Near Real-Time Settlement

Definition ∞ Near Real-Time Settlement refers to the completion of financial transactions with minimal delay, typically within seconds or minutes, rather than hours or days. While not instantaneous, it represents a significant acceleration compared to traditional batch processing settlement cycles. This speed reduces counterparty risk and frees up capital, enhancing liquidity across financial markets. It is a key characteristic of modern payment systems and digital asset transfers.
Context ∞ Crypto news frequently highlights near real-time settlement as a primary advantage of blockchain technology and digital currencies over legacy financial infrastructure. Reports often compare the settlement speeds of various cryptocurrencies and decentralized finance protocols. The drive for faster, more efficient settlement processes is a major catalyst for innovation in both traditional finance and the digital asset space.