With fintech companies increasingly moving to create new approaches in payments, lending and new uses cases for blockchain such as Know Your Customer (KYC) and Trade Finance, tech giant IBM has announced new developer tools, technology, training and programs to share financial services expertise.

According to the official release, the IBM Learning Lab has released a new repository of fintech and blockchain courses and use cases for developers and business analysts. These courses and use cases are offered in conjunction with FutureLearn, Fintech School and the Wall Street Blockchain Alliance. Earlier this month, IBM announced a partnership with Topcoder, the premier global software development community, to advance learning opportunities for cognitive developers who are looking to harness the power of Watson to create the next generation of artificial intelligence apps, APIs and solutions.

IBM’s network of Bluemix Garages serves as a hub where entrepreneurs, developers, designers and industry experts can come together to build on Bluemix. Several startups are working with Bluemix Garages to unlock the potential of blockchain:

•  FreshTurf is working with the Singapore Bluemix Garage to create an innovative blockchain-based network of storage lockers for shipping and parcel delivery throughout Singapore.
   
• Singaporean startup Eigencat is using Bluemix, IBM’s cloud platform, to deliver digital investment solutions for the financial market. It is also using IBM Cloud to develop new cognitive-based investment solutions using Watson APIs and broaden its reach within and outside Singapore.

In order to facilitate blockchain adoption by fintechs using the Hyperledger Fabric, IBM has announced a set of new offerings aimed at blockchain developers. These include the Blockchain Starter Plan on Bluemix which helps developers build and test a blockchain network in one click. Worldwide Distribution of the Hyperledger Fabric on Docker Hub provides a tested and certified image of the Hyperledger Fabric on an environment of their choice, including their laptop or public or private cloud. The High Security Business Network supports industries with sensitive data and security requirements with security powered by IBM LinuxONE technology.

Singapore fintech startup KYCK! is also working in the Singapore Bluemix Garage to use these services to help build a new solution on IBM Cloud which provides a view into customer identity. In addition, the technology innovation group within Kasikornbank Public Company Limited (KBank) is also working with IBM to build a new blockchain network designed to help simplify procedures for the bank's corporate credit business, with the goal of enabling KBank to fast-track traditionally lengthy procedures such as Letters of Guarantee for clients.

“As banks look to partner with FinTechs, IBM provides deep financial services industry expertise, the right technology and an ecosystem to help drive collaboration between them,” said Bob Lord, Chief Digital Officer, IBM. “Our Bluemix cloud platform provides developers access to IBM Watson cognitive APIs, blockchain, data analytics and hosting services to help generate new revenue streams.”