Squads Protocol Development Guide

Squads Protocol is Solana's premier smart account infrastructure, securing over $10 billion in digital assets. This guide covers all three main products: Squads V4 Multisig, Smart Account Program, and Grid.

Overview

Squads Protocol provides:

• Squads V4 Multisig - Multi-signature wallet for teams with proposals, voting, time locks, spending limits, and program upgrade management
• Smart Account Program - Account abstraction infrastructure with session keys, passkeys, programmable policies, and direct debits
• Grid - Open finance infrastructure for stablecoin rails, neobank platforms, and enterprise payment systems

Program IDs

SQDS4ep65T869zMMBKyuUq6aD6EgTu8psMjkvj52pCf

SQDS4ep65T869zMMBKyuUq6aD6EgTu8psMjkvj52pCf

SMRTzfY6DfH5ik3TKiyLFfXexV8uSG3d2UksSCYdunG

SMRTzfY6DfH5ik3TKiyLFfXexV8uSG3d2UksSCYdunG

ExtSgUPtP3JyKUysFw2S5fpL5fWfUPzGUQLd2bTwftXN

ExtSgUPtP3JyKUysFw2S5fpL5fWfUPzGUQLd2bTwftXN

Eclipse Mainnet:

eSQDSMLf3qxwHVHeTr9amVAGmZbRLY2rFdSURandt6f

Quick Start

Installation

# Squads V4 Multisig SDK
npm install @sqds/multisig @solana/web3.js

# Grid SDK
npm install @sqds/grid

# Grid React Native SDK
npm install @sqds/grid-react-native

Basic Setup

import * as multisig from "@sqds/multisig";
import { Connection, Keypair, PublicKey } from "@solana/web3.js";

// Setup connection
const connection = new Connection("https://api.mainnet-beta.solana.com", "confirmed");

// Load wallet
const wallet = Keypair.fromSecretKey(/* your secret key */);

// Program ID constant
const SQUADS_PROGRAM_ID = new PublicKey("SQDS4ep65T869zMMBKyuUq6aD6EgTu8psMjkvj52pCf");

Squads V4 Multisig

Squads V4 is the latest version of the multisig protocol, featuring enhanced security, time locks, spending limits, and batch transactions.

Core Concepts

Multisig Account: The main account that holds configuration (members, threshold, time lock settings).

Vault: A PDA controlled by the multisig where assets are stored. Each multisig can have multiple vaults (indexed 0, 1, 2...).

Proposal: A request to execute a transaction that requires approval from multisig members.

Transaction: The actual instruction(s) to be executed once a proposal is approved.

Permission System

Members can have different permissions:

import { Permission, Permissions } from "@sqds/multisig/lib/types";

// All permissions (can initiate, vote, and execute)
const fullPermissions = Permissions.all();

// Specific permissions
const voteOnly = Permissions.fromPermissions([Permission.Vote]);
const initiateAndVote = Permissions.fromPermissions([Permission.Initiate, Permission.Vote]);
const executeOnly = Permissions.fromPermissions([Permission.Execute]);

Initiate

Vote

Execute

Creating a Multisig

import * as multisig from "@sqds/multisig";

const { Permissions } = multisig.types;

// Generate a unique create key (one-time use)
const createKey = Keypair.generate();

// Derive the multisig PDA
const [multisigPda] = multisig.getMultisigPda({
  createKey: createKey.publicKey,
});

// Create a 2-of-3 multisig
const signature = await multisig.rpc.multisigCreateV2({
  connection,
  createKey,
  creator: wallet,
  multisigPda,
  configAuthority: null, // Immutable config
  threshold: 2,
  members: [
    { key: member1.publicKey, permissions: Permissions.all() },
    { key: member2.publicKey, permissions: Permissions.all() },
    { key: member3.publicKey, permissions: Permissions.fromPermissions([Permission.Vote]) },
  ],
  timeLock: 0, // No time lock (in seconds)
  rentCollector: null,
});

console.log("Multisig created:", multisigPda.toString());
console.log("Transaction:", signature);

Vault Operations

Vaults are PDAs that hold the multisig's assets:

// Derive vault PDA (index 0 is the default vault)
const [vaultPda] = multisig.getVaultPda({
  multisigPda,
  index: 0,
});

console.log("Vault address:", vaultPda.toString());

// Check vault balance
const balance = await connection.getBalance(vaultPda);
console.log("Vault balance:", balance / 1e9, "SOL");

Important: Always send funds to the vault PDA, not the multisig account itself.

