Definition ∞ Netting procedures are a financial practice where multiple mutual obligations between two or more parties are offset against each other, resulting in a single, smaller net payment or settlement. In digital asset transactions, netting can significantly reduce the number of individual transfers and the total value of assets that need to be moved on-chain. This process enhances efficiency, reduces settlement risk, and optimizes liquidity utilization, particularly in high-volume trading environments. It streamlines the clearing and settlement of obligations.
Context ∞ Netting procedures are a key discussion point in improving the efficiency of institutional digital asset trading and settlement systems. News often covers how central counterparties or decentralized clearing protocols are implementing netting to reduce blockchain congestion and transaction costs, thereby facilitating greater participation from traditional financial entities.