Definition ∞ A payments rail refers to the underlying infrastructure and operational systems that facilitate the movement of funds between different entities. These rails include the rules, protocols, and networks that enable transactions to be processed, cleared, and settled. They are essential for any financial exchange, from traditional banking to modern digital transfers.
Context ∞ In the context of cryptocurrency, blockchain networks are often discussed as novel payments rails that can offer faster, cheaper, and more transparent transactions compared to legacy systems. News frequently highlights innovations in blockchain technology aiming to disrupt or enhance existing payment infrastructures. Regulatory bodies are actively evaluating how to integrate or oversee these emerging digital payment rails.
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