Sera vs Fireblocks: How they actually compare
Sera and Fireblocks do not compete — they compose. Fireblocks is institutional MPC custody and digital asset operations infrastructure: it secures keys, manages wallets at scale, and connects to 35+ blockchains and 1,200+ counterparties. Sera is the FX settlement layer: a non-custodial protocol that converts between currency-pegged stablecoins on-chain with no fee from the protocol. A treasury team at a Fireblocks institution can sign Sera settlements from their Fireblocks wallet without leaving their existing custody stack.
Sera vs Fireblocks, side by side
| Sera | Fireblocks (institutional MPC custody) | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | Non-custodial FX settlement protocol | Institutional MPC custody + digital asset operations |
| Primary function | Convert between stablecoins at best-execution FX rates | Secure key management, wallet operations, policy engine |
| Custody model | Non-custodial — you hold keys throughout | MPC-CMP — keys sharded between Fireblocks and institution |
| FX / stablecoin conversion | Native — 120+ currencies, 30,000+ pairs | Via connected DeFi protocols or OTC desk; not native |
| Protocol fee | 0 | Enterprise licensing (not publicly disclosed) |
| LP yield | Yes — LPs earn the FX spread | No |
| AI/agent integration | Native MCP at agents.sera.cx | Fireblocks API + policy engine |
| Target user | Payment builders, fintechs, treasury teams, AI agents | Banks, crypto exchanges, custodians, asset managers |
| Regulatory posture | Non-custodial protocol; compliance owned by integrator | SOC 2 Type II, ISO 27001; serves regulated institutions |
| Composability | Callable from any wallet or MCP-compatible agent | Fireblocks wallets can sign Sera settlement transactions |
When to choose Sera
- You need best-execution FX conversion between stablecoins — Fireblocks alone does not provide an FX engine.
- You want no protocol fee and LP yield on your stablecoin positions.
- Your agents need to settle cross-currency transactions autonomously via MCP.
- You already have custody solved (including via Fireblocks) and need the FX layer on top.
When to choose Fireblocks
- You need institutional-grade key management, MPC security, and a policy engine for digital asset operations.
- You manage assets for regulated clients and need SOC 2 / ISO 27001 infrastructure.
- You want a dApp browser, transaction screening, and access to Fireblocks Network (1,200+ counterparties).
- You process institutional settlement across 35+ chains and need wallet infrastructure to match.
Pricing, side by side
Illustrative: $10,000 USDC → EURC FX conversion.
| Sera | Fireblocks | |
|---|---|---|
| Protocol / licensing fee | $0 protocol fee | Enterprise SaaS licensing; not disclosed publicly |
| FX spread | $5–$40 (5–40 bps, accrues to LP — can be you) | OTC rate or DeFi protocol rate (separate from Fireblocks) |
| Gas | $0.01–$0.50 (L2) | Passed through from connected network |
| Effective FX cost | $5–$40 | Depends on DeFi/OTC route chosen; custody licensing is separate |
Integrating Sera
Sera is invoked at the moment of currency conversion. A Fireblocks-managed wallet signs the Sera settlement transaction via Fireblocks' WalletConnect or contract interaction flow. Sera handles routing, pricing, and execution; Fireblocks handles key custody and approval policy.
Integrating Fireblocks
Fireblocks is custody and operations infrastructure. Institutions connect wallets to blockchains, exchanges, and DeFi via Fireblocks' policy engine and API. FX conversion is done through connected external protocols (like Sera) or via OTC — not natively within Fireblocks.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Sera a Fireblocks alternative?
- No — they are complementary layers. Fireblocks provides institutional custody and policy enforcement; Sera provides FX settlement. A Fireblocks institution can call Sera for stablecoin FX conversion without replacing its custody stack.
- Can Fireblocks wallets use Sera?
- Yes. Fireblocks wallets can sign EVM smart contract transactions. A treasury team using Fireblocks can quote and execute Sera FX settlements from a Fireblocks-managed wallet, retaining the MPC key security and approval policy that Fireblocks enforces.
- Does Fireblocks have a native FX engine?
- Fireblocks does not natively convert between different currency stablecoins. FX conversion on Fireblocks-managed assets requires connecting to an external DEX, DeFi protocol, or OTC desk. Sera is purpose-built for that conversion layer.
- What is the Sera MCP and how does it work with Fireblocks?
- Sera's MCP (Model Context Protocol) at agents.sera.cx exposes fx_quote, fx_settle, corridors, and rates as tools that AI agents can call autonomously. For Fireblocks institutions with agent infrastructure, the MCP call can be routed through Fireblocks' API to require policy approval before settlement executes.
Use Sera as your FX settlement layer
Keep custody and KYC where they are. Plug Sera in for the on-chain currency conversion and capture the FX spread on your own flow.