Editor’s note: The Blockchain Expo’s keynote speaker Roland Cortivo, head of blockchain infrastructure at Swisscom, answers our five questions in the lead up to the Blockchain Expo Global Virtual on the 17-18th March 2021. Secure your free place at the expo here.
As a DLT and FinTech Expert at Swisscom Digital Business, Roland Cortivo leverages collaboration as a driver of innovation, leading digital initiatives and company building. He is a subject matter expert for blockchain ecosystems, distributed ledger technology, digital assets, trust services, open banking and sustainable finance. Prior to his current position, Roland has worked as a senior consultant and program manager in the fields of banking and insurance at Swisscom, IBM, PwC and Credit Suisse, holding a master degree in environmental engineering from ETH Zurich.
- How is your organisation applying/ helping other to apply blockchain?
Blockchain is the key technology for secure online transactions. A reliable infrastructure and trusted partners are integral to its market success. We are contributing to this by supporting companies and public authorities in establishing DLT-based ecosystems with services and solutions.
- What were the biggest challenges, &/or benefits, in using blockchain technology?
The benefits offered by blockchain technology, such as cost effectiveness, security and transparency, support its use. However, a few issues remain to be resolved before it is adopted more widely, including interoperability, standardisation, scalability and energy consumption.
- What is your company’s roadmap for the rest of 2021 and what should we expect to see from your team in the next 12 months?
We will pursue our vision to build a trusted digital asset ecosystem to provide issuance, custody, access to liquidity and banking services leveraging DLT. Part of this strategy is to continue offering secure and sustainable infrastructure services and turn key solutions for blockchain applications.
- How are you seeing the rate of blockchain projects move from pilot to production? When do you think blockchain could become a mainstream technology?
The breakthrough will come when people no longer talk about blockchain; or rather, when the benefits of the technology are utilised in the background. The hype surrounding blockchain technology has given rise to over-optimistic expectations here in Switzerland too. Companies are now aware of the technology and consider it realistic for specific business cases.
- Who is your hero/mentor in this space: what lessons have you learned from them and how have you applied them in your career?
I would love to join a fireside chat with Jack Ma, Cofounder of ANT Group and Bertrand Piccard, Founder and Chairman of Solar Impulse to discuss how blockchain technology could foster sustainable finance and a Green Deal for our planet.
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