In the financial world, blockchain technology, initially associated with cryptocurrency transactions, is gaining attention from Wall Street bankers as they consider its applications in trading and various other domains, all while keeping a cautious stance on direct cryptocurrency investments.
J.P. Morgan, the nation’s largest bank, has already initiated the process of executing some trades on blockchain networks. Meanwhile, Goldman Sachs and several other major banks are actively investigating the technology’s possibilities, as reported by The Wall Street Journal on August 22.
Wall Street’s current operational system is perceived as outdated and slow, prompting bankers to explore blockchain technology as a cost-effective and quicker alternative with the potential to yield more substantial profits.
Blockchains, also referred to as distributed ledger technology, rely on central ledgers to record assets, transactions, and ownership. When used on Wall Street, these blockchains would be permissioned networks with a central authority regulating access.
“Blockchain technology is going to rewire all financial services,” says Tom Farley, former president of the New York Stock Exchange, indicating the transformative potential of this technology.
Wall Street firms have been experimenting with blockchain projects for approximately five years. However, the tangible impact on financial transactions has been relatively limited thus far. The adoption of blockchain for handling trades is expected to reduce certain risks and streamline the identification of shareowners, particularly within institutions like Goldman Sachs.
Mathew McDermott, who oversees the digital asset group at Goldman, initially approached blockchain technology with caution. However, he emphasized that commercial incentives are now a key driver of his interest, stating, “I’m not doing this just to satisfy my curiosity.”
Beyond banking, other industries are also recognizing the potential of blockchain technology. Walmart, for instance, employs blockchains to monitor its supply chains, while the real estate sector is exploring blockchain’s applications in recording home ownership, as noted by The Wall Street Journal.
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