A solution to the Monge transport problem for Brownian martingales

Abstract

We provide a solution to the problem of optimal transport by Brownian martingales in general dimensions whenever the transport cost satisfies certain subharmonic properties in the target variable, as well as a stochastic version of the standard "twist condition" frequently used in deterministic Monge transport theory. This setting includes in particular the case of the distance cost $c(x,y)=|x-y|$. We prove existence and uniqueness of the solution and characterize it as the first time Brownian motion hits a barrier that is determined by solutions to a corresponding dual problem.

To be published in Annals of Probability. Revisions made in response to referee report