Delivery versus payment (DvP)

Within one programmable environment, a contract can coordinate asset and money. An off-chain or cross-chain leg requires additional mechanisms.

Delivery versus payment coordinates the asset and money legs to avoid one party delivering without receiving consideration. It does not itself resolve market risk, liquidity risk or default before settlement.

A contract can execute both transfers atomically if it controls or coordinates both legs. Payments through a bank or another network require additional mechanisms. Technical atomicity and legal settlement finality need separate assessment.