Burgess COMMENTARY

Peter Burgess

What Is Blockchain?

In simplest terms, blockchain is a technology that enables value to be transferred using only software; that is, without the need for trusted intermediaries. It is a record-keeping system where transactions are executed, validated, and recorded publicly.

Let’s break it down.

Blockchain is the technology behind bitcoin, the electronic currency. It is not the currency itself.

A transaction that is blockchain-enabled can be a payment asset or any asset that can be stored, distributed, or transacted.

The blockchain technology is based on cryptographic mathematical equations, making transactions virtually un-hackable.

Transactions are recorded on each ‘node’ or computer on the network, making it a decentralized ledger.

Each transaction is added to the previous transaction, as well as the next transaction in the decentralized ledger that everyone in the network can see, making the transaction immutable (i.e., it cannot be changed).

Groups of transactions are stored in information blocks, and each block is “chained” to the previous and next group of transactions in the ledger.

A network that is blockchain-enabled eliminates the need for intermediaries in a transaction. This is the heart of the opportunity (or some may say the threat) that is blockchain.

If you are interested in learning more about blockchain, download our new guide titled “Getting Ahead with Blockchain in Financial Services.”

Maura Holland | November 16, 2017 at 6:45 am | Tags: Blockchain | URL: https://wp.me/p2n7LF-18i

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