Tech Glossary
Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT)
Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) refers to a digital system for recording the transaction of assets in which the records are stored across multiple locations, or "nodes," simultaneously. Unlike traditional centralized databases, where data is managed by a single authority, DLT offers a decentralized approach, allowing multiple participants to have access to the same version of the ledger. Each participant (node) in the network has a copy of the ledger, and every update is agreed upon through a consensus mechanism before it is recorded.
The most well-known example of DLT is blockchain, which uses cryptographic techniques to ensure the integrity, security, and transparency of the data. Blockchain is often associated with cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum, but DLT has a much broader range of applications, including supply chain management, financial services, healthcare, and voting systems.
DLT enhances trust and transparency because all participants have access to the same information, reducing the risk of fraud or data tampering. The system is highly resilient, as no single point of failure exists—if one node fails, the others continue to function.
DLT is transforming industries by offering a secure, decentralized, and transparent way to record and verify transactions.