# Almond API Documentation ## Overview The Almond API provides a secure, standardized framework for facilitating cross-border payments and settlements. Almond API suite streamlines the end-to-end payment lifecycle—including initiation, validation, routing, and settlement—enabling financial institutions and enterprise clients to execute international transactions with enhanced efficiency, reduced operational costs, and complete transparency. **Intended Audience:** This documentation is designed for developers, technical architects, and integration engineers responsible for implementing Almond's payment infrastructure within their organization's systems. ## Introduction ### Settlement Optimization Engine Almond's proprietary **Settlement Optimization Engine** leverages advanced algorithms to identify the optimal routing path and execution timing for each cross-border settlement. The engine dynamically secures competitive foreign exchange rates while minimizing transaction costs—all in real-time and without manual intervention. **Key Capabilities:** - **Intelligent Routing** – Automatically selects the most efficient settlement path - **Real-Time FX Optimization** – Captures favorable exchange rates as market conditions change - **Zero Manual Intervention** – Fully automated decision-making and execution - **Cost Reduction** – Minimizes fees through optimal route selection ### Network Infrastructure Almond operates a robust global network comprising: - **Centralized Exchanges (CEXs)** – Trusted digital asset exchanges for currency conversion and blockchain transfers - **Payout Partners** – Licensed financial institutions and payment service providers for local disbursement - **Blockchain Networks** – Secure, transparent ledgers for cross-border asset movement This multi-layered infrastructure ensures reliability, compliance, and speed across all supported payment corridors. ## Workflow Almond's payment process consists of two distinct, sequential phases designed to optimize both cross-border transfer and local disbursement: ### Settlements **Objective:** Transfer value from source country to destination country efficiently and cost-effectively. **Description:** Moving funds from client's account in the source country to the prefund account in the destination country, via Almond's proprietary smart routing logic. **Process Flow:** - **Fund Source Account** The client funds its Almond account in the source country from its Originating Account. - **Get a Quote** The client requests a rate quote from Almond - **Approve & Execute** Review and approve the quote. Almond locks the rate and processes the settlement. - **Confirmation** Almond confirms the successful deposit of funds in fiat and sends a notification to the client. [Almond Settlement API](/apis/settlements) ### Payouts (Optional) **Objective:** Disburse funds from the prefund account to a beneficiary's account in the destination country. **Description:** Following settlement, clients can request Almond to transfer funds from their prefund account to a third-party beneficiary's account locally in the destination country. This is a local transfer with no currency conversion or cross-border movement. Payouts are optional. **Process Flow:** - **Payout Initiation** Client initiates a payout request via the Almond Payout API, specifying beneficiary details and payout method. - **Compliance & Validation** Payout undergoes regulatory screening and validation checks. - **Local Disbursement** Payout Partner executes the transfer through domestic banking infrastructure. - **Beneficiary Receipt** Funds are delivered to the beneficiary's designated bank account or mobile wallet. [Almond Payout API](/apis/payouts) p img br span Figure : Almond Flow