Following successful discussions on Blockchain and its impact on the FinTech community in New York and London, The Mankoff Company held the third in a series of After the Bell events in Chicago on 24 February.

The Mankoff Company is a marketing consultancy specializing within the financial industry, with an expertise in trading and latest technology. The company partners with the client to determine need and design targeted and results-driven marketing plans, networking forums, interactive seminars, lead-generation campaigns, white papers, press releases, product promotion campaigns, B2B programs and establishment of a web and social media presence.

The event, ‘Disruptive Innovation: Blockchain’, saw representation from banks, consulting firms, start-ups and more established players in the space and the lively discussion addressed how blockchain is a transformative and evolving platform.  In a panel facilitated by Stacey Mankoff, Managing Principal of The Mankoff Company, the topics covered areas of current interest. 

The panellists included distinguished names in the industry and they spoke on the major issues in the blockchain space:

• Robert A. Musiala of PriceWaterhouseCoopers, spoke on diverse applications of blockchain technology from clearing and settlement to international remittances and beyond with opportunities that are virtually endless. 
• Ryan Pierce of CME Group spoke as the head of the FIX Digital Currency/Blockchain Working Group with between 75 and 100 member firms working to establish standards for blockchain in the FIX protocol. 
• John Karantonis of Geopay.me discussed the split between public vs. private blockchains.
• Louis Stone of Symbiont spoke to how timing is of the essence and now is the time for blockchain in financial services as companies look to reduce costs and how smart contracts bring buyers and sellers closer together. 
• Jennifer Rodrigues of TD Bank rounded out the panel and spoke about how the firm has devised and executed a number of POC but now they have to address the issue of managing new technology with existing systems and processes.  

The next Blockchain event – ‘Beyond POC: Blockchain Applications in the Real World’ – will be held on 28 April, 2016 in London.

“All in all, a lively discussion and the issues raised here will be discussed in the next series of Blockchain-related After the Bell events starting with London on 28 April”, said Stacey Mankoff.

EconoTimes got in touch with Mankoff to know more about the company’s interest in blockchain and future plans:

1. The Mankoff Company has been successfully holding discussions on Blockchain and its impact on the FinTech community – New York, London and now Chicago. How did it all start?

Our After the Bell Panel Discussion started 7 years ago in the FinTech space on the subject of high frequency trading.  Throughout the years, we've addressed the most top-of-mind issues in that community.  In 2014 and early 2015 we did a number of bitcoin events and now it's Blockchain as the subject matter the industry is most curious about. 

2. On what fronts do you think blockchain technology can disrupt the traditional financial system?

On so many - from smart contracts to trade settlement and more.  It can serve the underbanked of which there are millions and it can serve first world finance communities in a more secure and cost-efficient manner.

3. What are your expectations from the forthcoming London event? Will there be an event in Asia?

London should continue the discussion on to the next level - as we say, beyond POC so what can you REALLY do with the technology.  No more theory but practice. And yes, we are looking to have events in Seoul and Tokyo this summer which we are currently working on organizing.