The infrastructure of the Bitcoin network, based on cryptography, supplies the trust that previously belonged to the banking sector. As

This is mainly because smaller investors cannot often be bothered to vote because the process is too cumbersome or is too complicated. Therefore, only the large brokerage firms and asset managers

In a word, it is controlled, unregulated, but fundamentally brilliant.

Chronicled is a start-up that has raised $3.4 million, and is working on a very industry- specific use-case of

blockchain. Cryptocurrencies will be globally recognised as money or currency rather than as a commodity or property. This recognised definition will enable global regulators

The advent of quantum computing may be a threat in the medium term to bring this timeframe down to a remotely achievable goal – but by the time this technology based around quantum physics is stable and ready, the cryptographic technologies available would have grown significantly and evolved further.

Be aware there are malware programmes out there that are hunting for your private keys, and if you are connected to the internet, these programmes have the capability, in theory at least, to find and steal your private keys.

Instead of relying upon the inefficient manual checking of documents, data would be shared between exporters, importers, and their respective banks on a private blockchain that would give all parties transparency to data that could easily be validated. Smart contracts can then be designed to trigger the release of monies automatically against

Fintech start-ups (especially those related to consumer-based services) have two key areas that will always need to be addressed: regulation and compliance.