Big Four auditing firm Ernst & Young (EY) has launched a blockchain platform for public funds meant to enhance transparency.

Technology news outlet Verdict reported on the launch on Oct. 16. The OpsChain Public Finance Manager (PFM) system enables transparent tracking of public budgets and expenditures viewable by all citizens.

PFM will also reportedly enable public funds to be matched with outcomes, which in turn would provide insight into how effective different policies are.

Enabling data-driven policy decisions

The system can reportedly track government public funds as they move through different state agencies. According to EY, data provided by the platform can potentially be used to better inform future policy decisions.

EY said:

“Blockchain technology can positively impact processes from tax collection to open data to public spending. [...] Modern public financial management requires focusing on the things that matter most — transparency, accountability and robust evidence for decision-making — all factors that can be enhanced by blockchain technology.”

Pilot testing in Toronto

EY also reportedly already tested tracking public funds on a blockchain in multiple places, including the Canadian city of Toronto. The system reported financial transfers between different government divisions, and the firm claims that the experiment increased the city’s transparency and efficiency.

Chief financial officer of the city of Toronto Heather Taylor said:

“With a commitment to championing the economic, social and environmental vitality of the city of Toronto, our officials strive to implement technologies that best help us meet our residents’ evolving needs.”

As Cointelegraph reported in April, the United States federal government is expected to raise its blockchain spending to $123.5 million by 2022.