Securities Settlement System

Definition ∞ A Securities Settlement System is the infrastructure that facilitates the transfer of securities and corresponding funds between buyers and sellers. This system ensures that ownership changes hands efficiently and securely, typically involving clearing houses and central depositories. Its primary function is to reduce counterparty risk and ensure the finality of transactions. This forms the backbone of financial markets.
Context ∞ The discussion around Securities Settlement Systems is highly relevant to the adoption of digital securities and tokenized assets. News often addresses how blockchain technology can modernize and streamline these traditional systems, offering faster settlement times and reduced operational costs. Regulatory bodies are actively exploring how to integrate distributed ledger technology into existing frameworks.