What is an atomic swap?

Modified on Sat, 13 Feb, 2021 at 8:49 PM

An atomic swap is a smart contract technology that enables the exchange of one blockchain asset for another without using centralized intermediaries, such as exchanges.

Atomic swaps use Hashed Time-Lock Contracts (HTLCs) and can take place directly between blockchains of different cryptocurrencies, or they can be conducted off-chain, away from the main blockchain (learn more).

Fastspot makes use of HTLCs on the Bitcoin and Nimiq network as well as the Nimiq OASIS based HTLCs for off-chain assets, in this case fiat money (EUR) for bank accounts that are capable of instant wire transactions

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