Creating a Vault Transaction

import { SystemProgram, LAMPORTS_PER_SOL } from "@solana/web3.js";

// Get current transaction index
const multisigAccount = await multisig.accounts.Multisig.fromAccountAddress(
  connection,
  multisigPda
);
const transactionIndex = BigInt(Number(multisigAccount.transactionIndex) + 1);

// Derive transaction PDA
const [transactionPda] = multisig.getTransactionPda({
  multisigPda,
  index: transactionIndex,
});

// Create a transfer instruction
const transferIx = SystemProgram.transfer({
  fromPubkey: vaultPda,
  toPubkey: recipientPubkey,
  lamports: 0.1 * LAMPORTS_PER_SOL,
});

// Create the vault transaction
const signature = await multisig.rpc.vaultTransactionCreate({
  connection,
  feePayer: wallet,
  multisigPda,
  transactionIndex,
  creator: wallet.publicKey,
  vaultIndex: 0,
  ephemeralSigners: 0,
  transactionMessage: new TransactionMessage({
    payerKey: vaultPda,
    recentBlockhash: (await connection.getLatestBlockhash()).blockhash,
    instructions: [transferIx],
  }),
});

console.log("Vault transaction created:", transactionPda.toString());

Creating and Managing Proposals

// Derive proposal PDA
const [proposalPda] = multisig.getProposalPda({
  multisigPda,
  transactionIndex,
});

// Create proposal for the transaction
const createProposalSig = await multisig.rpc.proposalCreate({
  connection,
  feePayer: wallet,
  multisigPda,
  transactionIndex,
  creator: wallet,
});

console.log("Proposal created:", proposalPda.toString());

Voting on Proposals

// Approve the proposal
const approveSig = await multisig.rpc.proposalApprove({
  connection,
  feePayer: wallet,
  multisigPda,
  transactionIndex,
  member: wallet,
});

console.log("Proposal approved");

// Or reject the proposal
const rejectSig = await multisig.rpc.proposalReject({
  connection,
  feePayer: wallet,
  multisigPda,
  transactionIndex,
  member: wallet,
  memo: "Reason for rejection",
});

Executing Approved Transactions

// Check if proposal is approved and ready
const proposal = await multisig.accounts.Proposal.fromAccountAddress(
  connection,
  proposalPda
);

if (proposal.status.__kind === "Approved") {
  // Execute the vault transaction
  const executeSig = await multisig.rpc.vaultTransactionExecute({
    connection,
    feePayer: wallet,
    multisigPda,
    transactionIndex,
    member: wallet.publicKey,
  });

  console.log("Transaction executed:", executeSig);
}

Spending Limits

Spending limits allow members to execute transactions up to a certain amount without full multisig approval:

// Create a spending limit
const createSpendingLimitSig = await multisig.rpc.configTransactionCreate({
  connection,
  feePayer: wallet,
  multisigPda,
  transactionIndex,
  creator: wallet.publicKey,
  actions: [{
    __kind: "AddSpendingLimit",
    createKey: spendingLimitCreateKey.publicKey,
    vaultIndex: 0,
    mint: SOL_MINT, // or token mint
    amount: BigInt(1 * LAMPORTS_PER_SOL), // 1 SOL
    period: multisig.types.Period.Day,
    members: [trustedMember.publicKey],
    destinations: [allowedDestination],
  }],
});

// Use spending limit (no proposal needed)
const useSpendingLimitSig = await multisig.rpc.spendingLimitUse({
  connection,
  feePayer: wallet,
  multisigPda,
  member: trustedMember,
  spendingLimit: spendingLimitPda,
  mint: SOL_MINT,
  vaultIndex: 0,
  amount: BigInt(0.5 * LAMPORTS_PER_SOL),
  decimals: 9,
  destination: allowedDestination,
});

Batch Transactions

Execute multiple transactions atomically:

// Create a batch
const [batchPda] = multisig.getBatchPda({
  multisigPda,
  batchIndex: transactionIndex,
});

const createBatchSig = await multisig.rpc.batchCreate({
  connection,
  feePayer: wallet,
  multisigPda,
  batchIndex: transactionIndex,
  creator: wallet,
  vaultIndex: 0,
});

// Add transactions to the batch
await multisig.rpc.batchAddTransaction({
  connection,
  feePayer: wallet,
  multisigPda,
  batchIndex: transactionIndex,
  transactionIndex: 1,
  vaultIndex: 0,
  transactionMessage: /* first transaction */,
});

await multisig.rpc.batchAddTransaction({
  connection,
  feePayer: wallet,
  multisigPda,
  batchIndex: transactionIndex,
  transactionIndex: 2,
  vaultIndex: 0,
  transactionMessage: /* second transaction */,
});

