Off-Chain Trading

Definition ∞ Off-chain trading refers to the execution of trades for digital assets that occur away from the main blockchain ledger, typically on centralized or decentralized exchanges. These transactions are often batched and settled on the blockchain at a later time, aiming to increase speed and reduce transaction costs. This method bypasses the direct computational load of processing each trade individually on-chain.
Context ∞ Off-chain trading is a vital aspect of digital asset liquidity and market functioning, frequently featured in news concerning exchange operations and trading volumes. Discussions often revolve around the security implications of holding assets off-chain, the efficiency gains offered by these methods, and their role in facilitating high-frequency trading strategies. The operational integrity of exchanges and their off-chain mechanisms are paramount for market confidence.