Distributed Ledger and Blockchain Technology: Framework and Use Cases

Abstract

Since its first widespread implementation in 2009, distributed ledgers in general, and blockchain technology in particular, have rapidly become a part of the FinTech vernacular. In this paper, we provide an overview of the history of trade settlement and discuss this nascent technology that may now transform traditional methods of verifying and settling transactions. In so doing, we discuss current and potential use cases of this technology and provide a business-oriented framework for proper as well as improper implementations and applications of blockchains and distributed ledgers.

Keywords: distributed ledger, blockchain, decentralized autonomous organization, FinTech

JEL Classification: G0, G2, N2, O0