Desk process
Manual RFQ first. Marketplace mechanics later.
The correct first product is not a full exchange. It is a high-signal deal desk that captures real buy/sell demand, qualifies counterparties, and turns repeated patterns into software only after demand proves itself.
Phase 1: structured lead capture.
Every inbound request becomes structured data: side, size, timing, quote basis, entity type, jurisdiction, proof requirements, and settlement preference. Manual notes matter because early market structure is still forming.
RFQ intake
Buyer and seller forms are routed into the same desk queue with clear side and urgency labels.
Counterparty screen
Requests with no size, no settlement path, or vague “best price?” language stay lower priority.
Document terms
Quotes need expiry, source, conditions, and settlement assumptions before they are treated as actionable.
Matching rules favor quote quality over speed.
The desk should not optimize for the fastest intro. It should optimize for clean intent, compatible settlement preferences, and enough evidence to avoid preventable disputes. That means refusing low-quality requests, labeling uncertainty, and avoiding claims that BTXOTC cannot verify.
Automation comes after repeated manual patterns.
Once enough qualified RFQs repeat, the site can add authenticated dashboards, quote books, admin review tools, and analytics. Until then, a manual desk is safer and more honest than shipping fake liquidity.
Evidence base.
Protocol references come from btx.dev and official documentation. OTC and marketplace commentary is independent BTXOTC analysis. The distinction is visible because liquidity claims should not be confused with protocol claims.