// Create proposal and execute as usual

Config Transactions

Modify multisig settings (requires proposal approval):

// Add a new member
const addMemberSig = await multisig.rpc.configTransactionCreate({
  connection,
  feePayer: wallet,
  multisigPda,
  transactionIndex,
  creator: wallet.publicKey,
  actions: [{
    __kind: "AddMember",
    newMember: {
      key: newMemberPubkey,
      permissions: Permissions.all(),
    },
  }],
});

// Change threshold
const changeThresholdSig = await multisig.rpc.configTransactionCreate({
  connection,
  feePayer: wallet,
  multisigPda,
  transactionIndex,
  creator: wallet.publicKey,
  actions: [{
    __kind: "ChangeThreshold",
    newThreshold: 3,
  }],
});

// Remove a member
const removeMemberSig = await multisig.rpc.configTransactionCreate({
  connection,
  feePayer: wallet,
  multisigPda,
  transactionIndex,
  creator: wallet.publicKey,
  actions: [{
    __kind: "RemoveMember",
    oldMember: memberToRemove,
  }],
});

Time Locks

Add a delay before approved transactions can execute:

// Create multisig with time lock (1 day = 86400 seconds)
const signature = await multisig.rpc.multisigCreateV2({
  connection,
  createKey,
  creator: wallet,
  multisigPda,
  configAuthority: null,
  threshold: 2,
  members: [...],
  timeLock: 86400, // 1 day in seconds
  rentCollector: null,
});

PDA Derivation Reference

import * as multisig from "@sqds/multisig";

// Multisig PDA
const [multisigPda] = multisig.getMultisigPda({
  createKey: createKeyPubkey,
});

// Vault PDA
const [vaultPda] = multisig.getVaultPda({
  multisigPda,
  index: 0, // vault index
});

// Transaction PDA
const [transactionPda] = multisig.getTransactionPda({
  multisigPda,
  index: transactionIndex,
});

// Proposal PDA
const [proposalPda] = multisig.getProposalPda({
  multisigPda,
  transactionIndex,
});

// Batch PDA
const [batchPda] = multisig.getBatchPda({
  multisigPda,
  batchIndex,
});

// Spending Limit PDA
const [spendingLimitPda] = multisig.getSpendingLimitPda({
  multisigPda,
  createKey: spendingLimitCreateKey,
});

// Program Config PDA
const [programConfigPda] = multisig.getProgramConfigPda({});

// Ephemeral Signer PDA (for CPI calls)
const [ephemeralSignerPda] = multisig.getEphemeralSignerPda({
  transactionPda,
  ephemeralSignerIndex: 0,
});

Smart Account Program

The Smart Account Program provides account abstraction features for Solana, enabling programmable wallets with session keys, passkeys, and policy-based execution.

Core Concepts

Smart Account: A programmable wallet controlled by policies rather than just private keys.

Session Key: Temporary keys with limited permissions for specific operations.

Passkey: WebAuthn/FIDO2 authentication using biometrics or hardware keys.

Policy: Rules that govern what transactions can be executed.

Features

• Rent-free Deployment - No rent required for smart accounts
• Atomic Policy Enforcement - All policy checks happen atomically
• Account Compression - Efficient storage for multiple signers
• Extensible Policies - Custom policy programs can be added
• Direct Debits - Automated recurring payments
• Subscriptions - Managed subscription billing

REST API Base URL

https://developer-api.squads.so/api/v1

Creating a Smart Account

// Via REST API
const response = await fetch("https://developer-api.squads.so/api/v1/accounts", {
  method: "POST",
  headers: {
    "Content-Type": "application/json",
    "Authorization": `Bearer ${apiKey}`,
  },
  body: JSON.stringify({
    email: "user@example.com",
    // or
    signer: signerPublicKey,
  }),
});

const account = await response.json();
console.log("Smart account:", account.address);

Session Key Management

Session keys allow delegated access with specific permissions:

// Create a session key
const sessionResponse = await fetch(
  `https://developer-api.squads.so/api/v1/accounts/${accountId}/sessions`,
  {
    method: "POST",
    headers: {
      "Content-Type": "application/json",
      "Authorization": `Bearer ${apiKey}`,
    },
    body: JSON.stringify({
      publicKey: sessionKeyPublicKey,
      expiresAt: Date.now() + 24 * 60 * 60 * 1000, // 24 hours
      permissions: ["transfer", "swap"],
      limits: {
        maxAmount: "1000000000", // 1 SOL in lamports
        dailyLimit: "5000000000", // 5 SOL daily
      },
    }),
  }
);

