Question 1

Is this technology ready for commercial use or is it still experimental?

Accepted Answer

The transition to commercial application is immediate, with the first major rollouts in financial services scheduled for 2017. Organizations must act now to avoid being caught off guard by the rapid displacement of traditional transaction models.

Question 2

What is the scale of investment currently flowing into this sector?

Accepted Answer

Total investment in blockchain and distributed ledger technology reached US$500 million in 2015. This capital is driving the development of smart contracts and decentralized verification systems that eliminate the need for traditional intermediaries.

Question 3

What are the specific cost savings associated with bypassing traditional banks?

Accepted Answer

Moving to a distributed ledger allows parties to bypass the 10% transaction fees typically charged by banks for cross-border money transfers. These systems deliver faster and cheaper settlements without compromising the security of the transaction.

Question 4

What is the primary risk of delaying our involvement in this space?

Accepted Answer

Late adopters face significant competitive disadvantages as the industry moves toward disintermediation. With major commercial rollouts expected in 2017, firms that fail to integrate these technologies will lose market share to more efficient, decentralized players.

Beyond Bitcoin

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