A blockchain is a decentralized digital ledger that saves transactions on thousands of computers around the globe. These are registered in a way that inhibits their subsequent modification. Blockchain technology increases the security and speeds up the exchange of information in a way that is cost-effective and more transparent. It also dispenses with third parties whose main role was to provide a trust and certification element in transactions (such as notaries and banks).
The high importance of blockchain has attracted the attention of organizations in different sectors, with banking sector being the most active at this stage. Blockchain has resulted in the development of thousands of new job positions and new startups ranging from mobile payment solutions to health care applications.
Whether you need a prototype or a production-ready platform, our engineering team’s deep experience in cryptocurrency, data science, and serverless computing can help you leverage the benefits of blockchain. We will evaluate potential blockchains for your project, including Ethereum, Hyperledger, EOS, NEO, Tezos, and Qtum, and choose the best fit, like when to use private permissioned blockchains such as Quorum.
Our Engineering Capabilities Include:
Current blockchain areas we are helping our clients with:
Originally developed as the technology underlying Bitcoin, blockchain has quickly risen to fame for its ability to create a vast, globally distributed ledger running on millions of devices, capable of recording anything of value.
A blockchain is essentially a digital, distributed transaction ledger with identical copies maintained on each of the network’s members’ computers. All parties can review previous entries and record new ones.
Transactions are grouped in blocks and recorded one after the other in a chain of blocks (hence the name “blockchain”). The links between blocks and their content are protected by cryptography, so previous transactions cannot be destroyed or forged. This means that the ledger and transaction network are trusted without a central authority or a middleman.
The blockchain’s ability to record, store and move any kinds of assets with great ease, automation and in a decentralized manner has sparked interest from startups and the overall financial services industry which are envisioning possible use cases and applications in multiple areas.
Blockchain in capital markets
Blockchain technology can simplify and streamline the entire trade process and provide an automated trade lifecycle where all parties in the transaction have access to the exact same data about a trade.
In this scenario, the technology would substantially reduce infrastructure costs, enable effective data management, transparency, faster processing cycles, minimal reconciliation and even cut out some of the middlemen such as brokers.
Nasdaq was amongst the first financial services incumbent to create a product based on blockchain. Called Nasdaq Linq, it uses blockchain to power capitalization tables, which private firms use to manage shares in their companies.
Blockchain for cross-border payments
Blockchain can improve cross border payments by speeding up and simplifying the process, while reducing costs significantly and cutting out many of the traditional middlemen. At the same time, it would make money remittances more affordable.
Until now, the costs of remittance were 5-20%. Blockchain technology could reduce the costs to 2-3% of the total amount and provide guaranteed, real-time transactions across borders.
Santander was the first UK bank to use blockchain to transfer live international payments through a mobile app. The solution uses technology provided by Ripple, the creator and developer of the blockchain-based Ripple payment protocol and exchange network.
Blockchain to improve digital identity
When online identity is moved to a blockchain-enabled infrastructure, users are able to choose how they identify themselves and with whom their identity is shared.
Users are still required to register their identity on a blockchain, but once they have, they don’t need a new registration for every service provider, provided those providers are also connected to the blockchain.
This application of blockchain technology can be used for instance for know-your-customer requirements where a digital single source of identification information could enable more seamless accountopening, reduced resources and costs, all whilst maintaining the privacy of data.
A number of startups are developing applications in the field of identity management.
Blockchain in loyalty and reward
Blockchain technology offers many benefits, including transparency and traceability of transactions. This can allow banks and insurers to create more captivating loyalty and rewards programs and help realize the full value of these customer loyalty programs.