> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://mintlify.com/p2pdotme/docs/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Design Goals and Non-Goals

> Core objectives and explicit boundaries of P2P Protocol

## Goals

<Info>
  **Primary Design Goals:**

  * Decentralized on/off-ramp between fiat and stablecoins without fiat escrow.
  * Privacy by design using ZK proofs for identity verification while keeping raw data off-chain. Bank transaction verification is planned (see Section 4.2).
  * Credible neutrality: protocol-level rules are open, transparent, and upgradable via governance.
  * Fast settlement: typical completion within minutes, targeting sub-\~90s for common rails as network, liquidity, and automation improve.
  * Safety & integrity: explicit threat model, dispute flows, and rate/limit controls to minimize fraud.
</Info>

### Decentralized On/Off-Ramp

The protocol enables peer-to-peer fiat-to-stablecoin exchanges without requiring users to trust a centralized custodian with their funds. Both crypto and fiat transfers happen directly between counterparties.

### Privacy by Design

Zero-knowledge proofs allow users to verify their identity and establish credibility without exposing personal data on-chain. Only the minimum necessary information is revealed through cryptographic attestations.

### Credible Neutrality

All protocol rules, parameters, and upgrade paths are transparent and governed on-chain. No special treatment exists for any client, merchant, or user—everyone operates under the same verifiable rules.

### Fast Settlement

By leveraging modern payment rails and L2 scaling solutions, the protocol targets settlement times competitive with centralized services while maintaining decentralization.

### Safety and Integrity

Multiple layers of protection including reputation systems, dispute resolution mechanisms, transaction limits, and fraud detection work together to create a secure environment.

## Non-Goals

<Warning>
  **Explicit Non-Goals:**

  * The Protocol does not hold customer fiat or crypto in custody.
  * The Protocol does not guarantee price or liquidity; it coordinates peers and market inputs.
  * The Protocol does not store personal data on behalf of users; it records necessary commitments and verdicts on-chain while raw evidence remains off-chain.
</Warning>

### No Custodial Services

P2P Protocol fundamentally differs from centralized exchanges by never taking custody of user funds. Users maintain control of their assets throughout the transaction lifecycle.

### No Guaranteed Liquidity

The protocol provides coordination and matching infrastructure but does not promise specific pricing or guaranteed trade execution. Market conditions depend on merchant participation and broader economic factors.

### No Personal Data Storage

Raw identity documents, bank statements, and other personal information never touch the blockchain. Only cryptographic commitments and dispute verdicts are recorded on-chain, with all sensitive data remaining off-chain with users or their chosen verifiers.