WHAT IS BLOCKCHAIN?

By allowing digital information to be distributed, blockchain technology created the backbone of a new type of internet. Originally devised for digital currency we have now found multiple other uses for the technology.
Blockchain technology has a number of qualities that make it the optimal platform for CFFOs to operate on:

 

• It is a distributed database. This has the benefits of ensuring records are truly transparent and verifiable, while the lack of centralised server means there is no single point to attack for hackers.

 

• By keeping identical copies of data across it’s network that requires multiple validations to add to, the blockchain is transparent and immutable.

 

• Smart contracts can be programmed to self execute when specific conditions are met. For example a smart contract could be programmed to pay out dividends to members if specific targets are met.

 

• Voting and governance can be accomplished using blockchain. By making the results transparent and accessible to all members involved, organisational decision-making can be made simpler and more trusted.

 

• AML and KYC have potential for adoption within the blockchain space. The opportunity for cross-institution verification of individuals and organisations can greatly reduce the currently labour-intensive and costly AML and KYC procedures for many institutions.

 

For a simple and understandable explanation of what a blockchain is please see the video below, or to find out more about some of the common terms used within the blockchain are check out our glossary of blockchain terms.

WHY BLOCKCHAIN?

The core difference between current systems shown on the left below and blockchain based transactions on the right below  is that transactions are not managed centrally but rather in a decentralised network where each participant (node) has a vote on a transaction.

But decentralisation is not the only efficiency which can be achieved by using a blockchain, other benefits include:

• Security
  • A blockchain provides an enhanced level of security, increasing the security of the system from hacking and fraud.

 

• Ease
  • It provides an easy mechanism to allow users to securely transfer the assets between parties and facilitates easy audit of user accounts.

 

• Flexibility
  • Using a blockchain technology does not mean that the system will need to be a public ledger or open system if this is undesirable. And our Bitcub modules and AI algorithms will help choose the best form of blockchain or DLT for your organisation’s needs.

 

• Privacy
  • The system may remain totally private if desirable. The key differences between public and private blockchains are that private (or “permissioned”) blockchains require participants to have an invitation or permission to join.This places restrictions on who is allowed to participate in the network, and only in certain transactions