Passkey Authentication

// Register a passkey
const registerResponse = await fetch(
  `https://developer-api.squads.so/api/v1/accounts/${accountId}/passkeys`,
  {
    method: "POST",
    headers: {
      "Content-Type": "application/json",
      "Authorization": `Bearer ${apiKey}`,
    },
    body: JSON.stringify({
      credentialId: webAuthnCredential.id,
      publicKey: webAuthnCredential.publicKey,
      attestation: webAuthnCredential.attestation,
    }),
  }
);

// Authenticate with passkey
const authResponse = await fetch(
  "https://developer-api.squads.so/api/v1/auth/passkey",
  {
    method: "POST",
    headers: {
      "Content-Type": "application/json",
    },
    body: JSON.stringify({
      credentialId: webAuthnCredential.id,
      assertion: webAuthnAssertion,
    }),
  }
);

Policy Configuration

// Set spending policy
const policyResponse = await fetch(
  `https://developer-api.squads.so/api/v1/accounts/${accountId}/policies`,
  {
    method: "POST",
    headers: {
      "Content-Type": "application/json",
      "Authorization": `Bearer ${apiKey}`,
    },
    body: JSON.stringify({
      type: "spending_limit",
      params: {
        mint: "So11111111111111111111111111111111111111112", // SOL
        amount: "10000000000", // 10 SOL
        period: "daily",
      },
    }),
  }
);

Grid

Grid is Squads' open finance infrastructure for stablecoin rails, enabling neobank platforms and enterprise payment systems.

Features

• Stablecoin Rails - USDC/USDT payment infrastructure
• Programmable Payments - Automated money flows
• Virtual Accounts - Fiat on/off ramps
• KYC Integration - Built-in compliance tools
• Self-Custody - Users maintain control of assets

API Authentication

// Email OTP authentication
const otpResponse = await fetch("https://developer-api.squads.so/api/v1/auth/email/otp", {
  method: "POST",
  headers: {
    "Content-Type": "application/json",
  },
  body: JSON.stringify({
    email: "user@example.com",
  }),
});

// Verify OTP
const verifyResponse = await fetch("https://developer-api.squads.so/api/v1/auth/email/verify", {
  method: "POST",
  headers: {
    "Content-Type": "application/json",
  },
  body: JSON.stringify({
    email: "user@example.com",
    otp: "123456",
  }),
});

const { accessToken } = await verifyResponse.json();

Account Management

// Get account details
const accountResponse = await fetch(
  `https://developer-api.squads.so/api/v1/accounts/${accountId}`,
  {
    headers: {
      "Authorization": `Bearer ${accessToken}`,
    },
  }
);

const account = await accountResponse.json();
console.log("Balance:", account.balance);
console.log("Status:", account.status);

Payment Operations

// Create a payment intent
const paymentResponse = await fetch(
  "https://developer-api.squads.so/api/v1/payments",
  {
    method: "POST",
    headers: {
      "Content-Type": "application/json",
      "Authorization": `Bearer ${accessToken}`,
    },
    body: JSON.stringify({
      amount: "100000000", // 100 USDC (6 decimals)
      currency: "USDC",
      recipient: recipientAddress,
      memo: "Payment for services",
    }),
  }
);

const payment = await paymentResponse.json();
console.log("Payment ID:", payment.id);
console.log("Status:", payment.status);

Standing Orders (Recurring Payments)

// Create a standing order
const standingOrderResponse = await fetch(
  "https://developer-api.squads.so/api/v1/standing-orders",
  {
    method: "POST",
    headers: {
      "Content-Type": "application/json",
      "Authorization": `Bearer ${accessToken}`,
    },
    body: JSON.stringify({
      amount: "50000000", // 50 USDC
      currency: "USDC",
      recipient: recipientAddress,
      frequency: "monthly",
      startDate: "2024-02-01",
      memo: "Monthly subscription",
    }),
  }
);

Spending Limits

// Set spending limit
const limitResponse = await fetch(
  `https://developer-api.squads.so/api/v1/accounts/${accountId}/limits`,
  {
    method: "POST",
    headers: {
      "Content-Type": "application/json",
      "Authorization": `Bearer ${accessToken}`,
    },
    body: JSON.stringify({
      type: "daily",
      amount: "1000000000", // 1000 USDC
      currency: "USDC",
    }),
  }
);

