Sale & Purchase of Bitcoin (BTC) and USDT
Bitcoin (BTC) and Tether (USDT) are among the most widely traded digital assets globally. Institutional investors, corporations, and high-net-worth individuals often trade them through OTC desks to minimize market impact, improve liquidity, and negotiate customized settlement terms.
Standard Transaction Procedure
- Initial Inquiry
- Buyer submits a Letter of Intent (LOI) or Buyer's Mandate.
- Seller provides a Soft Corporate Offer (SCO) outlining available quantity, price, payment terms, and delivery procedure.
- Know Your Customer (KYC)
- Both parties exchange corporate documents and identification.
- Compliance checks are conducted to satisfy AML (Anti-Money Laundering) and Counter-Terrorist Financing (CTF) requirements.
- Negotiation & Agreement
- Parties negotiate:
- Cryptocurrency (BTC or USDT)
- Quantity
- Pricing formula (e.g., exchange spot price ± premium/discount)
- Wallet details
- Settlement currency
- Transaction schedule
- A Digital Asset Sale & Purchase Agreement (SPA) is executed.
- Wallet Verification
- Buyer and seller verify wallet ownership, often using a signed message or a small test transfer.
- Proof of Funds / Proof of Crypto
- Buyer may provide Proof of Funds (POF).
- Seller may demonstrate control of the cryptocurrency, such as by completing a small test transaction or providing other mutually agreed evidence of wallet control. Private keys or seed phrases should never be disclosed.
- Settlement
- Payment is made through agreed banking channels or other lawful settlement methods.
- Cryptocurrency is transferred to the buyer's designated wallet.
- Many institutional transactions use an independent escrow or regulated custodian to reduce counterparty risk.
- Confirmation
- Blockchain confirmations are monitored.
- Upon completion, both parties acknowledge successful settlement.
Typical Commercial Terms
- Asset: Bitcoin (BTC) or Tether (USDT)
- Pricing: Based on a mutually agreed reference exchange at execution time, with any negotiated premium or discount.
- Minimum Transaction Size: Often varies by OTC provider and jurisdiction.
- Settlement: Single trade or multiple tranches.
- Network Fees: Usually allocated by agreement between the parties.
- Governing Law: Specified in the Sale & Purchase Agreement.
Key Risk Management Practices
- Conduct full KYC/AML due diligence before trading.
- Verify wallet ownership before transferring significant funds.
- Use reputable OTC desks, regulated exchanges, or trusted escrow/custody providers.
- Confirm all bank account and wallet details independently before settlement.
- Maintain detailed records for regulatory, accounting, and tax purposes.