University of Northampton - Blockchain & Trade Finance Research

This research proposal explores the role and application of blockchain technology in international trade finance, specifically focusing on the US import/export sector under the Trans-Pacific Partnership. It addresses the challenges of traditional financial transactions, including high costs and inefficiencies due to intermediaries, and proposes blockchain as a solution to reduce transaction costs, increase efficiency, and minimize fraud. The proposal includes a critical literature review of the Trans-Pacific Partnership and blockchain technology, employs Transaction Cost Theory as a theoretical framework, and formulates hypotheses regarding the relationship between blockchain technology and transactional costs and data privacy. The methodology section outlines a deductive approach using quantitative research methods to collect and analyze data, aiming to provide empirical evidence of blockchain's impact on financial transactions.