> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.bitsafe.finance/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.bitsafe.finance/start-here/institutions-and-trading-firms.md).

# Institutions and trading firms

### Start with the outcome

CBTC is the primary path for institutions and trading firms that need Bitcoin on Canton. Decentralization Manager is the path for organizations that want to run governed and co-validated applications across independent Canton nodes.

### Evaluate CBTC

1. Read [CBTC overview](/cbtc/overview.md).
2. Understand mint, transfer, and redemption in [How CBTC works](/cbtc/how-cbtc-works.md).
3. Review [CBTC security](/cbtc/concepts-and-reference/security.md) and [CBTC Proof of Reserve](/cbtc/concepts-and-reference/proof-of-reserve.md).
4. Choose transfer operations or an approved mint and redemption integration.

### Evaluate Decentralization Manager

1. Read [Decentralization Manager overview](/decentralization-manager/overview.md).
2. Review [Decentralization Manager architecture overview](/decentralization-manager/concepts-and-development/architecture-overview.md) and [Decentralization Manager governance lifecycle](/decentralization-manager/concepts-and-development/governance-lifecycle.md).
3. Choose the approved co-validation model that matches the application's control and hosting requirements.
4. Review [Decentralization Manager production deployment](/decentralization-manager/get-started/production-deployment.md) and determine whether your team will self-host or use Decentralization Services.

### Before production

Confirm counterparties, operating model, supported versions, access, recovery, support, and internal risk review. Use [CBTC compatibility and release notes](/cbtc/concepts-and-reference/compatibility-and-release-notes.md), [Decentralization Manager compatibility, releases, and troubleshooting](/decentralization-manager/operations-and-reference/compatibility-releases-and-troubleshooting.md), and the shared [Security and trust index](https://docs.bitsafe.finance/security-and-trust/). This documentation describes infrastructure and is not legal, regulatory, or investment advice.

### Evaluating CBTC or a governed Canton application for your organization?

### <a href="https://bitsafe.typeform.com/helloBitSafe" class="button primary">Talk to BitSafe</a>

### Next step

👉 **Begin the evaluation:** [How CBTC works](/cbtc/how-cbtc-works.md).


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