Order Execution Process
For MakerSells Signed Orders:
-
Order Creation: Maker creates and signs order off-chain specifying:
- Asset details and quantity
- Price and payment token
- Deposit requirements and expiration time
- Agreement terms and delivery method
-
One-step Execution: Taker calls
fillOrder()which:- Verifies the order signature
- Transfers payment + collateral from Taker
- Transfers asset collateral requirement from Maker
- Immediately settles funds according to trade terms
-
Instant Settlement: No waiting period - funds distributed immediately:
- Maker receives: Payment amount - 0.5% fee
- Platform collects: 0.5% fee from buyer + 0.5% fee from seller
- Collateral held until off-chain asset delivery confirmation
For MakerBuys Signed Orders:
- Order Creation: Maker creates and signs buy order off-chain
- One-step Execution: Taker calls
fillOrder()to sell instantly - Instant Settlement: Taker receives payment immediately upon execution
Benefits of Signed Orders
- Speed: Complete trades in seconds, not minutes
- Efficiency: Single transaction reduces gas costs significantly
- Market Making: Enables professional market maker strategies
- Liquidity: Improves platform liquidity with always-available orders
- User Experience: Simplified interface for quick trading decisions
MakerBuys Flow
Step-by-step breakdown:
- Trade Creation: Taker creates trade specifying Maker as buyer
- Maker Funding: Maker deposits price + collateral
- Taker Funding: Taker deposits collateral (deposit amount)
- Off-chain Delivery: Taker delivers asset to Maker through agreed method
- Confirmation: Both parties confirm trade completion on-chain
- Settlement: Automatic fund distribution
Order Type Selection Guide
Choose the right order type based on your trading needs:
Use Traditional Orders When:
- First-time trading with unknown counterparties
- High-value transactions requiring careful verification
- Complex delivery terms need detailed coordination
- Flexible timing is needed for funding and settlement
- Maximum security is the primary concern
- Dispute protection is essential
Use Signed Orders When:
- Quick execution is the priority
- Trading with known counterparties or market makers
- Standard asset types with clear delivery methods
- Lower gas costs are important
- Market making activities require instant order availability
- High-frequency trading strategies are employed
Risk Considerations by Order Type
Traditional Orders:
- Lower execution speed but maximum security
- Higher gas costs due to multi-step process
- Full dispute resolution support
- Clear state visibility for all participants
Signed Orders:
- Higher execution speed with streamlined security
- Lower gas costs due to single transaction
- Limited dispute options due to instant settlement
- Requires trust in order accuracy and counterparty reliability
Collateral Requirements
Deposit Multiplier System
OTC Hub uses a deposit multiplier system instead of fixed deposit amounts:
- 1x: Collateral = Trade Amount × 1 (100% collateral)
- 2x: Collateral = Trade Amount × 2 (200% collateral)
- 3x: Collateral = Trade Amount × 3 (300% collateral)
Higher multipliers provide more security but require more capital.
Funding Requirements by Direction
| Trade Direction | Maker Deposits | Taker Deposits |
|---|---|---|
| MakerSells | Collateral | Price + Collateral |
| MakerBuys | Price + Collateral | Collateral |
Trade States
Trades progress through the following states:
- Open: Trade created, awaiting funding from both parties
- Funded: Both parties have deposited required funds
- Settled: Trade completed successfully, funds distributed
- Cancelled: Trade cancelled before completion
- Disputed: Trade is under dispute resolution
- AdminClosed: Administrator resolved a disputed trade
Platform Fee Structure
OTC Hub implements a fair and transparent fee structure to maintain platform operations:
Transaction Fees
- Base Fee Rate: 0.5% of trade amount from both buyer and seller
- Total Platform Fee: 1% of trade amount (0.5% from each party)
- Fee Collection: Deducted automatically during trade settlement
Dispute Resolution Fees
- Standard Dispute: No additional fee for dispute initiation
- Dispute Resolution: 10% of trade amount deducted from the at-fault party's collateral
- Dispute Processing: Resolved by platform administrators with full evidence review
Fee Examples
For a $1000 trade:
- Buyer pays: $1000 + collateral + 0.5% fee ($5)
- Seller receives: $1000 - 0.5% fee ($995) + collateral back
- Platform collects: $10 total (0.5% from each party)
If dispute occurs and Buyer is at fault:
- Platform deducts additional $100 (10% of $1000) from Buyer's collateral
- Seller receives full compensation plus their collateral back
Dispute Resolution Flow
If issues arise during a trade, either party can raise a dispute:
Security Considerations
For All Trades:
- Verify counterparty before funding
- Document all communications and proof of delivery
- Use secure delivery methods (encrypted channels, escrows)
- Confirm asset receipt before on-chain confirmation
Risk Mitigation:
- Start small for new counterparties
- Use higher deposit multipliers for high-value trades
- Maintain proof of all transactions and communications
- Report suspicious activity to platform administrators
Common Issues and Solutions
Funding Phase Issues:
- Insufficient balance: Ensure you have enough tokens + gas fees
- Token approval: Approve the contract to spend your tokens first
- Wrong network: Verify you're on the correct blockchain network
Settlement Phase Issues:
- Counterparty not confirming: Use dispute mechanism if needed
- Delivery disputes: Provide clear proof of delivery/receipt
- Technical issues: Contact support with transaction hashes
Next Steps
- Learn about API integration for automated trading
- Review security best practices
- Explore smart contract details