A public ledger is a decentralized database that records all transactions of a cryptocurrency in a transparent manner. This ledger is accessible to anyone, enabling users to view the entire history of transactions associated with a particular cryptocurrency.Each transaction is grouped into blocks, which are linked together to form a chain. This structure, known as blockchain, ensures the integrity and security of the data. Once a block is added to the chain, altering past transactions becomes extremely difficult without consensus from the network.The public nature of the ledger fosters trust among users, as everyone can verify transactions without the need for a central authority. This transparency helps prevent fraud and supports accountability in the system.In addition to tracking ownership and transfer of assets, public ledgers contribute to the overall security of the network through a consensus mechanism, which often involves participating nodes validating and agreeing on transactions. This process helps maintain a reliable record while minimizing the chances of double spending or malicious behavior.
UK’s FCA to Allow Retail Investors Limited Access to Crypto ETNs
The UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) will permit retail investors to access certain crypto asset-backed exchange-traded notes (cETNs) for the