The technological changes taking place in the financial sector are of great magnitude and broad spectrum. One of the technological developments with the greatest potential is DLT (Distributed Ledger Technology) and its blockchain variant, on which virtual currencies such as bitcoin are based. The banking industry, like others, is exploring the potential of DLT technology, although, for the moment, from an experimental rather than a market perspective.
Although blockchain technology still presents significant operational and conceptual challenges, banks are making a decisive contribution to its future use, both directly and in collaboration with other technology partners and companies from other sectors. Its potential benefits are undeniable, especially for the customer, who is at the center of banks’ strategy. In the case of financial transactions where customers demand greater added value, this technology will enable greater speed and enhanced security, at a lower cost.
On the other hand, banks are closely monitoring the evolution of virtual currencies such as bitcoin. And they are learning about their weaknesses, as well as their potential. At this time, there are numerous unanswered questions about this type of asset that must be taken into account, such as user protection, governance, usability, transparency, operational limitations, and the risk of their use for illicit transactions. Banks’ activity is based on the concept of a permissioned network that prevents participant anonymity, while regulation and supervision seek a dual objective: customer protection and financial stability. The current development of virtual currencies is far from ensuring both objectives.
In short, for the banking industry, what is relevant at this time is the technology that supports the blockchain environment and exploring technological options for the future. Financial innovation is unstoppable.
José Luis Martínez Campuzano, AEB Spokesperson
