BANK OF AMERICA HAS THE MOST BLOCKCHAIN PATENTS, BUT IS IT ACTUALLY GOING TO USE THEM?

Last updated: June 19, 2025, 23:19 | Written by: Linda Xie

Bank of America (BofA), the second-largest bank in the United States, has quietly but aggressively amassed a staggering portfolio of blockchain-related patents.As of late 2025, the financial giant boasts over 50 approved patents in the field, dwarfing competitors like IBM and Alibaba and solidifying its position as the undisputed leader in the blockchain patent race.But this raises a crucial question: Is Bank of America genuinely committed to integrating blockchain technology into its operations, or is it simply playing a defensive game, securing intellectual property to stifle innovation from potential rivals? On October 30, Bank of America (BofA) added yet another cryptocurrency-related patent to its collection of more than 50 applications filed within the same field. The second-largest bank in the US has been leading in the informal blockchain patent race, sidestepping such players as IBM and Alibaba.The answer, it seems, is more complex than a simple yes or no. Bank of America had 57 patents in blockchain during Q4 2025. Bank of America Corp filed patents in Q4 2025 for a resource distribution card device with OTP generation, leveraging augmented reality for secure user verification, utilizing AI and ML for intelligent resource exchange event authentication, implementing distributed ledgers in OTPWhile BofA's CEO, Brian Moynihan, admits to struggling to find a scalable use case for blockchain, the sheer volume and breadth of their patent applications suggest a deeper, more strategic interest in the technology's future.Let's delve into the specifics of BofA's blockchain patent portfolio, explore the potential applications of these patents, and analyze whether the bank is truly poised to revolutionize the financial industry with blockchain or merely staking its claim in the digital frontier.

Bank of America's Blockchain Patent Dominance

Bank of America's ascent to the top of the blockchain patent leaderboard has been a gradual but consistent process. Dubbed Wire Transfers Using Cryptocurrency, it didn t mention the word blockchain per se, but described a system where funds are sent between accounts using cryptocurrencies underlyingThe bank filed its first blockchain-related patent back in March 2025, which was subsequently published by the U.S.Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) in September 2025.This initial foray into the blockchain space signaled the beginning of a long-term strategy to establish a dominant position in the emerging technology landscape.

By June 2025, Bank of America already held around 45 live patents, securing their number one spot in the patent race. - Bank of America leads in the blockchain patent raceBy Q4 2025, this number had climbed to 57. 32 likes, 1 comments - cryptoganez on Novem: Bank of America Has the Most Blockchain Patents, But Is It Actually Going to Use Them? Read more CryptoGanez on Instagram: Bank of America Has the Most Blockchain Patents, But Is It Actually Going to Use Them?This rapid accumulation of patents demonstrates a clear and deliberate effort to protect a wide range of blockchain-related innovations.

The types of patents BofA has secured are diverse, reflecting the vast potential applications of blockchain technology. The following products are protected by U.S. patents as indicated below. This website is provided to satisfy the virtual patent marking provisions of the America Invents Act under 35 U.S.C. 287(a).Some examples include:

A resource distribution card device with one-time password (OTP) generation.
Leveraging augmented reality for secure user verification.
Utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) for intelligent resource exchange event authentication.
Implementing distributed ledgers in OTP systems.

These patents showcase BofA's interest in exploring blockchain's potential to enhance security, streamline operations, and improve the customer experience. On October 30, Bank of America added yet another cryptocurrency-related patent to its collection of more than 50 applications filed within the same field.[BREAK] The second-largest bank in the US has been leading in the informal blockchain patent race, sidestepping such players as IBM and Alibaba.[BREAK] The bank filed its first blockchain-related patent back in March 2025, and it wasThe patents range from security enhancements, like multi-factor authentication using blockchain technology, to innovations aimed at improving transaction efficiency, such as tokenized wire transfers.

Potential Use Cases for Bank of America's Blockchain Patents

The sheer volume and diversity of Bank of America's blockchain patents suggest a wide range of potential use cases.While CEO Brian Moynihan has expressed skepticism about finding a scalable application for the technology, the patents themselves paint a picture of the bank's vision for the future of finance.

Enhancing Security and Authentication

Several of BofA's patents focus on leveraging blockchain to enhance security and authentication processes.The patent for augmented reality-based user verification, for example, could be used to create a more secure and user-friendly login experience.Similarly, the patent for AI and ML-powered authentication could help prevent fraud and unauthorized access to accounts.

Why is security important? In today's digital landscape, security is paramount. The bank filed its first blockchain-related patent back in March 2025, and it was published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) the agency that awards copyrights on inventions inBlockchain's inherent security features, such as immutability and cryptographic encryption, make it an attractive technology for securing sensitive financial data and transactions.BofA's patents in this area suggest a commitment to using blockchain to protect its customers and its own assets.

