"Chain Reaction is a great introduction to the subject of blockchain and its transformative potential in emerging markets. On-the-ground reporting brings the issues to life and the exchange of views between the authors keeps the reader aware that this is a developing story with a long way to go." Jonathan Wheatley, Emerging Markets Editor at The Financial Times.
"you simply could not ask for better guides," said Tim Harford, Financial Times columnist, BBC presenter and author of The Undercover Economist.
Amidst the constant stream of overly technical and excitable books heralding a blockchain revolution that's destined to be more disruptive than the Internet, this book stands apart for its more nuanced take, focusing on the potential for these new technologies to change developing countries for the better. Chain Reaction divides the world into two: for some, blockchain seems a poor substitute for an efficient banking and regulatory system in which transactions are settled instantly and contracts are underpinned by solid institutions. For others, it will be truly life-changing - namely those living in countries where rule of law is weak, concepts of ownership are vague and, consequently, trust in institutions is in scarce supply.
With blockchain, we are about to witness a leapfrogging - one that will bring the next billion emerging consumers into the formal economy by creating reliable institutions of contract, ownership and trust among people previously denied such luxuries.
The authors humanize the technology by taking the reader on a global journey through a multitude of applications - from registering property to voting and delivering aid. In place of the usual abstract lessons in complex technology, this book is instead filled with lively anecdotes of places where trust is so weak that a crisp dollar bill sells at a premium to a better-used version. The book's goal is to create the first truly approachable, entirely comprehensible and enjoyable read on the wonders to come from blockchain.
Paul Domjan consults and advises on strategy, growth, innovation and scenario planning. He is a Senior Associate at NormannPartners and Senior Contributing Analyst at Tellimer and was CEO of 4Cast-RGE. He has advised the UK, US and many developing country governments; was a Marshall Scholar at Oxford University; and is a frequent guest lecturer on emerging markets and digital themes. He traveled overland across southern and eastern Africa with his spouse and primary school aged children while researching this book.
Gavin Serkin’s first book, Frontier: Exploring the Top Ten Emerging Markets of Tomorrow, was acclaimed a “must read” by Financial Times. His work leading Bloomberg’s teams of journalists uncovering derivatives behind the global financial crisis won him Society of American Business Editors & Writers’ Best in Business and Society of Professional Journalists’ Deadline Club awards. In 2015, Gavin founded New Markets Media & Intelligence to spur responsible investment in technology and developing countries. He is a frequent guest lecturer on emerging markets.
Brandon Thomas is an entrepreneur and executive with over 20 years of experience developing and managing businesses in numerous industries, from retail to government to media. Brandon is currently Partner of Grayline Group, a firm that brings together experts, data, and solutions to help companies and public institutions manage disruptive change, and founder of Blockview Partners, a consulting and investment advisory firm.
John Toshack is a Managing Partner at Delphos International where he connects technology companies with sources of impact finance and development capital; areas of particular interest include venture capital, financial inclusion, agri-tech and digitization of trade. Prior to joining Delphos, John had a 15+ year career with the HSBC Group, where he held a number of senior roles in the Global Markets division.
