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Over-the-counter (OTC) trading at Independent Reserve offers a private and secure way to execute large cryptocurrency trades with minimal slippage. The OTC desk is ideal for those who wish to buy or sell stablecoins and other cryptocurrencies in large volumes.

What Is OTC Trading?

OTC trading allows clients to transact large volumes of crypto directly with Independent Reserve’s OTC desk, rather than through the public exchange order book.

This method provides deeper liquidity and better price certainty and minimises market impact by executing off-exchange.

Why use Independent Reserve’s OTC desk?

Our OTC desk delivers a premium experience for large-volume trading. You benefit from:

  • Discretion and price stability: execute large trades off-exchange to minimise slippage during trades.
  • Expert guidance: access tailored market insights and support from our seasoned and professional traders.
  • Swift, secure settlement: ensure smooth and timely settlement in USD, SGD, HKD, EUR, AUD and NZD.

Who can use the OTC desk?

Our OTC service is open to both individuals or corporates looking to buy, sell or trade a large amount of digital assets. Our minimum order size is $50,000. However, we do offer some flexibility for smaller market cap assets.

We cater to businesses, accredited investors, high-net-worth individuals, family offices, and institutional clients.

How to trade USDT via the OTC desk

Step 1. Sign up for an Independent Reserve account

Before you can trade using the OTC desk, you will first need to create an account on Independent Reserve. Follow the guides below:

After creating your account, please note that you must complete the Risk Awareness Quiz before making any deposits.

Step 2. Contact the OTC desk 

Please reach out to our sales team using the form below. A relationship manager will contact you to discuss:

  • Trade size and direction (buy/sell)
  • Preferred cryptocurrency and settlement currency
  • Settlement timing and custody options

Step 3. Fund your account

You can deposit funds into your Independent Reserve account in several ways:

  • PayNow
  • Bank transfer
  • Telegraphic transfer

Please note that respective fees will apply. View the full fee schedule here

Step 4. Request a quote

Once you’ve funded your account and confirmed your trade details, the OTC desk will provide you with a quote. 

  • The quote includes all costs and spreads
  • You have a set window to accept or decline
  • Quotes are confidential and tailored to your order size

Step 4. Execute the Trade

Upon acceptance of the quote:

  • The trade is locked in at the agreed price
  • The desk will confirm execution details and settlement instructions

Step 5. Settlement

After execution, Independent Reserve will coordinate settlement and funds (fiat or crypto) will be credited to your Independent Reserve account. 

Settlement typically occurs on the same day, but is subject to banking or blockchain conditions. You’ll receive a trade confirmation statement.

Frequently asked questions

What are the OTC desk’s trading hours?

Monday to Friday, 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM (SGT).

What crypto can you trade OTC?

You can buy and sell all major cryptocurrencies and stablecoins using our OTC desk, including:

  • USDT (tether)
  • USDC
  • Bitcoin
  • Ethereum
  • XRP
  • And all other coins listed on our exchange.

What is the difference between OTC and exchange trading?

For most crypto traders, trading on a transparent and reliable exchange like Independent Reserve will meet all their trading needs. However, for large-volume block trades ($50,000 and above), executing all at once on an exchange is likely to negatively affect the price at which the order gets filled. This is what’s known as price slippage. OTC trading eliminates this risk.

What are the OTC trading fees?

There are no hidden fees for trading OTC. Quotes provided are all-inclusive; however, there may be deposit and withdrawal fees depending on the volume and currency you are depositing or withdrawing. For more information, please contact our OTC desk.

About the author

Brendon Lim

Brendon Lim creates content for Independent Reserve, focusing on crypto and Web3. When he's not writing, he's absorbing — and often riffing on — the latest in pop culture.