====== Ledger ======

[[dido:99_annexes:annex-b-terms-and-definitions:start|Go up to Terms and Definitions]]

===== Discussion =====

A Ledger is a record of entries documenting accounts, balances, obligations, transfers, settlements, or other value-related changes.

In a [[dido:99_annexes:annex-b-terms-and-definitions:f:financial_system|Financial System]], a Ledger supports accounting, settlement, reconciliation, accountability, and review. A Ledger may appear in centralised, distributed, or replicated forms, depending on the implementation context.

The FX Demo [[dido:99_annexes:annex-b-terms-and-definitions:r:reference_architecture|Reference Architecture]] does not require a Ledger as the organizing mechanism for governed work, compensation, settlement, audit, or provenance. Later implementation profiles may use ledger-based artifacts where they satisfy the applicable architectural requirements.

===== Definition =====

//maintained record of entries that document accounts, balances, obligations, transfers, settlements, or other value-related changes//

===== Source =====

Generalised from financial accounting, settlement, and ledger concepts; specialized for use in the FX Demo Reference Architecture.

===== Note =====

A Ledger is not necessarily a blockchain, distributed ledger, database table, journal, payment system, or settlement system. Those artifacts may implement, support, or contain ledger entries.

===== Example =====

An accounting ledger records settlement entries reflecting compensation owed for work performed under a governing contract by a Qualified Service Provider.