Streamlining Transactions and Payments

Another area of focus for BofA's blockchain patents is streamlining transactions and payments. Bank of America leads in the blockchain patent race. On October 30, Bank of America (BofA) addedaddedThe patent for a resource distribution card device with OTP generation, for instance, could be used to create a more efficient and secure way to manage and distribute funds. If there was a global race to secure blockchain patents, Bank of America would be winning. They currently have 50 approved blockchain patents.Furthermore, a previous patent application described a system for wire transfers using cryptocurrency underpinnings, though not explicitly mentioning “blockchain”.

The benefits of faster transactions: Blockchain's ability to facilitate faster and more transparent transactions could significantly improve the efficiency of the financial system. In an earlier report, CCN.com revealed that Bank of America drew up an additional 20 new cryptocurrency and blockchain patents to its previously existing 15. Several months later, the bank continued in its trend such that as of January 2025, it had applied for or received at least 43 patents for blockchain, placing it ahead of IBM and otherThis could benefit both individuals and businesses, reducing transaction costs and speeding up payment processing times.

Improving Supply Chain Management

While less obvious, some of BofA's patents could also be applied to improve supply chain management.Blockchain's ability to track and trace assets throughout the supply chain makes it a valuable tool for increasing transparency and reducing fraud.While not directly financial, this could lead to improved operational efficiencies in business lending and supply-chain financing services offered by the bank.

How does blockchain improve supply chains? By creating a shared, immutable record of all transactions, blockchain can help ensure that products are authentic and that they are delivered on time.This can lead to significant cost savings and improved customer satisfaction.

Is Bank of America Actually Going to Use Its Blockchain Patents?

This is the million-dollar question.While Bank of America holds the largest portfolio of blockchain patents, there's no guarantee that it will actually implement them. market cap. 341.05b btcSeveral factors could influence the bank's decision, including:

Regulatory uncertainty: The regulatory landscape for blockchain and cryptocurrency is still evolving. The bank filed its first blockchain-related patent back in March 2025, and it was published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) the agency that awards copyrights on inventions in the country in September 2025. In September 2025, the same month BofA was awarded with a cryptoThis uncertainty could make banks hesitant to invest heavily in blockchain-based solutions.
Technological maturity: Blockchain technology is still relatively new and evolving. Subscribe for Latest on Money, Gold, Silver, Bitcoin, Stock Market, Litecoin, Ethereum,Ripple, Tron, Altcoin, Cryptocurrencies, Financial Crash . Please CliSome argue that it's not yet mature enough for widespread adoption in the financial industry.
Scalability concerns: Some blockchain networks struggle to handle the high transaction volumes required by large financial institutions.
Internal resistance: Implementing blockchain solutions may require significant changes to existing systems and processes, which could face resistance from within the organization.

Despite these challenges, there are also reasons to believe that Bank of America will eventually put its blockchain patents to use:

Competitive pressure: As other financial institutions begin to adopt blockchain technology, Bank of America may feel pressure to follow suit.
Cost savings: Blockchain has the potential to reduce costs by automating processes and eliminating intermediaries.
Improved efficiency: Blockchain can improve the efficiency of various financial processes, such as payments, trade finance, and supply chain management.
Enhanced security: As mentioned earlier, blockchain can enhance security and reduce fraud.

Bank of America's Strategy: Offense or Defense?

One of the key debates surrounding Bank of America's blockchain patent strategy is whether it's primarily offensive or defensive.In other words, is the bank actively seeking to develop and deploy blockchain-based solutions, or is it simply trying to protect its market share by preventing competitors from using the technology?

Some analysts believe that BofA's strategy is primarily defensive.By amassing a large portfolio of patents, the bank can effectively block competitors from entering the blockchain space.This could allow BofA to maintain its dominance in the traditional financial industry, even if it doesn't fully embrace blockchain technology itself.

However, others argue that BofA's strategy is more nuanced. On October 30, Bank of America (BofA) added yet another cryptocurrency-related patent to its collection of more than 50 applications filed within the same field. The second-largest bank in the USWhile the bank may be using patents to protect its market share, it's also likely exploring the potential of blockchain technology for its own benefit. As of June 2025, the Bank of America had up to 45 live patents. This was how they secured the number one position in the patent race. However, the fact that the company has shown interest in the blockchain patent race doesn t mean it is eventually going to develop blockchain based products.The diversity of BofA's patents suggests that the bank is interested in a wide range of blockchain applications, from security and authentication to payments and supply chain management.

Ultimately, it's likely that BofA's strategy is a combination of both offense and defense.The bank is using patents to protect its market share, but it's also actively exploring the potential of blockchain technology to improve its operations and create new revenue streams.

Examples of Bank of America Patents and Their Potential Impact

Let's delve deeper into specific examples of Bank of America's blockchain patents and explore their potential impact on the financial industry:

Patent for Augmented Reality-Based User Verification

This patent describes a system that uses augmented reality (AR) to verify the identity of users.The system could be used to create a more secure and user-friendly login experience for online banking and other financial services.

How it works: The system would use the user's smartphone camera to capture an image of their face. Bank of America leads in the blockchain patent race On Octobe Bank of America Has the Most Blockchain Patents, But Is It Actually Going to Use Them? 20The image would then be compared to a stored image of the user's face using AR technology. Bank of America leads in the blockchain patent race Please note, this is a STATIC archive of website cointelegraph.com from, cach3.com does not collect or store any user information, there is no phishing involved.If the two images match, the user would be granted access to their account.

