Payment vs Delivery

Payment vs Delivery (PvD)

The Initiativ Exchange guarantees the execution of all trades through a Payment Versus Delivery (PvD) model.

This mechanism ensures that EUA allowances and corresponding cash settlements are transferred simultaneously, removing counterparty risk. The flow is mediated through a Trust (fiduciary trust structure), which acts as a neutral escrow for both sides of the trade.

Key Guarantees

  • Simultaneous settlement of assets and cash

  • Neutral intermediary (Trust) ensures trustless execution

  • Real-time matching → real-time PvD

  • No counterparty disclosure: trades are anonymous but verified


Step-by-Step Settlement Flow

The lifecycle of a transaction is illustrated below (see diagram on page 12–13 of the Market Model):

Step
Action

1

Seller transfers EUA quota to Trust

2

Buyer transfers cash to Trust

3

Trading limits are updated (asset side for seller, cash side for buyer)

4

Both sides place matching orders

5

Orders are matched (PvD instruction issued)

6

Limits are adjusted in real-time (asset/cash)

7–8

Positions in the Trust accounts are updated

9–10

Final settlement: assets/cash can be withdrawn to client accounts on request

The Trust: Role & Mechanics

The Trust holds both cash and EUAs in escrow and executes settlement when matching conditions are fulfilled.

  • Who operates it? The Exchange, as trustee

  • What does it do?

    • Holds assets and cash in trust

    • Updates trading limits and positions in real-time

    • Transfers cash/EUAs upon member request

  • Security?

    • All assets are held in private wallets

    • EU Registry (CITL) and bank-level controls enforced


Trading Limits and PvD Enforcement

Trading limits are calculated dynamically and enforced before order submission:

  • For Buyers: Must have sufficient cash (including fees/taxes) pre-deposited in Fiducie

  • For Sellers: Must have corresponding EUA or EUAA volumes locked

Failure to comply results in:

  • Order rejection at submission (pre-trade block)


Interest & Remuneration

The Trust may optionally provide interest on:

  • Cash balances (overnight yield)

  • EUA holdings (via collateralization or delegation in future)

Terms are to be defined in the Trust agreement.

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