Blockchain in productive investment has immense potential to transform financing methods, reduce costs, and overcome sanctions. The panel discussion “How to Leverage Blockchain for Productive Investment?” at KHANA explored blockchain’s overlooked potential in financing production, legal barriers, and its role in bypassing sanctions.
Key Insights from Experts:
Dr. Alireza Yaghobi, Fintech Association:
- The global market for Real-World Assets (RWAs) is growing, projected to reach $15-30 trillion by 2030.
- Blockchain can lower costs, enhance transparency, and most importantly, is immune to sanctions, potentially attracting $200 billion of Iranian diaspora capital.
Dr. Mohammad Qasemi, Mazdex Company:
- Blockchain bridges gaps in traditional finance like stock markets and banks, offering liquidity through tokenization.
- It facilitates cross-border capital movement, and its transparent, traceable nature eliminates unnecessary regulatory concerns.
Dr. Abbas Ashtiani, Nasr Organization:
- The crowdfunding model in the stock market has issues: capital lock-in and lack of secondary markets.
- Tokenization of participation certificates could address these challenges, yet some entities like the stock exchange resist its adoption.
Dr. Amin Kolahdoozan, Former Teta Center Director:
- Banks lack the capacity to finance projects, and despite regulatory approval, instruments like forward housing bonds face obstacles.
Dr. Saeed Mousavi, Phoenix Company:
- Blockchain can benefit not only youth but retirees as well, allowing them to protect investments and engage with foreign capital.
- The issue lies not in ideas or business plans, but in creating an ecosystem that supports these investments.
Dr. Mohammad Jalal, Digital Economy Advisor, Former Minister of Economic Affairs and Finance:
- Blockchain is more than just financial data storage; it holds asset value and should be integrated into other sectors.
- Initial steps should involve tokenizing existing certificates to familiarize regulators with blockchain, followed by tokenizing supply chain assets for liquidity and inflation protection.
Conclusion
Blockchain’s integration into Iran’s financial system can enhance transparency, bypass sanctions, and democratize investment, especially through tokenization. However, overcoming legal and regulatory challenges remains a key hurdle in unlocking its full potential for productive investment.
