Blockchain is a technology/software protocol that is generally a distributed database, meaning a ledger of transactions. This database is structured differently from typical databases. Instead of tables, the information is stored in blocks. The miners verify these blocks, otherwise known as nodes, and then cryptographically sealed, rendering them permanent and unchangeable. The blocks are then distributed across a network of computers, making them accessible.
What is bitcoin?
The Bitcoin (BTC) protocol was released in 2009 as an open-source payment software project intended to be an electronic form of physical cash without the use of third parties. Anybody could download the software, become a ‘node’ on the network, and ’mine’ for bitcoin.
Mining is the process where the transactions are collected, validated, entered on the blockchain, and sealed cryptographically.
Bitcoin can be viewed as a cryptocurrency built on its own protocol, which defines how its transactions are created, validated and granted finality.
This was the first of the current batch of cryptocurrencies. Some other forms of crypto that came afterwards are mere copycats, as the source code is open and viewable to all. They have taken lessons learned and built new, exciting features.
More than 10 years have passed, and many new protocols have been developed. It is clear to see that cryptocurrencies and blockchain are here to stay.
Ethereum
This protocol was released in 2015 and is considered the leader in programmable blockchains. The protocol allows smart contracts to be executed on the blockchain. From this ability to program, a lot of innovation has been developed using the application layer sitting on the Ethereum blockchain. Blockchain-based applications that are trying to remove unnecessary third parties. I’ll talk about Decentralised Applications later in the article.
Cryptocurrency ecosystem expanded
Like the technology used for the internet, there are distinct layers for using this new technology to the fullest. Under the hood of the worldwide web, we have the internet layer, transport layer and application layer. Below I’ll run through the current landscape for blockchain.
Layer 1 solutions
Layer 1 is the main blockchain, transactions that have been confirmed or ‘signed’ and sent peer to peer, or address to address, and confirmed in a block, which is the list of records of transactions.
Ordinary Bitcoin transactions are utilised with layer 1, this is the underlying BTC blockchain with its properties of the protocol. In other words, Layer 1 on Bitcoin includes the actual ledger of BTC transactions, the network nodes (miners), and the block verification mechanism known as Proof of Work (PoW).
Layer 2 solutions
What’s Layer 2 trying to solve?
Transaction speed and transaction cost
Layer 2 is a higher network that sits on the first layer. For example, Lighting is a state channel and is the 2nd layer solution for Bitcoin. This has been publicly used by Twitter and the US company Strike.
State channels explained – layer 2
A state channel is a two-way communication channel of transactions between participants (of cryptocurrency), which enables them to conduct interactions, which would typically occur on the blockchain, but now away from the blockchain.
Taking this away from the blockchain speeds up the transactions as you are no longer dependent on the blockchain confirmation.
This is how a state channel works:
A portion of the blockchain is sealed off via multi-signature or some sort of smart contract (agreed mechanism for the process), which is pre-agreed by the participants. Then the participants can directly interact without submitting anything to the blockchain for validation.
When the entire transaction set is over, all the balances are settled to the accounts/addresses then these values are added to the blockchain and mined/confirmed. This allows cheaper, faster transactions within a smaller network but with the same assets.
Nested blockchains (side chains) – layer 2
A nested blockchain is a child blockchain connected to the parent blockchain. The parent blockchain sets parameters for a broader network, while executions are undertaken on an interconnected web of secondary chains. The parent blockchain delegates work to child blockchains that process and return it to the parent after completion. The parent blockchain does not take part in the network functions of child blockchains unless dispute resolution is necessary.
The design principle of plasma (this is the Ethereum solution) is pretty straightforward:
The main parent blockchain lays down the ground rules of this entire system. It will not directly take part in any operations unless it needs to resolve some disputes.
There will be multiple levels of blockchains sitting on top of the main chain. These levels will be connected to each other to form a parent-child chain connection. The parent chain delegates work amongst its child chains. The child chains then execute these actions and send the result back to the parent chain.
Not only does this solution significantly reduce the load in the root chain, but if executed properly, it will increase scalability exponentially.
Layer 3 solutions
Layer 3 is represented by blockchain-based applications as it is used in hosting Decentralised Applications (DApps) and the protocol that enables the apps, such as decentralized finance (DeFi) apps, games, or distributed storage apps. Many of these applications also have cross-chain functionality, helping users access various blockchain platforms via a single app. This adds to the application’s usability as it’s not bound to one protocol.
What lies ahead?
Cryptocurrency
The cryptocurrency market has grown from nothing to a high of 3 trillion USD. There has been a large correction so far in 2022, but there is no doubt that continued institutional interest will continue to change the market landscape. The large hedge funds have all dipped their toes in, with Brevan Howard recently announcing their crypto division, BH Digital. Fidelity has been offering institutional BTC custody and publishing educational pieces since 2014. Similarly, State Street and Citibank are publicly discussing this new asset class with their clients. Companies like Jump Trading, DRW and Virtu are actively trading and building in the decentralized finance (DeFi) ecosystems. KPMG Canada has also added Bitcoin and Ethereum to its corporate treasury.
De-Fi
Decentralized finance is a bit of a misnomer, but it’s stuck and claims to be saving us from Traditional Finance (Trad-Fi). Whereas Trad-Fi is built on a system controlled by trusted parties, De-Fi allows peer-to-peer interactions which are governed by the protocol eliminating the intermediary.
With centralized intermediaries, there’s a consolidation of the risk and control at the centre of these systems, which have proven unfit for such responsibility. Providing an automated system that relies just on code and logic is a refreshing change.
Some well-known projects that I suggest readers review for their understanding of this new thriving space:
- Decentralized Exchanges (DEX) such as UNI,
- Decentralized lending and borrowing, COMP
- Stable tokens, MKR and DAI
- Asset management, AMPL
This new industry has a long way to go, but I believe it’s on the right path to achieving a revolution in financial services. Is this the end of third-party systems and brokers? I don’t think so, but there’s now a solution to many of the legacy systems that have reduced economic efficiency despite the fact that we’re in the electronic age.
Alex Chehade
Chief Operating Officer, Midchains