Interpretation Boundary: Cross-Chain Verification Methods

Cross-Chain Verification Methods

Cross-chain verification methods define how settlement correctness is established when value movements and settlement-related events originate from multiple blockchain networks. The objective is not to merge consensus between chains, but to verify that each network-specific event is correctly interpreted, normalized, and incorporated into a single deterministic settlement model.

Separation of Verification and Consensus

The settlement system does not participate in cross-chain consensus or bridge validation. Each network remains authoritative for its own transaction finality. Verification methods operate only after network-specific confirmation criteria are satisfied, ensuring that the settlement layer consumes events that are already finalized according to their originating chains.

Event-Level Verification

Each on-chain event is verified at the event level by validating transaction inclusion, confirmation depth, token metadata, and value integrity. Verification confirms that the observed transaction matches the expected structure and parameters before it is eligible for normalization and settlement processing.

Deterministic Event Normalization

Verified events are transformed into a canonical internal representation using deterministic normalization rules. Differences in token decimals, symbol conventions, and network encoding are resolved into a unified minor-unit format. This process ensures that equivalent economic events yield identical internal records regardless of the originating network.

Ordered Event Processing

Cross-chain verification requires a strict ordering model that preserves causality without relying on a global block height. Events are ordered using settlement timestamps and deterministic tie-breaking rules. Once ordered, the same event sequence must always produce the same settlement result when replayed.

Reorg and Invalidated Event Handling

If a previously verified event becomes invalid due to a chain reorganization, the settlement system records this as an explicit exception. Historical records are not overwritten. Instead, compensating entries or reversals are appended according to predefined exception-handling rules, preserving auditability.

Independent Recalculation Capability

Cross-chain verification methods are considered valid only if an independent system can reprocess the same set of verified events and arrive at identical balances. This replay capability serves as the primary proof that verification and normalization rules are applied consistently across networks.

System Boundary Constraints

The settlement system does not infer missing events, resolve bridge disputes, or assume equivalence between chains. Its role is limited to verifying provided events against deterministic rules and incorporating them into the settlement ledger. This constraint prevents hidden assumptions from entering the verification process.

Scope and Dependencies

This page is a derivative specification within GMG Engine. It does not define or redefine core primitives such as settlement, determinism, finality, proof, or exception handling. All authoritative definitions are inherited from the locked GMG Engine core primitives.

Related Core Primitives

This page depends on the authoritative definitions established in: Deterministic Outcomes, Settlement Ledger Format, Settlement Finality, Transaction Proof.