Interbank Network

Definition ∞ An interbank network is a secure electronic system facilitating financial transactions and communication between banks globally. This infrastructure enables banks to settle payments, exchange funds, and process various financial instruments on behalf of their clients. While traditional interbank networks are centralized, blockchain technology presents an alternative for potentially more efficient and transparent interbank settlements. These networks form the backbone of the global financial system.
Context ∞ The discourse surrounding interbank networks frequently addresses their operational costs, settlement times, and the potential for digital ledger technologies to offer significant improvements. A key debate involves the adoption of central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) or permissioned blockchains as a means to modernize and streamline wholesale transactions between financial institutions. Future developments will focus on pilot programs and regulatory frameworks to test and integrate these novel technologies into existing interbank infrastructures.