Blockchains and other distributed ledgers are being applied to almost all businesses as a concept, but have had a tough time in ecosystems built on siloed data and complex technology.

Citigroup is developing a new mechanism for trading cryptocurrencies such as bitcoin that would put it at the forefront of Wall Street's efforts to let clients bet on the largely unregulated market, according to a person with knowledge of the plans.

For any emerging technology, skepticism is natural and blockchain will need to prove itself before it is widely adopted, writes David Hanson, co-CEO of Ultra.

Two financial technology companies — including Gemini Trust, the digital-asset exchange founded by Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss — won New York state approval to issue cryptocurrencies pegged to the U.S. dollar.

Initial coin offerings have become controversial enough for the SEC to weigh in. And even though the commission has not announced a clear stance, technology investors are noticing a difference in its actions.

Ripple's role in streamlining international transactions and the popularity of its XRP tokens has boosted the company's value, but has also drawn critics who claim Ripple is illegally gaming the market.

Blockchain technology has the potential to change the healthcare industry, placing the patient, at the center of the system by providing added security, privacy and interoperability to health data and payments, writes Donika Kraeva, strategic communications manager for Dentacoin.