Definition ∞ Wholesale DLT Payments refer to large-value interbank or institutional transactions settled using Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT), such as blockchain. These payments typically involve central banks or major financial institutions exchanging funds directly on a shared ledger. The aim is to enhance efficiency, reduce settlement risk, and lower operational costs compared to traditional systems.
Context ∞ The discussion surrounding wholesale DLT payments focuses on their potential to modernize financial market infrastructures and improve the speed and security of interbank settlements. Its situation involves ongoing pilot programs and research by central banks and financial consortia to assess technical viability and regulatory implications. Critical future developments include the widespread adoption of central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) for wholesale use and the establishment of interoperable DLT networks for cross-border transactions.