Real-Time Settlement

Definition ∞ Real-time settlement refers to the immediate finalization of a transaction upon its initiation. In financial contexts, this means assets are transferred and irrevocably recorded without delay. It contrasts with traditional systems that may involve delays of hours or days.
Context ∞ Discussions about real-time settlement in crypto frequently involve the capabilities of specific blockchain networks or layer-2 solutions to process transactions instantaneously. The efficiency and security of these settlement mechanisms are critical for widespread adoption in financial applications.