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

# How it works

> Understand Porto's key concepts and how institutional self-custody works.

Porto is an institutional self-custody wallet that gives your organization full control over digital assets while maintaining institutional-grade security. Here's how the core concepts work together.

<Frame caption="Porto dashboard overview">
  <img src="https://mintcdn.com/deployment-4/16a5wmYjGWmVl3OQ/knowledge-base/images/screenshots/porto-how-it-works-1.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=16a5wmYjGWmVl3OQ&q=85&s=2bd97425c4ce49ffb1d56047de6c06c9" alt="Porto application dashboard showing vaults and asset overview" style={{ maxWidth: "280px", height: "auto" }} width="750" height="1624" data-path="knowledge-base/images/screenshots/porto-how-it-works-1.png" />
</Frame>

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Vaults" icon="vault">
    Secure containers that hold your digital assets. Each vault has its own set of users, policies, and approval requirements.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Wallets & addresses" icon="wallet">
    Within each vault, you can create multiple wallets for different assets. Each wallet has a unique deposit address.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Users & roles" icon="users">
    Organization members with specific permissions. Roles determine who can initiate operations, approve transactions, and manage settings.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Policies" icon="shield">
    Rules that define how operations work. Policies set approval requirements, quorum members, and permissions for different actions.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Quorums" icon="circle-check">
    Groups of approvers required to authorize operations. Quorums ensure no single person can move assets without oversight.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Approvals" icon="stamp">
    The process of authorizing sensitive operations. Approvals involve biometric authentication and quorum sign-offs based on your policies.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## The approval flow

Operations like transfers, user management, and policy changes follow a standard approval flow:

1. **Initiator submits** — An authorized user starts the operation and provides details
2. **Initiator approves** — They complete biometric authentication on their device
3. **Quorum approves** — Policy-designated approvers review and authorize the operation
4. **Anchorage Digital reviews** — For certain operations, our compliance team provides final review
5. **Operation executes** — Once all approvals are complete, the operation is processed

## Self-custody with institutional security

Porto gives you true self-custody — you control your private keys and digital assets — while maintaining the security and governance controls institutions require:

* **Full control**: You hold the keys. Anchorage Digital never has access to your assets.
* **Multi-signature**: Operations require approval from designated team members.
* **Audit trail**: Every action is logged and visible in your activity history.
* **Flexible policies**: Configure approval requirements for different operation types.
* **Team collaboration**: Distribute responsibilities across your organization.

## Getting started

Ready to set up your organization? Start with these guides:

* [Logging in & homepage](/knowledge-base/porto/getting-started/login-homepage) — Your first steps
* [Mobile app & browser extension](/knowledge-base/porto/getting-started/mobile-app) — Download and install
* [Setting up participants](/knowledge-base/porto/getting-started/setup-participants) — Add your team
* [Creating vaults](/knowledge-base/porto/vaults-wallets/vaults) — Organize your assets