Potential impact: This patent could significantly reduce the risk of fraud and identity theft. Although Bank of America CEO Brian Moynihan says his bank has hundreds of blockchain patents, he still can t find a use case for the technology at scale.It could also make it easier for users to access their accounts, as they wouldn't need to remember complex passwords.

Patent for AI and ML-Powered Authentication

This patent describes a system that uses artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) to authenticate users. [ad_1] On October 30, Bank of America (BofA) added yet another cryptocurrency-related patent to its collection of more than 50 applications filed within the same field. The second-largest bank in the US has been leading in the informal blockchain patent race, sidestepping such players as IBM and Alibaba. However, that does not mean that BofAThe system could be used to detect fraudulent transactions and prevent unauthorized access to accounts.

How it works: The system would analyze various data points, such as the user's location, device, and transaction history, to determine whether a transaction is legitimate. Bank of America Has the Most Blockchain Patents, But Is It Actually Going to Use Them? On October 30, Bank of America (BofA) added yet another cryptocurrency-related patent to its collection of more than 50 applications filed within the same field.If the system detects suspicious activity, it would flag the transaction for further review.

Potential impact: This patent could significantly reduce fraud losses for banks and their customers. On October 30, Bank of America (BofA) added yet another cryptocurrency-related patent to its collection of more than 50 applications filed within the same Facebook Instagram Mail Pinterest Reddit RSS Telegram Twitter YoutubeIt could also improve the overall security of the financial system.

Patent for Resource Distribution Card with OTP Generation

This patent focuses on the use of a card, potentially linked to blockchain technology, that is able to generate one-time passwords.This could be used for various secure transaction applications.

How it works: The card contains a secure chip that generates a unique OTP for each transaction.This OTP is then used to authorize the transaction.

Potential impact: This patent could improve the security of card payments and reduce the risk of fraud.

The Future of Blockchain in Banking: Will Bank of America Lead the Way?

The future of blockchain in banking is uncertain, but there's no doubt that the technology has the potential to revolutionize the industry.Whether Bank of America will lead the way in this transformation remains to be seen.

The bank's large portfolio of blockchain patents gives it a significant advantage. Menu. Home; Bitcoin Chart; Live Prices; Cryptocurrency News; Exchanges; Cryptocurrency SoftwareHowever, BofA will need to overcome several challenges, including regulatory uncertainty, technological maturity, and internal resistance, to fully realize the potential of blockchain technology.

If Bank of America is successful in implementing its blockchain patents, it could gain a significant competitive advantage over other financial institutions.It could also help to drive the widespread adoption of blockchain technology in the financial industry.

What Does This Mean For Consumers and Investors?

For consumers, the potential benefits of Bank of America's blockchain patents include:

Increased security: Blockchain can help to protect against fraud and identity theft.
Faster transactions: Blockchain can speed up payment processing times.
Lower fees: Blockchain can reduce transaction costs.
Improved transparency: Blockchain can provide greater transparency into financial transactions.

For investors, the potential implications of Bank of America's blockchain patents are:

Increased innovation: Blockchain could lead to new and innovative financial products and services.
Improved efficiency: Blockchain can improve the efficiency of the financial system.
Higher profits: Blockchain could help banks to increase their profits.
Competitive advantage: Banks that adopt blockchain technology early could gain a competitive advantage over their peers.

Conclusion: A Wait-and-See Approach for Blockchain at Bank of America

Bank of America's dominance in the blockchain patent arena is undeniable.With over 50 approved patents, the bank has established itself as a major player in the future of this transformative technology.However, the question remains: will BofA actually leverage these patents to revolutionize its operations, or will they primarily serve as a defensive measure against competitors?While CEO Brian Moynihan's skepticism about finding scalable use cases raises doubts, the breadth and depth of BofA's patent portfolio suggest a strategic interest in blockchain's long-term potential.The patents cover a wide range of applications, from enhanced security and authentication to streamlined transactions and improved supply chain management.Whether driven by offensive innovation or defensive protection, Bank of America's investment in blockchain patents positions it to capitalize on the technology's eventual adoption in the financial industry. Bank of America leads in the blockchain patent race. On October 30, Bank of America (BofA) added yet another cryptocurrency-related patent to its collection of more than 50 applications filed within the same field. The second-largest bank in the US has been leading in the informal blockchain patent race, sidestepping such players as IBM andOnly time will tell if BofA will translate its patent dominance into tangible blockchain-powered solutions, but one thing is certain: the bank is closely watching the evolving landscape and strategically positioning itself for whatever the future may hold. Bank of America Has the Most Blockchain Patents, But Is It Actually Going to Use Them?The key takeaways are that BofA is a leader in blockchain patents, their actual use is still uncertain, and the potential benefits for consumers and investors are significant if the technology is implemented successfully.Banks are aware that blockchain tech is an opportunity, but must make sure that these innovations outweigh the potential downsides.