Blockchain Fundamentals

Off-Chain

Also: Off-chain

Activity or data handled outside the blockchain itself, such as trades inside an exchange's own database or payments in a Lightning channel. It is faster and cheaper, but it relies on the operator or on extra safeguards, since the main chain isn't checking each step.

General education, not investment, legal or tax advice. Markets and regulation change quickly: where a definition depends on current law or on a recent event, check the latest coverage before relying on it.