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Blockchain definition

What does Blockchain mean? In legal practice, blockchain describes a form of distributed ledger technology (DLT) that records and verifies time‑stamped data in linked “blocks” replicated across many networked computers (nodes), without a single central database. Each new block is validated by a consensus mechanism and appended to the chain, creating an auditable, tamper‑resistant record. Across England & Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, “blockchain” is a descriptive, non‑statutory term used in regulatory and judicial commentary; UK regulation more often refers to DLT and cryptoassets. In Ireland (as an EU Member State), the Markets in Crypto‑Assets Regulation (MiCA) defines DLT for regulatory purposes; usage...

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Blockchain and cryptoassets: a practitioner’s roadmap to legal, regulatory, governance and risk issues across smart contracts, DAOs and NFTs

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Practice notes
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Blockchain

Blockchain has surged into mainstream awareness, propelled by the meteoric rise of cryptocurrencies and a buoyant global Fintech industry, with regulators across the world running or completing numerous consultations and discussions. Though blockchain and related technologies remain comparatively young, substantial investment has been directed at unlocking efficiencies and capturing the novel business models they are expected to enable. To date, attention has largely centred on technical and commercial considerations. However, for blockchain to realise its full potential it must navigate both new and existing legal and regulatory landscapes in which it will operate. The breadth of possible use cases, together with the current stage of evolution of this technology, means this Practice Note is, by necessity, a roadmap for understanding the key legal and regulatory issues that typically arise in connection with blockchain technology, rather than a set of definitive answers. The precise legislation and regulation that apply to blockchain technology will depend on the function it is intended to perform, the related technologies it utilises, and the market in which it operates...

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John Salmon
John Salmon chambers
Benjamin Mendelson
Benjamin Mendelson

Ben qualified in South Africa before joining Linklaters’ Legal Operations in London to help manage the firm’s Paralegal and Support Lawyer services.  Ben has a background in commercial law, with many years of experience consulting in the tech sector, advising private clients on a wide range of Fintech–related matters and opportunities, including on Blockchain technology and Cryptocurrencies. In 2021, Ben joined the team at Founders Law to fully-realise his passion for Fintech and to provide legal advice to some of the biggest up-and-coming technology companies in the UK’s booming tech sector....

Web page updated on 21/05/2026

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