> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.ipor.io/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.ipor.io/fusion-for-depositors/user-guide/depositing/how-to-choose-a-vault.md).

# How to Choose a Vault

IPOR Fusion is a neutral infrastructure layer that provides the technology - the Fusion Vault - to enable professional DeFi management. Fusion is the vault protocol, while each vault is curated and managed by its own third-party [**Atomist**](/build-on-fusion/architecture-overview/what-is-an-atomist.md) (the Curator).

When selecting a vault, your primary focus should be the specific strategy provided by the Atomist. Here are some tips to evaluate your options:

### 1. Read the Strategy Description

The most important step is to read the vault's description provided by the Atomist. This text explains the vault’s "mission profile"- for example, whether it focuses on stable yield from lending protocols like Aave and Compound, or seeks higher returns through leveraged looping.

The description should align with your own risk tolerance and investment goals.

### 2. KYC- Know Your Curator (Atomist)

In the IPOR Fusion ecosystem, the Atomist is the architect. They are responsible for:

* **Whitelisting:** Choosing which protocols and assets the vault is allowed to interact with.
* **Risk Management:** Setting limits on how much capital can be placed in a single protocol.
* **Execution:** Directing the [**Alpha**](/build-on-fusion/architecture-overview/what-is-an-alpha.md) (strategy execution) on how to deploy capital.

As a user, you are essentially selecting a manager you trust to navigate the DeFi landscape on your behalf.

### 3. Check the Underlying Asset

Every Fusion Vault is built around a single underlying token (e.g., USDC, USDT, or ETH). Your investment relates to that asset. When you deposit, you receive vault shares. Yield generated by the strategy is reflected in the rising price of these shares relative to the underlying token.

### 4. Understand Fees

To support the management of the vault, Atomists may implement two types of [fees](/fusion-for-depositors/user-guide/vault-fees.md). These are automatically handled by the protocol and are reflected in the share price:

* **Management Fee:** An annualized percentage for the ongoing operation of the vault.
* **Performance Fee:** A percentage of the profits earned. 

### 5. Liquidity and Withdrawals

Check if the vault is optimized for your time horizon. IPOR Fusion offers flexibility in how you [exit](/fusion-for-depositors/user-guide/withdrawing.md):

* **Instant Withdrawals:** Many vaults keep a portion of "idle" liquidity or use automated tools to pull funds back from lending markets instantly.
* **Scheduled Withdrawals:** Some advanced strategies (like leveraged looping) may require a "Request and Release" process. If a vault uses this, it will be noted in the interface, and you may need to wait a short period (the **Redemption Delay**) after requesting your funds to complete the withdrawal.

### 6. Notifications

Atomists have the option to display announcements directly on the vault details page. Additionally, each Atomist has a dedicated channel in the [IPOR Labs Discord server](https://discord.gg/zGUZUY43FE). It's recommended that you join the channels for all Fusion vaults where you have funds to stay up to date on announcements.

### 7. Summary: The Neutral Layer

Always remember that IPOR Fusion is the vault protocol. While the protocol includes hardcoded safety features, such as price validation and market limits, the actual performance and risk-taking decisions are the sole responsibility of the **Atomist**. Choose a vault where the strategy and the Atomist's reputation meet your expectations.