Interbank Lending

Definition ∞ Interbank lending involves financial institutions loaning funds to one another, typically on a short-term basis, to manage liquidity and meet reserve requirements. These transactions form a crucial component of the traditional financial system, allowing banks to balance their daily cash positions. The interest rate charged on these loans often serves as a key indicator of market liquidity and overall financial system health. It facilitates the smooth operation of the banking sector.
Context ∞ While primarily a traditional finance concept, interbank lending gains relevance in crypto news when discussing the integration of digital assets into established financial structures or the emergence of decentralized lending protocols. Debates often explore how blockchain technology might create more transparent and efficient interbank settlement systems. Central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) are frequently mentioned as a potential mechanism to modernize this process. The comparison between traditional and decentralized lending models is a recurring theme.