Definition ∞ Settlement risk refers to the danger that one party in a financial transaction will fail to deliver its part of the exchange, even after the other party has already fulfilled its obligation. This exposure can lead to financial losses if the defaulting party cannot complete its side of the agreement. It is a significant concern in traditional finance and digital asset markets. Mitigating this risk is crucial for market stability.
Context ∞ Settlement risk is a prominent concern in cryptocurrency markets, often highlighted in news related to exchange failures or smart contract vulnerabilities. Discussions frequently center on how blockchain technology, with its potential for atomic swaps and instant finality, can reduce or eliminate this risk compared to traditional systems. A key area of development involves the design of robust decentralized exchange protocols and cross-chain settlement mechanisms. Regulatory bodies are also examining settlement processes in digital asset transactions to ensure market integrity.
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