Products FM Marketplace
Multi-dealer marketplace
FM Liquidity Match
Saas for electronic trading
FM White Label
B2B White Label Crypto Trading Platform
FM Pulse
Real-time market data analytics
FM Space
Counterparty selection
Clients Banks & brokers
Neobanks, crypto-native and FX brokers
Payment providers
PSPs, payment gateways, on/off ramp
OTC desks
Crypto trading desks, retail platforms
Buy-side
Passive funds, hedge funds, asset managers
Liquidity providers
Market makers, proprietary shops
Prime brokers
Agency and risk-principle brokers
Stablecoin issuers
Next gen of fintech
Company About Careers Blog Media kit Referral Legal Imprint Operating rules Privacy Policy Risk Disclosure Support Contact us

For Customers Log in

Block Meaning

A block is a fundamental data structure in blockchain systems, representing a collection of validated transactions bundled together and added to the blockchain ledger. Blocks are linked sequentially, forming an immutable chain that records the entire transaction history of a network. Each block contains two primary components: transaction data and metadata.

The transaction data includes all the transfers, smart contract interactions, or state changes processed within that block. The metadata-stored in the block header-contains information necessary to identify, verify, and link the block to others in the chain. Blocks are created through a blockchain’s consensus mechanism.

In Proof-of-Work (PoW) systems like Bitcoin, miners compete to solve cryptographic puzzles to propose new blocks. In Proof-of-Stake (PoS) systems like Ethereum, validators are selected based on staked assets and protocol rules. Once a block is proposed and accepted by the network, it becomes part of the immutable ledger.

Immutability arises from cryptographic linking. Each block references the hash of the previous block, meaning any attempt to alter historical data would require recalculating that block and every subsequent block-an infeasible task on large networks. Blocks also define the rhythm of a blockchain.

The block time-how often new blocks are added-determines transaction confirmation speed and network throughput. Bitcoin averages one block every 10 minutes, while Ethereum produces blocks approximately every 12 seconds.

In practical terms, blocks act as checkpoints of consensus. They provide finality, organize transaction ordering, and enable decentralized networks to agree on a single shared state without a central authority.

← Back to Glossary

Explore our services

Providing liquidity in the cryptocurrency market?
Authorize on our platform and do it smarter with FM Pulse.

FM Marketplace

A reliable and high-performance crypto liquidity marketplace for institutions and businesses.

Learn more

FM White Label

Launch your fully branded B2B crypto trading platform in under one week.

Learn more

FM Liquidity Match

Crypto OTC-as-a-Service infrastructure for enhanced monetization and trade control.

Learn more

Scale your business, leave the hard work of your trading needs to us

Reduce your integration costs and operational risk across multiple access points with our platform

Get started

Important Disclaimer:

Finery Markets BVI Limited (“Finery Markets”) provides software, technology infrastructure, and related Information and Communication Technology (ICT) services on a Software-as-a-Service (“SaaS”) basis. Finery Markets acts solely as a software vendor and does not operate a trading platform, does not intermediate, match, execute, clear, or settle transactions, and does not engage in any activities that would require regulatory authorisation under applicable laws.

Finery Markets’ software is non-custodial and is provided exclusively to licensed institutional entities that act as independent operators of their own environments. All counterparties are solely responsible for establishing and maintaining their own bilateral trading and settlement relationships. Finery Markets is not a party to any such arrangements and assumes no responsibility for the conduct, verification, or compliance obligations of any users of the software.

Nothing on this website shall be construed as a financial promotion, investment advice, or an offer to engage in regulated activities. Access to and use of the software is strictly limited to clients who have entered into a software licensing agreement with Finery Markets. Persons located in jurisdictions where such access is restricted should not rely on this website or any of its contents.

Additional notice to UK visitors: This website and associated communications are not intended to constitute a financial promotion under The Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005 (as amended) and related guidance. Access to services provided by Finery Markets is limited to regulated entities, professional clients and eligible counterparties as set out by the Financial Conduct Authority. UK users are not permitted to use this website for the services of Finery Markets if they don't fall within these categories.