The term blockchain is often heard in context with banking, investing, or cryptocurrency. You may have heard about it in passing, but do you know what exactly blockchain is? And what is the role of miners? Let’s find out.

1. Define Blockchain? What is the Role of
Miners?
The term blockchain is often heard in context with banking, investing, or cryptocurrency. You
may have heard about it in passing, but do you know what exactly blockchain is? And what
is the role of miners? Let’s find out.
What is Blockchain?
Blockchain is a specific type of database where data is stored in blocks that are then
chained together. It is decentralized so that no single person or group has control; instead,
all users collectively retain control. All can view transactions that are permanently recorded.
Blockchain’s operations are spread across a network of computers. By doing so, it allows
cryptocurrencies to operate without the need for a central authority. This not only reduces
risk but also eliminates many of the processing and transaction fees.
What is the Role of Miners?
The role of miners in the blockchain is a crucial one. When a transaction is recorded on the
blockchain, its authenticity must be verified by the blockchain network. A community of
people around the world then competes to verify the transaction. This process of verifying

2. the transaction is called blockchain mining and is performed by cryptocurrency miners. They
do so by adding bitcoin transaction data to Bitcoin’s global public ledger of past
transactions. In the blockchain ledger, they secure the blocks and connect them to each
other, forming a chain.
Why is Blockchain Trending?
Blockchain has become one of the most talked-about tech trends of the last few years. A
few reasons blockchain has become a hot topic are its integration with new-age technology,
its reputation as the future currency, and its high demand. Another reason it has been
trending is that it emerged as an alternative to cloud storage and helps store and save data
securely in a decentralized network.
It can also give countries with unstable currencies or financial infrastructures a more stable
currency with more applications and a more comprehensive network of individuals and
institutions they can do business with, both domestically and internationally.
How is Blockchain Going to Affect Banking and
Finance?
Perhaps no industry stands to benefit from integrating blockchain into its business
operations more than banking. Traditionally, if you deposit a check on Friday at 6 p.m., you
will likely have to wait until Monday morning to see that money got credited to your account.
Even if you make your deposit during business hours, the transaction can still take 1-3 days
to verify due to the number of transactions banks need to handle. But by integrating
blockchain into banks, consumers can see their transactions processed within 10-15
minutes and can be considered secure after just a few hours. This is particularly useful for
cross-border trades, which usually take much longer because of time-zone issues.
With blockchain, banks also have the opportunity to exchange funds between institutions
more quickly and securely. Let us consider an example. The stock trading business can take
three or more days to settle and clear all transactions. What it means to the companies is
that their money and shares are frozen for that period. Given the sheer amount of money
involved, even the few days that the money is in transit can carry high costs and risks for
banks and businesses. Hence, integrating blockchain into banking will positively affect
banks.
Advantages of Blockchain
1. Makes Transactions Safe, Secure, and Private
Although users can access details about blockchain’s transaction history, they cannot
access identifying information about the users making those transactions as blockchain
networks are confidential.
The blockchain network must verify the authenticity of transactions recorded. Thousands of
computers on the blockchain rush to confirm that the details of the purchase are correct.

3. After a computer has validated the transaction, it is added to the blockchain block. Each
block on the blockchain has its own unique hash, along with the block’s unique hash before
it. When the information on a block is edited in any way, that block’s hashcode changes.
This discrepancy makes it extremely difficult for information on the blockchain to be
changed without notice. Hence, transactions done on the blockchain are safe, secure, and
private.
2. Removes the human involvement in verification, improving accuracy
Transactions on the blockchain network are approved by a network of thousands of
computers. The process removes almost all human involvement in the verification process,
resulting in less human error and an accurate record of information. Even if a computer on
the network were to make a computational mistake, the error would only be made to one
copy of the blockchain.
3. Transparent Technology
Most blockchains are entirely open-source software. This means that anyone and everyone
can view its code. This gives auditors the ability to review cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin for
security. It also means no absolute authority on who controls Bitcoin’s code or how it is
edited. Because of this, anyone can suggest changes or upgrades to the system. If a
majority of the network users agree that the new version of the code with the upgrade is
sound and worthwhile, then Bitcoin can be updated.
4. Eliminates Third-party Verification
Typically, consumers pay a bank to verify a transaction. Blockchain eliminates the need for
third-party verification and, with it, their associated costs. Business owners incur a small fee
whenever they accept payments using credit cards, for example, because banks and
payment processing companies have to process those transactions. Bitcoin, on the other
hand, does not have a central authority and has limited transaction fees.
5. Difficult to Tamper With
Blockchain does not store any of its information in a central location. Instead, the
blockchain is copied and spread across a network of computers. Whenever a new block is
added, every computer on the web updates its blockchain to reflect the change. By
extending that information across a network, rather than storing it in one single database,
blockchain becomes more difficult to tamper with. If a hacker gets hold of a copy of the
blockchain, only information on that copy would be compromised rather than the entire
network.
If you are looking for a Merchant Account to accept Cryptocurrency Payments, it’s well worth opening
an account with a crypto payment gateway website. It will make the process much easier if you want to
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