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

# The settlement lifecycle

> The settlement flow from quote selection to completion.

## Overview

When tokenized money must move across multiple blockchain networks, Atum provides infrastructure to facilitate fulfillment of payment requests. When a settlement quote is selected, the settlement operator executes the payment.

## At a glance

The settlement operator submits a price quote. Once its quote is selected, Atum coordinates three on-chain steps — **deposit → fulfill → release** — to complete the settlement:

```mermaid theme={null}
flowchart LR
    Quote(["Settlement operator quotes"]) -->|selected| Deposit(["Deposit: lock source funds"]) --> Fulfill(["Fulfill: deliver to recipient"]) --> Release(["Release: funds to operator"])
```

If a settlement can't complete — a step fails or a deadline passes before release — it falls back to a **refund**: the user's source funds are returned and the settlement ends.

<Info>
  Source and destination transactions are cryptographically linked. Source funds are only released once delivery to the recipient is proven, so a settlement either completes end to end or refunds — funds are never left in limbo.
</Info>

## Fulfillment quote selection

Settlement operators compete to fulfill each payment request:

1. **Receive request** — the Atum gateway broadcasts a payment request to operators
2. **Evaluate feasibility** — the operator checks it against their participation criteria
3. **Submit quote** — if suitable, the operator submits a quote to fulfill it
4. **Fulfill** — the operator whose quote is selected fulfills the request

Each of these steps happen in real time via automated systems.

## Next steps

| Topic                                        | Guide                                                                   |
| -------------------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| The agent operators run to execute this flow | [Operating a settler agent](/settle-payments/operating-a-settler-agent) |
| Deploy and run the agent                     | [Integration guide](/settle-payments/integration-guide)                 |
| Price your quotes                            | [Bidding strategies](/settle-payments/bidding-strategies)               |