MBN Solutions has promised some “tough talking” on the challenges faced by industry in the race to embrace distributed ledger technologies at its third Scotchain event.

The firm has also revealed the line-up for its annual, not for profit, blockchain event that will be hosted by RBS Gogarburn in Edinburgh on 8th November. Unlike many blockchain events, which often focus on the hype and hyperbole, MBN and co-organiser Spiritus say they pride themselves in bringing Scotchain to life to help tackle the challenges – and focus on the reality of how blockchain can disrupt industry and bring about a step change in embracing disruptive innovation.

Susan Ramonat, chief executive of Spiritus Partners and event co-organiser, said: “Each year, this event attracts some of the best speakers globally and this year is no exception. Scotchain always attracts world-class speakers, entrepreneurs and organisations who’ve got a ‘sleeves rolled up’ mindset.

“They’ll talk about what’s real and what’s actually happening. They also won’t pull punches about the hard challenges remaining to be tackled for blockchain to deliver value – to make good on its promise of transforming key elements of how enterprises, government, academia, and the third sector operate.”

Disruptive Technology

Scotchain 2018 will tackle challenging issues of how to get the most from this exciting and disruptive technology, according to organisers.

Chairman of MBN Solutions, Paul Forrest, said: “Attending blockchain and practitioner events can be a lottery as the agenda often exposes much of the audience to little more than a blockchain ‘shop window’. Scotchain refuses to follow suit with a genuine desire to cut through the hype and hyperbole by assembling the world’s leading authorities on blockchain and building an audience led agenda.

“With a focus on answering real questions about how to embrace such technologies, Scotchain will equip participants with valuable insight from those with genuine experience of bringing blockchain solutions to the market.”

This year’s event hopes to facilitate a deeper understanding of what blockchain enables and supports – how it complements and extends the value of other disruptive technologies such as AI, machine learning and IoT, that are rapidly transforming our lives and society, and the extent of the regulatory environment in which it operates.

Kent Mackenzie, Deloitte’s risk advisory leader for Fintech and RegTech, said: “The growth in interest and applicability of blockchain technology has gathered a huge amount of momentum over the last few years, with practical examples of this type of technology being used across a range of sectors from healthcare, to distribution, to financial services.

“This year I am particularly interested to explore the perspective regulators and policy makers are forming to ensure we set out a responsible yet conducive framework to allow more innovation to occur, but in a way that looks after the interests of the consumer and the end-user.”

Scotchain promises to be a gamechanger, covering topics and subject matter ignored by most other events. With an agenda designed to challenge current knowledge and thinking and a panel session intended to provide deep insight, Scotchain 2018 is this year’s must attend blockchain event.

Michael Young, chief executive of MBN Solutions, said “Our event is open to all no matter what level of prior knowledge you have or from whatever sector you work in. As in previous years, there will be a healthy degree of networking and knowledge exchange between participants from across a range of sectors including fintech, healthcare, life sciences, manufacturing or energy; the arts, travel, tourism and entertainment.

“Whether you work in a hugely commercial business, the public sector, academia or a third sector venture, you will find something for you with our carefully assembled agenda.”

Previous Scotchain events have showcased knowledge, success and engagement with blockchain at a level rarely seen elsewhere. MBN believe much of this is due to the vibrant and thriving blockchain and Data Science communities that exist in Scotland. With Scotland leading the way in this exciting disruptive technology, this event will extend the notion that Scotland is a genuine contender for the title of ‘World Class Centre of Excellence’ when it comes to blockchain and Distributed Ledger Technologies.

This year’s speakers include:

Steve Wilson, who is a researcher, innovator, analyst and adviser, with more than 20 years experience in cybersecurity. He leads the Digital Safety and Privacy theme at the independent San Francisco-based Constellation Research.
Sally Eaves

Sally Eaves, who brings a depth of experience from both CEO and CTO roles, as a Professor of Advanced Technologies and as Global Strategic Advisor. She specializes in the application and integration of Blockchain, Artificial Intelligence and associated emergent technologies.

Jeremy Drane, the chief commercial officer for Libra, a five-year old blockchain/crypto startup headquartered in New York. The core business issue Libra addresses is how to efficiently convert raw crypto transactional data into business information that can be used to improve performance, create financial statements and provide regulatory reporting and transparency.

Apolline Blandin, a research manager at the Cambridge Centre for Alternative Finance (CCAF). She is part of the cryptoasset and blockchain research team.

Kent MacKenzie, who is a Partner and the Global Fintech Lead for Deloitte, based in Edinburgh. He has spent over 12 years in a range of financial services roles and has a passion for Fintech, data and advanced analytics.

For more details and the full lineup of speakers, visit www.scotchain18.com