Wholesale Payments Infrastructure

Definition ∞ Wholesale payments infrastructure refers to the systems and networks used by financial institutions, central banks, and large corporations to conduct high-value, interbank transactions. This infrastructure supports large-scale money transfers, securities settlements, and other critical financial operations. It forms the backbone of the global financial system, facilitating efficient movement of capital. Reliability and security are paramount for these systems.
Context ∞ The modernization of wholesale payments infrastructure is a significant focus for central banks and financial regulators globally, with blockchain technology and digital currencies often discussed in news reports. Debates center on the potential for distributed ledger technology (DLT) and central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) to enhance speed, reduce costs, and improve the security of these large-value transactions. A key development to observe is the ongoing pilot programs and cross-border initiatives exploring DLT-based wholesale payment solutions. This evolution aims to create more resilient and efficient financial systems.