'Who Do I Sue?' JPMorgan Exec Sees Public Blockchains As Inadequate For Large Transactions

Zinger Key Points
  • He highlights a major flaw in public blockchains: the lack of accountability in transaction failures.
  • Farooq criticizes the incentive structures of cryptocurrencies on public blockchains, aimed at boosting network use and coin prices.

Public blockchains, the technology underpinning cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin BTC/USD, may not be mature enough to handle the demands of large financial transactions, according to a high-ranking executive at JPMorgan Chase & Co JPM.

What Happened: Umar Farooq, CEO of JPMorgan’s blockchain platform Onyx, expressed concerns about the limitations of public blockchains during the Bank of International Settlements (BIS) Innovation Summit on May 7, according to Cointelegraph.

“Public blockchain ledgers are simply not fit for purpose for large transactions today,” Farooq remarked, highlighting the need for a more robust system.

Farooq emphasized the lack of accountability within public blockchains.

In the event of a failed $100 million transaction, he questioned, “Who do I sue?”

He argued for a system enabling “trusted transactions between financial institutions with some sort of accountability.”

Benzinga future of digital assets conference

Also Read: Bitcoin ETF Issuer VanEck Launches ‘MEMECOIN’ Index, Includes DOGE, SHIB And 4 More Meme Coins

JPMorgan’s Contradiction

Interestingly, JPMorgan itself utilizes a permissioned blockchain platform, Onyx, which is a private version of Ethereum ETH/USD, a prominent public blockchain. Permissioned blockchains offer the advantage of allowing institutions to reverse transactions, a feature absent in public blockchains.

Farooq also criticized the incentive structure of public blockchains, suggesting that the focus on driving up cryptocurrency prices through user acquisition creates an unhealthy dynamic.

He advocated for a shift in perspective, viewing blockchains as “a public good” akin to the internet.

The Future Of Blockchain

JPMorgan’s reservations highlight the ongoing debate surrounding the suitability of public blockchains for mainstream financial applications.

As the technology evolves, achieving scalability, accountability, and a broader focus on public good will be crucial for wider adoption.

The digital asset landscape is constantly in flux. To navigate this dynamic environment, staying informed about emerging trends and advancements is paramount.

The Benzinga Future of Digital Assets event, taking place on Nov. 19, offers a valuable platform for investors of all levels.

Read Next: Are Bitcoin Whales Buying The Dip With Less Enthusiasm?

Image: Shutterstock

Market News and Data brought to you by Benzinga APIs
Comments
Loading...
Posted In: CryptocurrencyNewsTop StoriesBlockchain TechnologyExpert IdeasStories That Matter
Benzinga simplifies the market for smarter investing

Trade confidently with insights and alerts from analyst ratings, free reports and breaking news that affects the stocks you care about.

Join Now: Free!