Best Practices

Security

1. Never share private keys - Use environment variables for sensitive data
2. Verify program IDs - Always confirm you're interacting with official programs
3. Use time locks - For high-value treasuries, add time locks for additional security
4. Limit permissions - Give members only the permissions they need
5. Test on devnet - Always test transactions on devnet before mainnet

Transaction Optimization

1. Use Address Lookup Tables - Reduce transaction size for complex operations
2. Batch transactions - Group related operations when possible
3. Set appropriate compute budget - Avoid transaction failures due to compute limits

import { ComputeBudgetProgram } from "@solana/web3.js";

// Add compute budget instruction
const computeBudgetIx = ComputeBudgetProgram.setComputeUnitLimit({
  units: 400_000,
});

// Add priority fee for faster inclusion
const priorityFeeIx = ComputeBudgetProgram.setComputeUnitPrice({
  microLamports: 10_000,
});

Error Handling

try {
  const signature = await multisig.rpc.proposalCreate({
    connection,
    feePayer: wallet,
    multisigPda,
    transactionIndex,
    creator: wallet,
  });
} catch (error) {
  if (error.message.includes("NotAMember")) {
    console.error("Wallet is not a member of this multisig");
  } else if (error.message.includes("Unauthorized")) {
    console.error("Wallet does not have required permissions");
  } else if (error.message.includes("InvalidTransactionIndex")) {
    console.error("Transaction index already used");
  } else {
    throw error;
  }
}

Fetching Account State

// Get multisig account
const multisigAccount = await multisig.accounts.Multisig.fromAccountAddress(
  connection,
  multisigPda
);

console.log("Threshold:", multisigAccount.threshold);
console.log("Members:", multisigAccount.members);
console.log("Transaction Index:", multisigAccount.transactionIndex.toString());

// Get proposal status
const proposal = await multisig.accounts.Proposal.fromAccountAddress(
  connection,
  proposalPda
);

console.log("Status:", proposal.status.__kind);
console.log("Approved:", proposal.approved.length);
console.log("Rejected:", proposal.rejected.length);

Common Patterns

Program Upgrade Multisig

Secure program upgrade authority with a multisig:

// Transfer upgrade authority to multisig vault
const transferAuthIx = createSetAuthorityInstruction(
  programDataAddress,
  currentAuthority,
  AuthorityType.UpgradeAuthority,
  vaultPda
);

// Execute via multisig proposal
// Now program upgrades require multisig approval

Treasury Management

// Create multiple vaults for different purposes
const [operationsVault] = multisig.getVaultPda({ multisigPda, index: 0 });
const [reserveVault] = multisig.getVaultPda({ multisigPda, index: 1 });
const [grantVault] = multisig.getVaultPda({ multisigPda, index: 2 });

// Set spending limits for operations vault
// Reserve vault requires full multisig approval

Validator Operations

// Manage validator identity and vote account with multisig
// Transfer validator identity to vault
// Set up spending limits for operational costs

Resources

Official Documentation

• Squads Documentation
• V4 TypeDoc
• Grid Developer Portal

GitHub Repositories

• Squads V4
• Smart Account Program
• V4 Examples
• Grid Organization
• Public V4 Client

Security Audits

• OtterSec audit
• Neodyme audit
• Certora audit
• Trail of Bits audit

Verify Program Builds

# Install solana-verify
cargo install solana-verify

# Verify Squads V4 program
solana-verify get-program-hash -u mainnet-beta SQDS4ep65T869zMMBKyuUq6aD6EgTu8psMjkvj52pCf

Skill Structure

squads/
├── SKILL.md                              # This file
├── resources/
│   ├── program-addresses.md              # All program IDs and PDAs
│   ├── multisig-api-reference.md         # @sqds/multisig SDK reference
│   ├── smart-account-api-reference.md    # Smart Account API reference
│   └── grid-api-reference.md             # Grid REST API reference
├── examples/
│   ├── multisig/
│   │   ├── create-multisig.ts            # Create multisig with members
│   │   ├── proposals-voting.ts           # Proposals and voting
│   │   ├── vault-transactions.ts         # Vault operations
│   │   └── spending-limits.ts            # Spending limit management
│   ├── smart-account/
│   │   ├── account-creation.ts           # Smart account setup
│   │   └── session-keys.ts               # Session key management
│   └── grid/
│       ├── api-quickstart.ts             # REST API basics
│       └── payments.ts                   # Payment operations
├── templates/
│   ├── multisig-setup.ts                 # Multisig client template
│   ├── smart-account-setup.ts            # Smart account template
│   └── grid-client.ts                    # Grid API client template
└── docs/
    └── troubleshooting.md                # Common issues and solutions