Centralized Governance

Definition ∞ Centralized governance refers to a decision-making structure where a single entity or a small group holds primary control over a system. This authority directs operational changes, protocol upgrades, and resource allocation. Such models contrast sharply with decentralized approaches prevalent in many blockchain networks.
Context ∞ The debate surrounding centralized governance in crypto often weighs efficiency against the core tenets of decentralization. While centralized control can enable rapid decision-making and efficient resource deployment, it also introduces single points of failure and potential for censorship. Regulatory bodies frequently scrutinize centralized structures for compliance and consumer protection.