10 BIG BANKS THAT ARE SERIOUSLY LOOKING INTO BLOCKCHAIN TECHNOLOGY

Last updated: June 19, 2025, 22:06 | Written by: Anthony Pompliano

The financial world is undergoing a silent revolution, and at its heart lies blockchain technology.For years, the banking industry, known for its traditional and often cumbersome processes, has been cautiously eyeing this decentralized ledger system.Now, that cautious interest has blossomed into serious exploration, with major banks around the globe actively investigating how blockchain can streamline operations, reduce costs, and enhance security.Forget the initial skepticism; today, a significant majority of banking executives believe that blockchain will unlock new revenue streams and provide a competitive edge.From expediting cross-border payments to revolutionizing trade finance, the potential applications are vast and transformative.But which banks are leading the charge? In 2025, it was estimated that around $2.9 billion were invested in blockchain technology, which represents an 89% increase from the year prior. Additionally, the International Data Corp estimated that corporate investment into blockchain technology would reach $12.4 billion by 2025. [79]What are they experimenting with right now?And what challenges are they facing as they navigate this brave new world of decentralized finance?Let's delve into the strategies and initiatives of 10 big banks that are seriously looking into blockchain technology, revealing how they plan to reshape the future of finance.

Why Are Big Banks Interested in Blockchain?

The driving force behind banks' increasing interest in blockchain technology is multifaceted. In 2025 and early 2025, under former Acting Comptroller Brian Brooks, the OCC opened the door to and signaled support for the expansion of banking services relating to cryptoassets and stablecoins by issuing guidance allowing national banks and federal savings associations to provide custody services for cryptoassets, including the safekeepingSimply put, it boils down to efficiency, cost savings, and security. In this data-driven industry research on 2025 banking tech startups scaleups, you get insights into technology solutions with the Banking Technology Innovation Map. Trends in this report include AI, open banking, hyper-personalized banking, robotic process automation, and quantum computing.Traditional banking systems are often plagued by slow transaction speeds, high intermediary fees, and vulnerabilities to fraud.Blockchain offers a potential solution to each of these problems.

Increased Efficiency: Blockchain can dramatically reduce transaction times by eliminating the need for multiple intermediaries.A bank transfer that currently involves a complex network of institutions could be streamlined through a direct, peer-to-peer blockchain network.
Reduced Costs: By cutting out intermediaries, banks can significantly lower transaction costs.Accenture estimates that major investment banks could save billions of dollars annually by using blockchain for clearing and settlement improvements.
Enhanced Security: Blockchain's decentralized and immutable nature makes it incredibly secure.Each transaction is recorded on a distributed ledger, making it extremely difficult for hackers to tamper with the data.

Moreover, the increasing adoption of blockchain technology by small businesses and the growing popularity of cryptocurrencies are pushing banks to adapt and offer blockchain-based solutions.Moira Noiseux, CEO of t. able of. c. ontents, highlights the need for user-friendly tools as blockchain becomes more mainstream.

Top 10 Banks Exploring Blockchain Technology

While many banks are exploring blockchain technology, some are further along than others. Eight years later, blockchain start-ups, such as Digital Assets, have yet to make much of an inroad into the world of finance beyond the realm of cryptocurrencies, which is where the technologyHere are 10 big banks that are making significant strides in the blockchain space:

Goldman Sachs: As a leading U.S. investment banking institution, Goldman Sachs has been actively educating its clients and the public about the benefits of blockchain. Accenture has estimated that the biggest investment banks could save $10bn by using blockchain technology to improve the efficiency of clearing and settlement. Richard Lumb, head of financialThey have established an educational microsite to explain the technology and its potential impact.
JPMorgan Chase: JPMorgan Chase is a pioneer in the development and implementation of blockchain solutions.Their JPM Coin, a stablecoin pegged to the US dollar, is integrated into their Liink ecosystem, showcasing their commitment to offering a comprehensive suite of blockchain-enabled services.
HSBC: HSBC has integrated blockchain technology directly into its trade finance operations, streamlining the issuance of letters of credit and digitizing documentation processes to make things faster and more secure.
Santander: Santander has been exploring blockchain for cross-border payments, aiming to provide faster and cheaper remittance services to its customers.
American Express: American Express is leveraging blockchain technology to enhance its loyalty programs and improve transaction transparency.
Standard Chartered: Standard Chartered is focused on using blockchain to improve supply chain finance, reducing risks and increasing efficiency for businesses.
DBS Bank: DBS Bank, a major bank in Asia, has been actively involved in the blockchain community, hosting blockchain hackathons and supporting startups in the space.
Bank of New York Mellon: The Bank of New York Mellon has been experimenting with Bitcoin and exploring how to integrate blockchain into its existing systems to improve transaction efficiency.
UBS: UBS, a leading Swiss bank, has established a research lab in London dedicated to exploring the potential of blockchain for various financial applications.
CBW Bank: CBW Bank is actively exploring ways to integrate blockchain into their operations, though specific details of their projects are less publicly available. Banks are beginning to look into how to incorporate cryptocurrencies and Blockchain technology into their daily operations. Cryptocurrencies are anticipated to make it simple for people to access financial services, and in particular, to give unbanked or underbanked populations a way to conduct financial transactions.They represent the growing trend of smaller banks also looking into blockchain.

