Isn’t it high time for the banks to adopt Blockchain Technology?

Blockchain technology can disrupt traditional banking systems and it is evident that blockchain technology is "transformative" and is experimenting with it both internally and via partnerships with start-ups to use it as it relates to financial services. However, when it comes to blockchain in banking, the efforts have been fairly side-lined. Blockchain technology in banking revolutionizes the system by building a decentralized database of digital and unique assets.

Through a distributed ledger, it becomes easier to transfer the assets through tokens that represent the assets “off-chain”. The benefits of blockchain in banking work around the creation of tokenized security that carries the potential of cutting out the middlemen altogether and lowering the asset exchange fees. The use of blockchain in banking can be seen across a range of processes.

Blockchain acts as a decentralized ledger that keeps a track of the transactions transparently and publicly. It means that instead of relying on custodial services, the transactions can be settled in the public blockchain. This is one of the key ways blockchain applications in banking make transactions speedy and simplified.

Blockchain has the potential to allow banks to settle transactions directly and keep better track of them than traditional methods such as SWIFT. A standard bank transfer takes a few days to settle due to the way our financial system was set up. Blockchain in consumer banking opens up the scope of peer-to-peer loans – one of the most investment-friendly fintech sectors.

When it comes to transporting money throughout the world, many banks confront logistical hurdles. Moreover, when a consumer has to apply for a loan, the banks evaluate the risk they will have to suffer in case of non-payment. They take this decision by looking at the credit score, ownership status, and the debt-to-income ratio. Information they get through credit reports – a centralized system which can be hostile to the customers.

Secondly, Blockchain is a shared ledger that is decentralized and resistant to tampering. It allows verified contributors to store, view and share digital information in a security-rich environment, which helps to foster trust, accountability and transparency in business relationships. This cutting-edge technology can also provide fraud prevention capabilities that the businesses are looking for. 

S Mohini Ratna, Editor, VARINDIA