> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://hub.bsvblockchain.org/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://hub.bsvblockchain.org/higher-learning/bsv-academy/bsv-basics-protocol-and-design/introduction-to-bitcoin-protocol-and-design/the-benefits-of-a-decentralised-structure.md).
# The Benefits of a Decentralised Structure
Unlike **traditional financial systems that rely on central authorities**, Bitcoin operates on a peer-to-peer network where **mining nodes are all incentivised to operate the system according to the protocol** and **maintain the network's integrity.**
This decentralised structure:
* **Eliminates a single point of failure; enhances security and ensures network availability**
* **Provides trust by operating according to mathematical principles instead of subjective reasoning**
* **Promotes transparency**, as all transactions are publicly recorded on the blockchain.
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