Specific Blockchain Use Cases for Banks

Banks are exploring a wide range of use cases for blockchain technology.Here are some of the most prominent applications:

Cross-Border Payments

Traditional cross-border payments can be slow, expensive, and opaque. Blockchain technology offers the potential to streamline these payments, making them faster, cheaper, and more transparent. proposed model at banks adopting the new technology to study its fitness. Keywords: blockchain, distributed ledger, banking, financial, adoption factor, adoption model . INTRODUCTION . Blockchain has been the buzz word for the last decade, ever since Nakamoto (2025) released the first seminal paper talking about the invention of Bitcoin as aBanks like Santander are actively exploring blockchain-based solutions for cross-border remittances.

Trade Finance

Trade finance involves complex documentation processes and multiple intermediaries. HSBC, a leading international bank, has taken a big step forward by integrating blockchain technology directly into its trade finance operations to make things faster and more secure. Recently, the bank demonstrated just how effective this tech can be by digitizing the documentation process and streamlining the issuance of letters of credit.HSBC has demonstrated how blockchain technology can digitize these processes, reducing paperwork and increasing efficiency. Swiss banks are highly regarded in the global financial market, so it is no small thing that UBS announced this year that it would open a research lab in London devoted to exploring theStreamlining letters of credit is a prime example of blockchain's potential in this area.

Supply Chain Finance

Supply chain finance can benefit from the transparency and security of blockchain technology.Standard Chartered is exploring how blockchain can reduce risks and improve efficiency in supply chain financing, providing better visibility and control over the entire process.

Digital Identity

Blockchain technology can be used to create secure and decentralized digital identities. t. able of. c. ontents. イントロダクション. カテゴリーマップ（私案） . ブロックチェーンのユースケース. 1．金融機関の動きThis can simplify KYC (Know Your Customer) processes and reduce fraud, making it easier for banks to onboard new customers and verify their identities.

Asset Tokenization

Asset tokenization involves representing real-world assets, such as real estate or commodities, as digital tokens on a blockchain.This can make these assets more liquid and accessible, opening up new investment opportunities.Banks are exploring the potential of asset tokenization to create new revenue streams and expand their services.

Cryptocurrency Custody

As cryptocurrencies become more mainstream, banks are increasingly offering custody services for these digital assets.The OCC (Office of the Comptroller of the Currency) has issued guidance allowing national banks and federal savings associations to provide custody services for cryptoassets, signaling the growing acceptance of cryptocurrencies within the traditional banking system.

Challenges and Considerations

While the potential benefits of blockchain technology for banks are significant, there are also several challenges and considerations that need to be addressed:

Scalability: Some blockchain networks have limitations in terms of scalability, meaning they can only process a limited number of transactions per second. To keep up with this looming evolution, many financial institutions, such as commercial banks, investment banks, and even central banks of various countries, are looking into blockchain app development and other blockchain-based solutions. In this article, we will review the importance of blockchain adoption in the banking industry and theThis can be a bottleneck for high-volume banking applications.
Regulatory Uncertainty: The regulatory landscape for blockchain and cryptocurrencies is still evolving.Banks need to navigate complex and often unclear regulations to ensure compliance.
Interoperability: Different blockchain networks may not be compatible with each other, making it difficult to transfer assets and data between them.Interoperability is crucial for widespread adoption of blockchain in the banking industry.
Security Risks: While blockchain is generally considered secure, vulnerabilities can still exist in smart contracts and other blockchain-based applications.Banks need to implement robust security measures to protect against cyberattacks.
Integration with Existing Systems: Integrating blockchain into existing banking systems can be complex and challenging.Banks need to carefully plan and execute their blockchain implementations to avoid disruptions to their operations.

