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But away from the headlines, it’s taken blockchain the decentralized recordkeeping technology underlying digital currencies more than a decade to make significant headway in consumer finance.
And according to industry experts on a recent MIT Sloan panel, there are still plenty of issues impeding the widespread adoption of blockchain.
From regulatory uncertainty to the high cost of entry, “there s a lot of stuff you have to do in order to really be a blockchain,” said Mitzi Chang, the co-chair of Goodwin Law’s Digital Currency & Blockchain Technology practice.
Over the past decade, though, and particularly in recent months, digital assets have boomed.
Big names like MassMutual, MicroStrategy, and Tesla have bought Bitcoin; PayPal and Square s CashApp have made it easy to buy crypto with the tap of a finger; and major financial players like BNY Mellon and Visa and Mastercard have said they re planning to offer custody and transaction services for certain digital assets.
Some SPACs have even considered getting in on the action, according to people interviewed for this story.
While complex technology and scrutiny from regulators might deter some investors and big firms from adoption, lawyers have been riding the wave, clocking billable hours as they try to help clients reimagine finance while avoiding lawsuits, scandals, and enforcement action.