The future of blockchain adoption in corporate banking rests on achieving economic viability. The design thinking framework of value, feasibility, and economic viability provides a useful model for gauging use case potential. In this framework, the value—or overall benefit and advantages for end users and providers—is illustrated in the numerous use cases discussed herein. Feasibility is progressing steadily thanks to the heavy investment that tech giants and innovative banks are making in enterprise blockchain and—equally important—in governance and collaboration. While economic viability remains a work in progress, it is showing positive early signs.

What is the status of blockchain-based initiatives in corporate banking across specific use cases? Using the first turn of a flywheel as an analogy, we position fourteen use cases under five categories: cross-border payments (including payments-related messaging), trade finance, financial supply chain, syndicated lending, and know your customer (KYC) / customer onboarding.