Cryptocurrencies speculative, but blockchain can bring positive disruption – S&P’s

Global ratings agency Standard and Poor’s (S&P’s) currently views cryptocurrencies as speculative instruments that will have an “insignificant effect on global financial stability if its value were to collapse”, but that blockchain – a shared digital transaction ledger – presents an opportunity for financial institutions. Blockchain presents an opportunity for financial institutions to cut costs by streamlining back-office operations, shortening clearing and settlement times, facilitating payments and even generating new revenue streams, the ratings agency said in a statement issued on Monday.