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- Blockchain.com launched API Trading on Nov. 5 for institutional crypto clients.
- The service offers 24-hour execution across major digital currencies and stablecoins.
- Qualifying institutions can access post-trade settlement without paying settlement fees.
Blockchain.com launched API Trading on Nov. 5, allowing institutional clients to automate crypto trades directly through their existing systems. The service adds electronic execution alongside the company’s over-the-counter trading desk, where customers arrange transactions through voice and chat.
Automated Orders Complement the Trading Desk
An application programming interface, or API, lets clients’ software communicate directly with Blockchain.com’s trading infrastructure. Institutions can use the connection to request prices and execute trades without manually arranging each transaction with a trader.
The service offers round-the-clock access across major cryptocurrencies, altcoins, and stablecoins. Blockchain.com describes the offering as access to its principal spot liquidity, meaning clients trade directly with the company as their counterparty.
One connection handles pricing, booking, and payment. Clients can use a single connection for all transactions handled by the service instead of building separate links to each trading venue.
Quotes Specify Price and Trade Size
Blockchain.com states that each quote is executable at the displayed price for the requested quantity. This gives institutional desks a stated transaction price before accepting a trade, including when dealing in larger amounts.
The product also supports tailored periods for accepting quotes. For firms connecting automated systems, that determines how long a quoted price remains available before they must request another one. Blockchain.com is clear that the additional trading pairs can be considered on request.
Eligible Clients Can Settle After Trading
Eligible institutions can execute trades before transferring the corresponding cash or crypto and choose settlement schedules that suit their operations. This reduces the need to deposit funds in advance.
Blockchain.com states that it charges no settlement fees, while its all-in quotes show the price clients pay for each trade. The settlement arrangement therefore does not make trading free.
The launch expands Blockchain.com’s institutional prime brokerage business, which also offers OTC spot and derivatives trading, custody, staking and yield services. The company says the business serves more than 1,500 institutional clients, including hedge funds, family offices and corporations.
