Blockchain Control Principles in Financial Services

Since its reference by Satoshi Nakamoto in the 2008 whitepaper “Bitcoin: A Peer-to-Peer Electronic Cash System”, blockchain technology, also called Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT), has attracted significant attention in the global financial services community. Researchers and investors are increasingly interested in the transformative and disruptive ability of this technology to:

• Facilitate an exchange of value
• Enable the safe storage of value
• Achieve operational efficiencies
• Secure cost savings
• Increase industry transparency
• Enhance customer experiences

This publication, prepared during the summer months of 2017 by the Deloitte EMEA Blockchain Lab in Dublin in association with Deloitte Hong Kong and U.S., explores six control principles essential for blockchain adoption on a global scale:

1. Best practice – Standards for Blockchain Development
2. Interoperability and System Integration Controls
3. Audit Rules
4. Cybersecurity Controls
5. Enhancement of Traditional ICT Controls
6. Business Continuity Planning