> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.keystoneos.xyz/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# KeyStone OS Documentation

> Bilateral atomic settlement infrastructure for tokenized real-world assets.

## What is KeyStone?

KeyStone coordinates bilateral atomic settlement between institutions on different platforms and chains. One integration, every counterparty, any chain.

Both counterparties submit settlement instructions independently. KeyStone matches them, runs compliance, and creates a settlement on-chain. From there, smart contracts handle everything autonomously - deposits, atomic execution, and finalization. No custody, no chain, assets never bridge.

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Quickstart" icon="rocket" href="/getting-started/quickstart">
    Get your first settlement running in minutes.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Core Concepts" icon="book" href="/concepts/overview">
    Understand settlements, templates, and the state machine.
  </Card>

  <Card title="API Reference" icon="code" href="/api-reference/overview">
    Complete REST API documentation with interactive examples.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Smart Contracts" icon="lock" href="/smart-contracts/overview">
    On-chain infrastructure for trustless settlement.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## How it works

<Steps>
  <Step title="Instruct">
    Both parties submit settlement instructions via the REST API. KeyStone matches them and creates a settlement on-chain.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Comply">
    KeyStone screens parties off-chain (LSEG, CipherOwl) and attests results to the ComplianceRegistry on-chain. The contract enforces compliance.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Deposit">
    Parties deposit their assets directly to the escrow contract. KeyStone is not involved.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Settle">
    Contracts auto-execute the atomic swap and finalize. Both platforms receive webhook notifications.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Key capabilities

* **Autonomous post-compliance** - After compliance clears, contracts handle deposits, execution, and finalization without KeyStone in the loop.
* **Cross-platform settlement** - Platform A's seller, Platform B's buyer. One atomic settlement.
* **Cross-chain ready** - Bond on one chain, cash on another. Assets never bridge: the [KeystoneRouter](/smart-contracts/keystone-router) coordinates release across chains. The hosted platform currently settles single-chain.
* **No custody** - There is no KeyStone-controlled withdrawal path; recipients and refunds are bound at registration and even the operator can only abort, which unlocks refunds to the depositors.
* **Depositor-driven timeout** - The operator or any depositor can trigger timeout after the deadline, and the path cannot be paused. Funds are never locked.
* **Dual-layer compliance** - Off-chain entity screening and on-chain wallet risk scoring, attested on-chain.
* **Full audit trail** - Every state change is an on-chain event. Independently verifiable by any third party.