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Distributed Ledger Meaning

A distributed ledger is a shared database that is replicated and synchronized across multiple nodes in a network. Each participant maintains a copy of the ledger, and updates are recorded through a coordinated process rather than controlled by a single central authority. Distributed ledgers provide transparency, resilience, and tamper resistance.

Unlike traditional centralized databases, a distributed ledger ensures that no single entity has unilateral control over records. Changes must be agreed upon by the network according to predefined rules. This structure makes distributed ledgers particularly suitable for environments where trust between participants is limited or where auditability is critical.

Distributed ledgers may be public or private, permissionless or permissioned, depending on who can access and update the data. While blockchains are the most widely known type of distributed ledger, not all distributed ledgers rely on blocks or mining.

The defining characteristic is shared control over data. In financial markets, distributed ledgers are used to record asset ownership, settlement events, and transaction histories.

By providing a single source of truth shared across participants, they reduce reconciliation costs and operational complexity. Their adoption continues to grow as institutions seek more efficient and transparent infrastructure.

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