Blockchain design and implementation techniques, considerations and challenges in the banking sector : a systematic literature review

Abstract

Blockchain is transforming the banking sector and offering opportunities for significant cost reduction and efficient banking services. However, implementing blockchain is a challenge due to lack of adequate knowledge and skills on how to implement the technology. As a result, there are very few market-ready blockchain banking products and organisations are unable to realise the promised value. This paper presents an overview of the banking sector’s blockchain use cases, design and implementation considerations and techniques. The aim is to offer an evidence-based primer to guide researchers and practitioners. The study relies on the systematic literature review method and reviews a total of 45 papers comprising 26 peer-reviewed scholarly articles and 19 technical reports from the banking industry. Leximancer software is used to support the thematic data analysis. The results show for the banking sector an increase in experimentation efforts geared towards the development of payment systems. The results also indicate key considerations from a technological, organisational and environmental perspective. The study highlights that platform selection, scalability and resilience are some of the critical technical considerations for implementing blockchain banking systems. Organisational considerations include collaboration and governance-related challenges. From an environmental perspective, the study notes several legal and regulatory considerations. This study contributes to the existing literature on blockchain adoption in banking, which is still in the nascent stage. The study also offers a research agenda for further understanding of blockchain implementation in the banking sector. Opportunities for further research are noted in the areas of interoperability, governance, security and privacy.