Blockchain and corporate fraud

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to develop conceptual designs for blockchain implementations aimed at reducing corporate fraud. The proposed framework consists of different levels of implementation with specific examples for each level. Design/methodology/approach The paper uses a multi-level framework to highlight the properties of blockchain technology as suitable for reducing corporate fraud. The five levels of technological complexity designed for this research include information storage, information flow, information processing, information enhancement and information and financial integration. Specific cases of corporate fraud are discussed to complement the proposed methodology. Findings The potential ability to limit fraud and increase transparency could greatly improve faith in financial reporting. These benefits accrue to all capital market participants. The blockchain infrastructure can significantly improve the existing monitoring system and provide value added in detecting, deterring, and documenting possible fraud. Originality/value The paper contributes to the growing field on corporate fraud and blockchain technology. The paper is novel in the implementation of the nascent blockchain methods to detect and deter fraud at the organizational level. The proposed five conceptual levels provide practical use.