The Intercompany Settlement Blockchain: Benefits, Risks, and Internal IT-Controls

Abstract

Blockchain is a novel technology that can be employed for a plethora of business applications. A blockchain provides highly reliable transaction data because it has a number of properties that guarantee the integrity of the data that is processed and stored. Paradoxically, the use of blockchain technology is associated with peculiar risks that need to be controlled. Therefore, the sophistication of this technology warrants a rethink of current IT-controls to manage accounting processes while novel controls need to be established to control the technology itself. In this chapter we discuss the impact of blockchain technology on IT-controls, and what IT-controls should be in place to mitigate risks using a case study of a blockchain implementation at the KLM Royal Dutch Airlines.