Assess learners' ability to evaluate trade-offs among strong (linearizable), eventual, and causal consistency in globally distributed financial systems: compare latency, availability, throughput, correctness, failure modes, and regulatory/audit requirements; analyze real-world scenarios (cross-border settlements, ledgers, fraud detection) to select or combine consistency models, consensus protocols, and replication strategies; justify recommendations with SLO/SLA, risk, and operational cost considerations.