# Onboarding Checklist: From Signup to First Trade

This guide walks you through the complete onboarding process for trading CBTC on Canton, from initial signup to your first live trade. Expected timeline: 1 to 2 weeks depending on your firm's readiness and chosen venue.

***

## Step 1: Express Interest

> **Complete the CBTC Signup Form** [bitsafe.typeform.com/to/NsiwLKIY](https://bitsafe.typeform.com/to/NsiwLKIY) This registers your firm's interest and triggers outreach from the BitSafe BD team. You will be contacted to discuss your trading goals, preferred venues, and technical requirements.

***

## Step 2: Execute Agreements

> **Sign the MSA**
>
> * **Master Service Agreement (MSA):** Standard commercial terms for using BitSafe services
> * **KYC/AML:** Complete any required compliance checks Contact <sales@bitsafe.finance> if you have questions about the agreements.

***

## Step 3: Set Up a Canton Wallet

> **Choose and configure your wallet** You need a Canton-compatible wallet to hold and transact with CBTC. Options for institutional traders:

| **Wallet**                                                                                                                                                              | **Type**           | **Best For**                                       |
| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------ | -------------------------------------------------- |
| **Zoro**                                                                                                                                                                | Self-custody       | Firms wanting SDK/API access and full control      |
| **Console**                                                                                                                                                             | Self-custody       | Browser-based with clear signing and risk checks   |
| **Loop**                                                                                                                                                                | Self-custody       | Web-based, no extensions needed, open source SDK   |
| **Cantor8**                                                                                                                                                             | Enterprise custody | Multi-signature security and regulatory compliance |
| For the full list of Canton wallets and SDK/API documentation, see the [Canton DeFi Ecosystem](https://docs.bitsafe.finance/trading-firms/canton-defi-ecosystem) guide. |                    |                                                    |

***

## Step 4: Acquire CBTC

> **Get CBTC into your wallet** Two paths depending on your infrastructure: **Option A: OTC Purchase** *(fastest, no Canton node required)*
>
> * Initiate a cross-chain CBTC swap with Trngle or an OTC purchase through Elk Capital
> * Ideal for firms without a Canton validator node
> * Contact Elk Capital for spread negotiation based on expected volume **Option B: Direct Minting** *(requires Canton validator node)*
> * Install the mint/burn software on your validator node
> * Call Rust APIs via cbtc-lib to mint CBTC directly from BTC
> * More cost-effective for high-volume operations
> * See the developer documentation at [docs.bitsafe.finance/product-suite/cbtc](https://docs.bitsafe.finance/product-suite/cbtc) for technical details

***

## Step 5: Choose and Connect to a Venue

> **Select your trading venue and integrate** See **Selecting a Trading Venue** for the full comparison. Quick summary:
>
> * **Elk / Trngle** (RFQ) - Institutional OTC, negotiable spreads, custom pairs
> * **Temple Digital** (CLOB) - Order book trading, 40% bonus reward share
> * **Tradefast** (AMM) - Uniswap V2 style, fastest integration
> * **Bron** - Intuitive interface, quick onboarding Each venue has its own API documentation and onboarding process. The BitSafe BD team will facilitate introductions.

***

## Step 6: Start Trading

> **You are live.**
>
> * Begin trading on your chosen venue
> * Every trade, swap, and lending transaction earns Canton Coin rewards
> * Rewards are transaction-count-based, not volume-based. High-frequency strategies earn more.
> * Review the **Prop Desk Playbook** for strategy recommendations **Recommended first trades:**
> * CBTC/USDXLR (primary pair, earns rewards from both assets)
> * CBTC/USDCx (familiar stable pairing)
> * CBTC/CC (Canton Coin exposure)

***

## Questions?

* **Email:** <sales@bitsafe.finance>
* **Common questions:** See the FAQ for Trading Firms
* **Technical questions:** See the developer documentation at [docs.bitsafe.finance/product-suite/cbtc](https://docs.bitsafe.finance/product-suite/cbtc)

***

> ℹ️ **Disclosures** Target yields are not guaranteed. Canton Coin rewards depend on network activity, token economics, and market conditions. Strategies carry risk; conduct independent due diligence. CBTC is not available to US persons. This is not investment advice.


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