If you aren’t aware, the blockchain is the thing which provides the framework for cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin. And to be clear, this really is just the start of what it can do, not the end of the conversation.

To help you appreciate the arguments for the blockchain being the most disruptive and influential technology to come along in years, here’s an overview of the main benefits that it has to offer.

It breaks down international borders

Sending money or transferring assets between countries has always been a process fraught with administrative obstacles, sluggish speeds and high costs.

The blockchain smashes this state of affairs, letting individuals and organizations send and receive funds swiftly and affordably.

It automates complex contracts

One of the biggest selling points of the blockchain is the availability of smart contracts, which allow agreements between buyers and sellers to be executed automatically, transparently and indelibly.

This has implications in everything from real estate to professional sports and beyond, and the possibilities are almost endless.

It limits identity fraud

The innate security and resilience of the blockchain makes it perfect for storing sensitive information and guaranteeing its accuracy.

From the perspective of protecting and managing identity both for individuals and businesses, this is immensely appealing. It could counteract things like voter fraud, and facilitate digital identity programs around the world without putting citizens at risk.

It shakes up investment opportunities

There are a variety of compelling digital currency stocks to buy, and the blockchain is the technology which gives investors confidence in both the value and utility of the assets they acquire.

So if you’re disillusioned with traditional investments, or you want to diversify your portfolio, there are ample opportunities in this sphere.

It improves supply chain efficiency

Large organizations are always struggling to stay on top of supply chain responsibilities, and recent years have shown that minor disruption here can have major ramifications.

The blockchain is being put to work on overseeing supply chain operations, making each element more efficient while also bolstering oversight and minimizing the number of manual inputs that are required.

It confounds censorship

As concerns about internet censorship mount, users who are looking for a way to share information freely without fear of being gagged can look to the blockchain to achieve just that.

It revolutionizes gaming

The gaming sector has embraced the blockchain in a big way, with play-to-earn titles proving that it’s possible for developers to give back to players who invest so much of their own time in virtual worlds.

That’s to say nothing of the metaverse, made up of virtual worlds where the lines between the real and the imaginary are blurred.

It empowers creators

Digital piracy brought many creative industries to their knees over the past few decades since the dawn of the internet.

Today, the blockchain and NFTs stored on it are bringing power back to people who want to make art and earn a living selling it to others.

It empowers consumers

It isn’t just creators who benefit from this scenario, because the consumers who buy digital assets can claim true ownership of them in the same way as they would a physical possession.

It combats counterfeiting

There are even examples of blockchain tech being harnessed to deal with the rife issue of counterfeit goods being produced overseas and shipped to the US to be sold as the genuine article.

Thousands of brands and millions of products, as well as billions of consumers, stand to benefit from the end of this underhanded trade as a result.