LONDON/NEW YORK: A wave of anti-establishment sentiment sweeping the Western world is likely to help push blockchain – the technology that gave birth to the renegade digital currency bitcoin – out of cyberspace and into the real world in 2017. For example, Italy's biggest opposition group, the 5-Star Movement, wants blockchain to be used in streamlining public services. "You're still going to see more and more use-cases and resources being put into financial services, so that pie will still grow. Williamson said countries were looking at using blockchain for improving transparency and accountability in public services. Many in the financial technology industry, Birch included, say it is important not to expect too much too soon.

Source: The Star January 11, 2017 22:01 UTC