> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.pythas.io/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# How Pythas Works

> A conceptual overview of the Pythas settlement model from client onboarding to transfer execution.

Understanding the Pythas model before initiating your first transaction will save time. Every transaction follows three steps — and each is a prerequisite for the next.

## The settlement sequence

<Steps>
  <Step title="Onboard and verify">
    Before any funds move, every client must be verified through our KYC (individual) or KYB (business) process. Pythas cannot initiate or receive transfers on behalf of a client whose verification is not approved.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Register bank account and wallet">
    Once verified, the client registers the instruments that will be used as the source or destination of a transfer. A bank account is required for fiat legs. A Fireblocks-managed wallet address is assigned by Pythas for the stablecoin leg.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Execute transfer">
    With a verified client and registered instruments in place, Pythas executes the transfer — routing, conversion, and settlement handled end to end.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Key concepts

| Concept          | Description                                                                                                        |
| ---------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |
| **Customer**     | An individual or business on whose behalf transfers are executed. Must be KYC/KYB verified before any transaction. |
| **Bank account** | A fiat bank account registered to the customer for sending or receiving USD, EUR, BRL, or MXN.                     |
| **Wallet**       | A blockchain wallet address assigned to the customer for sending or receiving USDC or USDT.                        |
| **Transfer**     | A single money movement event between a bank account and a wallet — on-ramp or off-ramp.                           |

## What Pythas handles for you

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Identity verification" icon="id-card">
    KYC and KYB orchestration via MetaMap — individuals and businesses.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Compliance screening" icon="shield-check">
    OFAC, sanctions, PEP checks, and blockchain KYT via Elliptic on every transaction.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Fiat-stablecoin conversion" icon="arrows-rotate">
    All conversions executed by our regulated OTC Liquidity Provider. Pythas bears no FX risk.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Custodial infrastructure" icon="lock">
    Client-dedicated wallets via Fireblocks. No private key handling required by the client.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Settlement and payout" icon="building-columns">
    Via regulated banking partners and Local Rail Partner across USD, BRL, MXN, and EUR.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Fund segregation" icon="scale-balanced">
    Client funds never commingled with Pythas operating capital at any point.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Regulatory reporting" icon="file-contract">
    SAR and CTR filing obligations under BSA / FinCEN handled by Pythas compliance team.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Full audit trail" icon="list-check">
    Every transaction is traceable and available upon regulatory request.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>