Delivery versus Payment

Definition ∞ Delivery versus Payment, or DvP, is a settlement mechanism ensuring that the delivery of securities occurs only if payment is simultaneously made. This arrangement eliminates principal risk by preventing the loss of assets without receiving payment, or vice versa. It is a standard practice in traditional financial markets to protect both buyers and sellers. DvP is fundamental for maintaining integrity in securities transactions.
Context ∞ The concept of DvP is highly pertinent to the tokenization of assets and the development of digital asset markets. Distributed ledger technology (DLT) platforms are designed to natively support atomic swaps, which replicate DvP functionality in a digital environment. News frequently discusses how DLT can streamline DvP processes for traditional assets, digital securities, and tokenized central bank money, thereby reducing settlement times and counterparty risk.