Definition ∞ DLT collateral refers to assets held on a Distributed Ledger Technology platform and pledged as security for a loan or other financial obligation. This collateral can consist of cryptocurrencies, tokenized real-world assets, or other digital representations of value. The use of DLT allows for real-time tracking, automated management, and immutable recording of collateral, potentially enhancing transparency and efficiency in lending markets. It reduces settlement risk and simplifies the process of collateral management.
Context ∞ The application of DLT collateral is a growing area, particularly in decentralized finance and institutional digital asset services. News frequently reports on new protocols and platforms enabling the use of various digital assets as collateral. Regulatory bodies are also examining how to classify and oversee DLT collateral, especially as tokenized traditional assets become more prevalent.