July 15, 2016 9 min read

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If you keep tabs on the fintech, then you’re already well familiar with the hype machine known as blockchain. But, there are still plenty of folks who have either never heard of the blockchain or misunderstand the technology and it’s potential.

What’s the big deal, then?

Even if you’re not interested or involved with fintech, the blockchain has the potential to impact your life both personally and professionally. This isn’t just hyperbole. The blockchain is going to be the next thing.

And, that’s why it’s vital that you get caught up to speed on its past, present and future.

What is blockchain and where did it come from?

One of the simplest explanations of the a blockchain is from Gizmodo: “The blockchain is a simple digital platform for recording and verifying transactions so that other people can’t erase them later -- and anyone can see them.”

For the techies out there, the blockchain is an anonymous peer-to-peer payment system that relies on secure cryptographic protocols. It uses a public ledger and database to record all record transactions. However, it’s decentralized. This means that there is no governing body controlling the blockchain.

If that sounds like bitcoin to you, then you’d be correct. The blockchain was built using the bitcoin system that was released by Satoshi Nakamoto" in 2009. Although, the idea of cryptocurrency can be traced back to the work of David Chaum and his invention known as DigiCash back in the 1980s.

Related: What Is All The Fuss About Blockchain

“The blockchain ledger helps to provide transparency for transactions. Although many bitcoin transactions are in some ways anonymous, the blockchain ledger can link individuals and companies to bitcoin purchases and ownership by allowing individual parties, called miners, to process payments and verify transactions. Rather than a central company presiding over the use of bitcoin, these blockchain originators serve central roles in the management and administration of this alternative currency system," Techopedia further explains.

In other words, the blockchain is actually composed of single transactions known as “blocks.” Each block links together and forms a complete bank history of transactions. Once a block is linked, it cannot be edited.

Unlike bitcoin, the blockchain is constantly evolving and can extend beyond cryptocurrency. Before we get much further, here are a couple key pointers to remember from BitcoinHub:

It can transfer value or information in a secure manner.

It can facilitate, as well as track, “Smart Contracts.”

Removes intermediaries and allows the end user to interact directly with the ledger.

Reduces the cost of transferring value and money anywhere in the world for next to nothing.

Provides almost instant, secure, and borderless transactions.

Can automate payment protocols that are permanent, irreversible and tamper-proof.

Why are people excited about blockchain?

This is a really good question. And, there isn’t just one answer. Almost everyone can agree that the blockchain is one of the most interesting and disruptive forces to come along in quite some time. And, that’s because the blockchain is able to:

1. Prevents payment scams.

One of the most talked about advantages involving blockchain technology is how it can prevent future payment scams. For starters, it would protect both buyers and sellers by using “smart contracts.” This procedure would avoid those instances where you purchase an item and the seller doesn’t follow through.

Another way that scams are thwarted is that since all transactions are recorded, a coin can’t be used for double-spending or counterfeited. Once a coin, token or electronic currency is spent, it can’t be used again.

There’s also the possibility that companies and individuals can no longer “cook the books” or price gouge customers. Again, since every transaction is recorded, every cent is accounted for and would prevent an Enron type situation. Price gouging could be a thing of the past since it would protect intellectual property by being shared publicly on the blockchain.

Related: Blockchain Raises $30 Million in Biggest-Ever Funding Round for a Bitcoin Company

The most discussed perk is how secure the blockchain is. Besides transactions being placed in the ledger, it is secure because transactions are directly between two parties that require a unique signature to authorize the transaction. Without third parties and the signature, coins and token can’t be altered.

2. Cuts out the middleman.

The blockchain is a peer-to-peer system, meaning that transactions are between you and another party. This simple two party only, could be a real game changer. We use this to be able to facilitate cheap ecash transactions across the world. For example, you could send friends or family money anywhere in the world without having to pay for the transaction or currency fees that traditional banking or financial institutions have used.

Chris Dunn from Skill Incubator is excited about the emergence of decentralized marketplaces. This new type of online market can cut out middlemen like Amazon and Ebay. For example, in April of 2016 OpenBazaar launched their 0 percent fee marketplace that offers the use of Bitcoin to buy and sell products. And with trading volume in Japan on the rise, decentralized marketplaces in Asia are primed to reduce friction with international e-commerce.

The technology could also remove all of the lawyers, realtors, and banks when transferring a property title or house deed. This would not only save you a bundle in fees, it would also speed the process up from a day to hours.

3. Settles transactions in minutes.

Imagine being able to send and receive money from across the globe in just a matter of minutes. How about receiving a signed contract or vehicle title in just a day? No matter the scenario, blockchain decentralized and the P2P system allows you to settle any digital wallet transaction quickly, as opposed to waiting days or weeks.

4. Increases storage.

Cloud storage is an incredible development. But, you don’t have any control of the storage infrastructure. It’s in the hands of Google, Dropbox, Facebook or Apple. And, that could become a concern if you value your privacy. Since you’ll need an encryption key to access your data, you can rest assure that no one else can access it except you.

Also, companies like Storj offers more cloud storage at a cheaper rate than Dropbox.

Related: Blockchain.info CEO: This Is Why You Shouldn't Fear Bitcoin

6. Rewards users.

Who doesn’t love reward programs? The blockchain can improve loyalty programs by giving customers the ability to trade points among each other since the transactions would be placed in the public ledger. It would also open up the possibility of using points at different vendors. For example, you could use some of your airline points at your favorite coffee shop or eCommerce site.

Because of those capabilities, the blockchain will be able to disrupt the following;

Finance -- Blockchain will remove the need for traditional banking and financial institutions by replacing back-office systems with a P2P system.

-- Blockchain will remove the need for traditional banking and financial institutions by replacing back-office systems with a P2P system. Contracts -- Chris DeRose states that ‘smart contracts’ will be used, which is “a financial security held in escrow by a network that is routed to recipients based on future events, and a computer code.” Besides, contracts, deeds, titles, and other important documentation will be shared on the public ledger.

-- Chris DeRose states that ‘smart contracts’ will be used, which is “a financial security held in escrow by a network that is routed to recipients based on future events, and a computer code.” Besides, contracts, deeds, titles, and other important documentation will be shared on the public ledger. Patents and Copyright -- Whether it’s a new innovation, gaming app or piece of music, the blockchain can prove that you had ownership of the intellectual property first.

-- Whether it’s a new innovation, gaming app or piece of music, the blockchain can prove that you had ownership of the intellectual property first. Voting -- When people cast their ballots, it will be recorded during elections.

-- When people cast their ballots, it will be recorded during elections. Collectibles -- The blockchain could be used to track and validate scarce or limited items like coupons or a piece of artwork.

-- The blockchain could be used to track and validate scarce or limited items like coupons or a piece of artwork. Bills of Lading -- Cryptographic signatures can be used to eliminate distrust on everything from shipped products to changing shifts at work.

As Dominic Frisby perfectly states on Virgin.com, “the ownership of just about anything can be recorded and traded using the blockchain.” We’re even seeing the tech being used for everything from live-streaming to mining light bulbs to creating one digital identity that would replace all of those usernames and passwords you have.

Because of this, blockchain technology actually has the potential to change the world. And, that’s why there’s so much buzz surrounding it.

Where is the blockchain headed?

Blockchain is just the beginning. In fact, expect the technology to continue to improve and evolve in the immediate future.

According to Andrew Keys on CoinDesk, keep a particularly close eye on: