Instant Global Settlement

Definition ∞ Instant global settlement refers to the immediate and irreversible finalization of financial transactions across international borders, often facilitated by distributed ledger technology. This process significantly reduces the time lag associated with traditional cross-border payments, which can take days. It offers enhanced efficiency, lower costs, and increased transparency for transferring value globally. This capability has substantial implications for international trade and finance.
Context ∞ The discussion surrounding instant global settlement often highlights its potential to revolutionize remittance services and interbank transfers, offering a more efficient alternative to correspondent banking networks. Regulatory bodies and financial institutions are evaluating the infrastructure and legal frameworks necessary to support widespread adoption of such systems. The development of stablecoins and CBDCs plays a key role in accelerating progress towards this objective.