Institutional

    Compare institutional crypto rails across vetted providers

    OTC desks, pro exchange accounts, and on/off-ramp options.

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    Quick Comparison

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    CryptoOTC Desk
    OTC Desk
    API
    Fireblocks
    Min Ticket
    $100k
    15-30 bps
    Payment Rails
    Wire, ACH, SEPA...
    KYC / Regions
    T+1
    US +2
    ProTrade Exchange
    Pro Exchange Account
    API
    Fireblocks
    Min Ticket
    $25k
    Market spreads
    Payment Rails
    Wire, SEPA, FPS
    KYC / Regions
    Same-day
    US +1
    GlobalRamp PSP
    On/Off-Ramp
    API
    Fireblocks
    Min Ticket
    $10k
    20-50 bps
    Payment Rails
    ACH, SEPA, Interac...
    KYC / Regions
    T+1
    Global (150+ countries)
    PrimeOTC
    OTC Desk
    API
    Fireblocks
    Min Ticket
    $250k
    10-20 bps
    Payment Rails
    Wire, SEPA, On-chain
    KYC / Regions
    T+1
    Global
    Coinbase Prime
    Pro Exchange Account
    API
    Min Ticket
    $10k
    Market spreads + 0.5%
    Payment Rails
    Wire, ACH, On-chain
    KYC / Regions
    T+1
    US +2
    Kraken Pro
    Pro Exchange Account
    API
    Low Min
    Min Ticket
    $5k
    Market spreads
    Payment Rails
    Wire, SEPA, FPS...
    KYC / Regions
    Same-day
    US +3
    Gemini ActiveTrader
    Pro Exchange Account
    API
    Low Min
    Min Ticket
    $5k
    Market spreads
    Payment Rails
    Wire, ACH
    KYC / Regions
    Same-day
    US +2
    Robinhood Crypto
    Pro Exchange Account
    Low Min
    Min Ticket
    $1k
    Market spreads
    Payment Rails
    ACH, Wire
    KYC / Regions
    Same-day
    US
    Bitstamp Institutional
    Pro Exchange Account
    API
    Min Ticket
    $10k
    Market spreads
    Payment Rails
    Wire, SEPA, On-chain
    KYC / Regions
    T+1
    Global (EU, US, UK, Asia)
    Binance Institutional
    Pro Exchange Account
    API
    Min Ticket
    $10k
    Market spreads
    Payment Rails
    Wire, SEPA, On-chain
    KYC / Regions
    T+1
    Global (excluding US)

    Understanding Institutional Crypto Services

    What is an OTC Desk?

    An Over-The-Counter (OTC) desk facilitates large cryptocurrency trades directly between parties, outside of public exchanges. OTC desks are ideal for institutional clients who need to execute large trades ($100k+) without impacting market prices.

    When to use an OTC desk vs. pro exchange account: Choose an OTC desk when your trade size is large enough that executing on an exchange would cause significant slippage (typically $100k+). Use a pro exchange account for smaller institutional trades or when you need access to advanced trading tools and APIs.

    On/Off-Ramp vs. PSP vs. Exchange

    On/Off-Ramp: Services that convert between fiat currency and cryptocurrency. Optimized for businesses that need to move between traditional banking and crypto rails.

    Payment Service Provider (PSP): Integrates crypto payment capabilities into your business operations. Handles compliance, settlement, and conversion automatically.

    Exchange: Trading platform where you can buy/sell crypto at market prices. Pro accounts offer API access, lower fees, and institutional support.

    KYC/KYB, Travel Rule & Restricted Jurisdictions

    KYC (Know Your Customer) / KYB (Know Your Business): Identity verification processes required by regulated providers. Institutional KYB typically requires corporate documentation, beneficial ownership information, and source of funds verification.

    Travel Rule: FATF guidance requiring Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs) to share sender and receiver information for transactions above certain thresholds (typically $1,000 USD).

    Restricted Jurisdictions: Most providers cannot serve clients from sanctioned countries or regions with unclear regulatory frameworks. Common restrictions include: OFAC sanctioned countries, high-risk jurisdictions identified by FATF, and regions without clear crypto regulatory frameworks.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Disclosure: We may earn referral fees if you click a partner link and engage with a provider. This does not affect provider rankings or the information we present. Our directory is designed to help you make informed decisions.

    Information Accuracy: Provider information is sourced from provider websites, public documentation, and direct provider communications. Details including fees, minimums, supported regions, and service availability may change without notice. Always verify current terms, conditions, and availability directly with providers before making any commitment or transaction.

    No Investment Advice: This comparison site provides information only and does not constitute investment, legal, or financial advice. Conduct your own due diligence and consult with qualified professionals before engaging with any provider or making investment decisions.