Santander aims to be first UK blockchain user

Santander is aiming to become the first UK bank to use blockchain to enable customers to make faster and cheaper international payments.

In a move to fend off competition from digital payment businesses such as TransferWise, Santander is piloting an app-based service among staff before rolling it out.

By using blockchain, the bank plans to provide next-day money transfers and ensure that customers' funds arrive in full. Payments of between £10 and £10,000 can be sent in euro or dollars across 21 different countries.

Currently, money transfers abroad tend to take several days and customers can't be sure how much will arrive in an overseas account, as various fees are taken along the way.

Blockchain can enable the transfer of data in a faster and more accurate way, and all transactions are recorded uniquely, helping to improve fraud protection.

Sigga Sigurdardottir, Santander's head of customer and innovation, said:

"At Santander we work hard to ensure our banking is simple, personal and fair and believe new blockchain technology will play a transformational role in the way we achieve our goals and better serve our customers, adding value by creating more choice and convenience."


Note: News bulletin content has been provided by a third-party and is not the opinion of Santander.