Acquirer Settlement

Definition ∞ Acquirer settlement describes the final transfer of funds from a customer’s bank to a merchant’s bank after a transaction. Within digital asset systems, this involves the ultimate movement of cryptocurrency or its fiat equivalent to the merchant’s designated account or wallet. This process confirms the completion of a payment, ensuring the merchant receives the transaction value. It represents a critical phase in the payment lifecycle, confirming the finality of the exchange between parties.
Context ∞ The efficiency of acquirer settlement mechanisms in blockchain-based payment rails is a key discussion point for improving cross-border digital asset transactions. Innovations in crypto payment gateways aim to accelerate and secure this final stage of payment processing. Understanding its mechanics helps assess the operational reliability of new financial technologies.