Smart Contracts

Definition

Smart Contracts are self-executing contracts with the terms of the agreement directly written into lines of code. They are stored and replicated on a distributed ledger system, like a blockchain, ensuring transparency and security. Their execution is automatically triggered once pre-set conditions are met, eliminating the need for intermediaries.

Phonetic

The phonetics of “Smart Contracts” would be /smɑːrt ˈkɒntrækts/ in International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). In a simplified form, it could read as “smaahrt kon-trakts”.

Key Takeaways

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1. Automation and Efficiency: Smart contracts automate tasks usually carried out manually, thereby reducing the cost and inefficiency. They are self-executing contracts with the terms of the agreement directly written into lines of code.
2. Security and Trust: Smart Contracts run on blockchain technology which ensures security, transparency, and trust. Transactions and contracts can’t be changed once established, providing a secure and trusted environment for users.
3. Interoperability: Smart contracts can interact with each other, allowing multiple operations to link together in complex processes. This makes it possible to automate complete supply chains or financial derivatives, which can be triggered by specific events.

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Importance

Smart Contracts are a crucial innovation in the business and finance sector due to their ability to automate and streamline complex transactions. They are self-executing contracts where the terms of the agreement are directly written into lines of code. This digital format ensures accuracy, transparency, speed and efficiency in executing agreements, thereby curbing the risk of manual errors and deceit. In industries such as finance or real estate that heavily rely on manual, paper-based contracts, smart contracts can significantly reduce administrative costs and time. Moreover, they increase trust and consistency across transactions as they are unalterable and every change made within a smart contract is traceable, fostering an environment of accountability and integrity.

Explanation

Smart Contracts serve a fundamental purpose in the finance and business world by offering secure, automated transactions which are traceable and irrevocable. They were designed to eliminate the traditional need for third-party intermediaries like banks or brokers during a financial transaction. This is done by establishing trust, transparency, and efficiency in the process. Built on decentralized platforms, most commonly on blockchain technology, smart contracts encode the rules and penalties in an agreement in the same way a traditional contract does, while also enforcing those rules and obligations automatically.In terms of use, smart contracts can substantially streamline various business processes and sectors. They are especially prevalent in areas that involve contracts or transactions such as real estate, insurance, supply chains, and various forms of peer-to-peer transactions. For example, a smart contract could automate a real estate transaction by releasing funds and transferring property titles once both parties meet the agreed upon conditions, eliminating lengthy manual procedures. Also, in supply chains, they can track products from manufacture to delivery, ensuring authenticity and accountability. Hence, smart contracts not only offer contract enforcement and transaction efficiency, but also provide a higher level of security and reduced risk of fraud.

Examples

1. Supply Chain Management: IBM and Maersk have developed a blockchain-based shipping solution that uses smart contracts. The smart contract contains all terms and conditions between the sender and receiver which execute automatically when conditions are met. It allows real-time tracking, verification of items in transit, and reduces the possibility for fraud or discrepancies.2. Insurance: AXA has developed a product known as ‘Fizzy’ , a smart-contract based travel insurance policy. If a policyholder’s flight is delayed more than two hours, the smart contract initiates an automatic payment, without the need for the policyholder to file a claim. The terms are pre-set in the contract and the contract itself acts when it receives flight delay information from global databases.3. Real Estate: Propy, a real estate marketplace, uses blockchain and smart contracts to facilitate transactions between buyers and sellers. The smart contract automatically processes the transaction when all the conditions for property purchase are satisfied (like funds transfer, document verification). This makes the process faster, more efficient, and eliminates the need for intermediaries.

Frequently Asked Questions(FAQ)

Related Finance Terms

• Blockchain
• Cryptocurrency
• Ethereum
• Decentralized Applications (DApps)
• Initial Coin Offering (ICO)

Sources for More Information

• Investopedia
• Coin Telegraph
• IBM
• Blockgeeks