Definition ∞ Payment Assets are any forms of value that can be used to settle financial obligations or exchange for goods and services. This includes traditional fiat currencies, bank deposits, and, increasingly, digital assets like stablecoins and central bank digital currencies. Their primary function is to serve as a medium of exchange, facilitating transactions within an economy. These assets possess characteristics that enable their use in payment systems.
Context ∞ The rise of digital assets has introduced new forms of payment assets, prompting discussions about their role in modern payment systems and their potential impact on financial stability. Key debates involve the regulatory classification of various digital payment assets and the oversight required to ensure consumer protection and prevent illicit activities. A critical future development involves the integration of compliant digital payment assets into mainstream financial infrastructure. News often reports on innovations in payment technologies and regulatory responses to digital currencies.