> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.aftermath.finance/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.aftermath.finance/perpetuals/vaults/for-depositors.md).

# For Depositors

### Why should I deposit into a vault?

By depositing into a vault, you gain exposure to a curator's perpetuals trading strategy without needing to actively manage positions yourself. You share in the vault's profits (and losses) proportional to your ownership stake.

Vaults provide depositors with:

* **Passive Exposure.** Let experienced traders or algorithms manage positions on your behalf.
* **Diversification.** Vaults can trade across multiple perpetuals markets simultaneously.
* **Guaranteed Exit.** Force withdrawal mechanisms ensure you can always retrieve your funds, even if the curator becomes unresponsive.

### Evaluating a Vault

You can find all available vaults under our vaults tab: <https://aftermath.finance/perpetuals/vaults>

Before depositing, carefully evaluate:

* **Curator reputation.** Who manages the vault? What is their track record?
* **Strategy description.** Does the vault clearly explain its approach? Do you understand the risks involved?
* **Historical performance.** Review past returns, but remember that past performance does not guarantee future results.
* **Fee structure.** What percentage of profits does the curator take? Higher fees require stronger performance to be worthwhile.
* **Lock period.** How long will your funds be locked? Ensure this aligns with your investment timeline.
* **Force withdrawal delay.** If the curator becomes unresponsive, how long until you can force withdraw?
* **Current positions.** What positions is the vault currently holding? Are you comfortable with the exposure?

### How do I deposit into a vault?

Navigate to the vault you wish to deposit into, enter the amount of collateral you want to deposit, and click "Deposit".

Upon deposit, you receive LP tokens representing your share of the vault. The number of LP tokens you receive depends on the current vault value—you receive a proportional share based on your deposit amount relative to the vault's total value.

{% hint style="warning" %}
Once deposited, your funds are locked for the vault's configured lock period. You cannot withdraw until this period has elapsed
{% endhint %}

### How do I withdraw from a vault?

Withdrawal is a multi-step process designed to give curators time to optimally manage liquidity. Two paths exist for processing your withdrawal:

1. The preferred path is a **curator-processed withdrawal**, where the curator rebalances positions and processes your withdrawal according to their strategy for optimal execution.
2. The fallback path is a **force withdrawal**—if the curator hasn't processed your withdrawal and the force withdrawal delay has expired, you (or Aftermath on your behalf) can forcefully withdraw liquidity from the vault. Positions may be closed at market prices, potentially resulting in suboptimal execution, but this mechanism ensures you can always retrieve your funds regardless of curator responsiveness.

Once processed, you receive your proportional share of the vault minus any applicable curator fees.

### Fees

Curator fees only apply to profits:

* If you withdraw at a loss (current value < deposit value), no fee is charged
* If you withdraw at a profit, the curator fee is deducted from the profit portion only
* Maximum curator fee is 20% of profits

**Example with 10% curator fee:**

| Scenario   | Deposited | Withdrawn Value | Profit | Curator Fee | You Receive |
| ---------- | --------- | --------------- | ------ | ----------- | ----------- |
| Profit     | $1,000    | $1,500          | $500   | $50         | $1,450      |
| Loss       | $1,000    | $800            | -$200  | $0          | $800        |
| Break-even | $1,000    | $1,000          | $0     | $0          | $1,000      |


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