Public Audits

Definition ∞ Public audits are independent examinations of a system, protocol, or organization’s financial records, code, or operational processes, with the findings made accessible to the general public. In the context of digital assets, these audits often pertain to smart contract security, treasury management, or adherence to operational standards. They serve to enhance transparency and build stakeholder trust.
Context ∞ The ongoing conversation regarding public audits is largely centered on their role in validating the security and reliability of decentralized finance (DeFi) protocols and blockchain infrastructure. There is a growing demand for more frequent and comprehensive audits, as well as greater standardization in audit methodologies. The industry is also debating the extent to which audit reports should be considered a guarantee of security versus an indicator of diligence.