KPMG: ‘Blockchain Continues to Draw Significant Investor Attention’
With the first half of 2018 coming to a close, leading global audit firm KPMG is reviewing the impact of blockchain on the maturing fintech market. On July 31, KPMG published its global report on fintech investment trends for H1 2018.
KPMG: “The Pulse of Fintech 2018”
In its 2018 Pulse of Fintech report, KPMG recognizes the burgeoning blockchain industry as a significant source of growth for fintech worldwide.
The Pulse of Fintech report gives an overview of key developments in the global fintech industry and draws insights for current and future trends.
The research indicates that rising blockchain investments are a “trend to watch out for,” claiming:
“Based on our experience, the rapid growth in blockchain investment overall can likely be attributed to a number of factors — including the widespread applicability of blockchain to help harness efficiencies within financial institutions.”
The versatile applications of distributed ledger technology extend beyond financial services and into other data storage and management systems, reports the Pulse of Fintech.
“Blockchain’s capabilities extend from recordkeeping and the registration of transactions to documentation management and supply chain management. While it has primarily been looked at from a banking and insurance point of view to date, the reality is blockchain opportunities abound and could enhance processes for any number of US and global businesses.”
With rising application and emerging regulation, the global blockchain industry is continually drawing more retail and institutional investor attention.
“Blockchain and AI will likely continue to be key priorities for fintech investors.”
The report cites diversified blockchain investments from various global jurisdictions, “including $100 million+ rounds to R3 and Circle Internet Finance in the U.S. and $77 million to Ledger in France.” KPMG’s Global Lead of Blockchain, Eamonn Maguire noted that Southeast Asia is also a growing hub for innovation in blockchain:
“Southeast Asia is becoming very significant for the development of blockchain. The cultural ecosystem, economy, and many governments are focused on driving blockchain development.”
While in its early stages, it seems the developing digital economy will continue to garner commercial and public adoption in countries worldwide.
It’s evident that emerging regulations and institutional solutions are driving blockchain towards legitimacy and increasingly drawing more investor interest heading into the second half of the year.