FINRA requested comments on a report that examines the implications of distributed ledger technology ("DLT" or "blockchain technology") on the securities industry. DLT involves a "distributed database maintained over a network of computers connected on a peer-to-peer basis, such that network participants can share and retain identical, cryptographically secured records in a decentralized manner."
FINRA stated that the report is intended not only to provide an overview of the technology, highlight key applications to the securities industry, and discuss implementation and regulatory considerations for broker-dealers, but also to contribute to an ongoing dialogue with market participants about blockchain technology. FINRA stated that DLT has the potential to affect various aspects of the securities market, including market efficiency, transparency, post-trade processes and operational risk.
Comments on the report must be submitted to FINRA by March 31, 2017.
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