In various implementations, a method of managing transactions in a distributed ledger is performed by a first network node that is configured to maintain a distributed ledger in coordination with a plurality of network nodes. In various implementations, the first network node includes a processor, a non-transitory memory, and a network interface. In various implementations, the method includes synchronizing a first clock of the first network node with respective clocks maintained by one or more of the plurality of network nodes. In various implementations, the method includes obtaining a transaction indicator including respective transaction data. For example, in some implementations, the method includes receiving a transaction request from a client device. In various implementations, the method includes synthesizing, by the first network node, a timestamp for the transaction based on the first clock. In some implementations, the timestamp indicates a time that associates the first network node to the transaction.