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The point at which a transaction can no longer be reversed.
Some chains offer probabilistic finality, where reversal becomes exponentially unlikely as blocks accumulate. Others offer deterministic finality, where a finalized block is mathematically settled.
This matters for anyone accepting payments. Probabilistic finality means waiting. Deterministic finality means you can act immediately.
Ethereum finalizes about every 13 minutes. Algorand finalizes in under 3 seconds with no reorganization possible.
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