Furthermore, while many blockchain startups emerged, some have struggled to gain significant traction beyond the cryptocurrency realm. Applications of Blockchain Across Industries. Blockchain technology has a wide range of applications across various industries: Finance and Banking: Blockchain enables secure and transparent transactions, reducing the need for intermediaries like banks and clearinghouses. Use cases include cross-border payments, remittances, and asset tokenization.Overcoming this challenge requires collaboration between established financial institutions and innovative blockchain companies.

The Future of Blockchain in Banking

The future of blockchain technology in banking is looking bright.As more banks adopt blockchain-based solutions, the industry is likely to see significant improvements in efficiency, security, and cost savings. Over 80% of banking executives now say blockchain technology will generate new revenue streams in finance, and 81 of the world s 100 largest public companies (including major banks) report they are using or exploring blockchain solutions . What s driving this change?Here are some key trends to watch:

Increased adoption of stablecoins: Stablecoins, like JPM Coin, are likely to become more widely used for payments and settlements, providing a bridge between traditional fiat currencies and cryptocurrencies.
Greater focus on interoperability: Efforts to improve interoperability between different blockchain networks will become increasingly important, enabling seamless transfer of assets and data.
Development of new blockchain-based financial products: Banks are likely to develop new financial products and services based on blockchain technology, such as decentralized lending platforms and tokenized securities.
Collaboration between banks and blockchain startups: Partnerships between established financial institutions and innovative blockchain companies will accelerate the development and adoption of blockchain solutions.

Experts estimate that corporate investment in blockchain technology will continue to grow significantly in the coming years, reaching billions of dollars by 2025.This investment will drive further innovation and adoption of blockchain in the banking industry.

How Blockchain is Reinventing Banking Processes

JPMorgan Chase, with its JPM Coin and Liink ecosystem, is a prime example of a bank reinventing traditional banking processes. Leader in cryptocurrency, Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP, blockchain, DeFi, digital finance and Web 3.0 news with analysis, video and live price updates.Instead of relying on slow and costly traditional payment rails, JPM Coin facilitates near-instantaneous settlements between participating institutions. 2) Bank of New York Mellon. The Bank of New York Mellon has been experimenting with Bitcoin, particularly in making financial transactions more efficient.Integrating Bitcoin s decentralized, peer-to-peer model with the bank s client-server systems was said to be a challenge for them.This represents a fundamental shift in how banks process transactions and manage liquidity.

HSBC's integration of blockchain technology into trade finance is another significant step.By digitizing the documentation process and streamlining the issuance of letters of credit, HSBC is reducing the time and cost associated with international trade, making it easier for businesses to engage in cross-border transactions.

The focus on enhancing customer experience is also driving innovation. As more and more small businesses adopt blockchain technology, it will become increasingly important to offer tools that have easy and familiar user experiences, says, Moira Noiseux, CEO ofBy using blockchain technology for loyalty programs, American Express can offer more personalized and rewarding experiences to its customers, strengthening customer loyalty and driving revenue.

Conclusion: Embracing the Blockchain Revolution

The evidence is clear: major banks are no longer just experimenting with blockchain technology; they are actively integrating it into their operations.From streamlining cross-border payments to revolutionizing trade finance, the potential applications of blockchain in banking are vast and transformative.While challenges remain, the benefits of increased efficiency, reduced costs, and enhanced security are too compelling to ignore.

As more banks embrace blockchain technology, we can expect to see a fundamental shift in the way financial services are delivered.The future of banking is decentralized, transparent, and secure, and blockchain is the key to unlocking that future. Learn how. 6 banks renowned for the use of blockchain in banking. Even though many companies still hesitate to leverage blockchain technology in banking, 68% of banks believe they will lose a competitive advantage without implementing it. 84% are sure that blockchain in banking and finance will soon become mainstream.The top 10 banks discussed are leading the charge, paving the way for a new era of financial innovation.The key takeaway is this: Banks that embrace blockchain will thrive, while those that resist risk being left behind in a rapidly evolving landscape.

Are you ready to explore the potential of blockchain for your business?Contact us today to learn more about how blockchain can transform your financial operations.