> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.orbitfin.ai/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.orbitfin.ai/orbit-api-reference/mcp/1.-what-is-mcp.md).

# 1. What is MCP?

#### Introduction to Model Context Protocol

Model Context Protocol (MCP) is an open protocol that enables seamless integration between AI assistants like Claude and external data sources, tools, and services. Think of MCP as a standardized way for AI models to access and interact with specialized capabilities beyond their built-in knowledge.

#### Key Concepts

**Traditional AI Limitations:**

* AI models have knowledge cutoffs
* Cannot access real-time or proprietary data
* Limited to general knowledge training data
* Cannot perform specialized calculations or access specific databases

**MCP Solutions:**

* **Dynamic Data Access**: Connect to live databases and APIs
* **Specialized Tools**: Add domain-specific capabilities
* **Contextual Intelligence**: Provide relevant context from your systems
* **Secure Integration**: Maintain data privacy and access controls

#### How MCP Works

When you ask LLM (Claude, ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, etc) a question, MCP can:

1. **Detect** when specialized knowledge or tools are needed
2. **Activate** the appropriate MCP integration
3. **Query** external systems securely
4. **Process** the information with AI intelligence
5. **Deliver** comprehensive, accurate responses

#### Benefits for Financial Services

* **Real Data**: Access actual company filings instead of general knowledge
* **Accuracy**: Source information from official documents
* **Efficiency**: Automate complex research workflows
* **Compliance**: Maintain audit trails and source attribution
* **Scalability**: Process multiple queries simultaneously

#### Orbit Public Company Research MCP

Our MCP specifically connects LLM to Orbit's comprehensive database of official company filings, enabling:

* Natural language queries about public companies
* Analysis based on official filings and regulatory documents
* Multi-company comparisons with actual data
* Source-attributed responses for compliance