The document compares centralized and decentralized ledgers, defining a ledger as a record of financial activities. Centralized ledgers, often used in traditional financial systems, have weaknesses like susceptibility to fraud and cyberattacks, while decentralized ledgers, exemplified by blockchain technology, promote transparency and reduce reliance on intermediaries but face challenges in scalability and adoption. The discussion concludes by highlighting the transformative potential of decentralized ledgers in the financial sector.