Blockchain and Financial Performance: Empirical Evidence from Major Australian Banks Blockchain Impact on Financial Performance: A Case Study of Australian Banks

Rula Almadadha^*

• Mutah University, Al Karak, Jordan

This study investigates the impact of blockchain technology adoption on the financial performance of major Australian banks, specifically Commonwealth Bank, Westpac, and ANZ, from 2016 to 2023. Using a descriptive research design and secondary data from annual reports, financial performance was assessed through Return on Assets (ROA) and Return on Equity (ROE). The findings indicate a positive relationship between blockchain adoption and improved financial performance, suggesting gains in efficiency, cost management, and profitability. The study focuses on the Australian banking sector within its unique regulatory and market context. The originality of this research lies in its localized empirical approach, providing context-specific evidence of blockchain's strategic contribution to financial performance in banking.Despite significant investments in blockchain initiatives, there remains a gap in understanding its tangible effects on bank performance. This research addresses this gap by employing a descriptive research design and using secondary data from annual reports to measure financial performance via Return on Assets (ROA) and Return on Equity (ROE).The novelty of this study lies in its localized analysis within the unique regulatory and market context of Australia, providing empirical evidence on the efficiency, cost, and profitability enhancements brought by blockchain technology. The results reveal a significant positive relationship between blockchain adoption and financial performance, underscoring blockchain's strategic importance in the banking sector.