Blockchain is no longer the fringe tech of crypto enthusiasts. There are over 560 million people worldwide, or almost 4% of the global population, using blockchain in some form. Businesses are racing to embed it into their services, driving the market further. Against this backdrop, blockchain is moving beyond digital tokens and decentralised apps. It has become the operating system of global finance, powering the foundation infrastructure that enables tokenised assets, real-time settlements, and modular programmable financial services.
What does that mean in practical terms? Just like your phone or computer runs on an operating system that manages everything behind the scenes, blockchain is the plumbing of finance in 2025. It can validate transactions, enforce trust and transparency, and connect new financial services seamlessly around the world. We’re far from the speculative world of crypto. Blockchain is about to build the rails for a new era of money.
In this article, we look at how this is playing out, from the growing demand for enterprise tools to how retail and institutional players are accessing on-chain data. Whether you are watching crypto rise or tracking the next financial infrastructure, the quiet blockchain revolution has already started.
Decentralised Finance
Every financial system, no matter how advanced, depends on the invisible scaffolding that keeps it running. For traditional finance, this might be exchanges, payment processors, and central banks that move money and verify transactions. Blockchain has developed its own version of the scaffolding, which we refer to as infrastructure.
Instead of a central clearinghouse, it uses distributed nodes that validate every transaction.
Instead of ledgers in private databases, it offers a public record that anyone can access.
At the core of this infrastructure are the tools that make blockchain usable. Wallets store digital assets securely and enable people to send or receive funds. Smart contracts automate agreements, which means they replace the need for middlemen with lines of code that execute when the conditions are met. Block explorers, the key elements of the blockchain world, act as the transparency layer. They let anyone verify a transaction.
It is this combo of decentralisation and transparency that makes blockchain infrastructure so disruptive. Blockchain shifts the trust that used to be in institutions directly to programming and open networks.
Block Explorers Matter
A block explorer functions like a search engine but for blockchain networks. You type in a wallet address or transaction ID, and you can trace the movement of funds, confirm whether the transfer was completed, or simply check on the network.
In traditional finance, a bank statement or an audit trail may be the nearest equivalent. They act as records that money was sent, received, and reconciled. However, they are confidential. A Blockchain explorer makes the information public.
For investors, the transparency is valuable. It allows to double-check where funds are and to assess the credibility of projects. Also, this is a great tool to watch how markets are behaving in real-time.
For businesses, it is an open ledger that reassures customers and partners. Besides, regulators can also use blockchain explorers to ensure compliance through tamper-proof evidence.
It is fair to say that the degree of openness is unique to blockchain, and it is one of the reasons it is seen as a new financial operating system.
The Shift from Hobby to Enterprise-Grade Projects
Explorers have always been a part of blockchain, but in the early days, they were community projects. Those were built by enthusiasts and they qwere for individual users who wanted to see what was happening. But blockchain has grown, and, therefore, the hobby model isn’t suitable anymore. Nowadays, blockchain transactions can handle billions in value, so businesses and institutions are looking for tools that can provide the same level of visibility for their needs.
The need for enterprise-grade tools is about providing a reliable, solid, and effective solution for large-scale projects. This marks the use of professional services that ensure uptime, security, and branding. That’s where specialist solutions come in. For companies building in this space, services like enterprise block explorer hosting provide a dedicated and fully-supported environment. Rather than managing their own servers or worrying about technical issues, organisations can use a custom explorer that integrates with their platform.
By scaling from hobby experiments to enterprise-level infrastructure, blockchain is clearly laying the foundations for mainstream adoption.
Real-World Finance
The move towards enterprise infrastructure isn’t isolated. Individuals and businesses alike around the world are adopting blockchain as part of their everyday financial life. The use cases are numerous, including cross-border payments and digital identity systems. So, it makes sense to have a reliable backbone of tools to function at such a scale.
In Australia, the blockchain economy has taken up, More and more Australians are embracing Botcoin (and similar) as a preferred investment choice, and as a result, retail and merchants alike are using blockchain not just as a speculative asset, but as a payment method. This king os adoption shows how blockchain is expanding beyond the niche of early adopters into mainstream economic activity.
For businesses, the expansion creates both opportunities and challenges. Ultimately, customers expect transparency and reliability, whether they are trading tokens or using blockchain-based services. Enterprise infrastructure gives them the tools to ensure their financial system remains secure.
Infrastructure is the Enabler for The Future of Finance
Every major shift in finance has been driven by infrastructure. The rise of stick markets, for instance, is enabled by exchanges and clearing systems. Globalisation of banking was enabled by networks like SWIFT and digital payments. Blockchain follows the same logic.
However, what’s different this time is the infrastructure itself. Instead of closed networks managed by a few, blockchain offers open, programmable systems that anyone can build. Ultimately, blockchain technology is the building block of a more transparent, borderless and inclusive financial system.
Needless to say, things won’t happen overnight. However, things are already happening around the world. As more businesses and governments adopt blockchain, the reliance on robust, enterprise-specific infrastructure grows, and with it, the development of a new financial future. Blockchain is reshaping the foundations of money and money management. The real question is not when will crypto become the global money, but what other fundamentally non-transparent institutions can be improved through blockchain technology?
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More Recommended Ebike/Scooters
Check out these other ebikes and scooters I've reviewed:
- Urban Arrow Ebike – Last year, I made one of the largest purchases I’ve ever made – I bought a $9,000 electric cargo bike from Urban Arrow. In my Urban Arrow review, I will discuss what it is and why I decided to buy this bike, as well as discuss how impactful a bike like this can be on your journey to financial independence.
- Troxus Explorer Step-Thru Ebike – The Troxus Explorer Step-Thru is a fat-tire ebike that I’ve had the pleasure of riding for a while now. It has amazing power, great looks, and awesome range. If you’re looking for a great fat-tire ebike that offers a lot for the price, the Troxus Explorer Step-Thru is definitely one for you to consider. Check out my Troxus Explorer Step-Thru Review.
- Hovsco HovBeta Ebike – The HovBeta is a folding ebike with great specs and a lot of interesting features, and importantly, it’s sold at a good price point. I’ve had a blast commuting with it and using it to do deliveries with DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Grubhub. Check out my Hovsco HovBeta Ebike Review.
- Vanpowers Manidae Ebike – The Vanpowers Manidae is a fat tire ebike that I’ve been riding as my primary winter commuting bike and have also been using it to do food delivery with apps like DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Grubhub. After clocking in a decent number of miles with this ebike, I wanted to write a post sharing what my experience with the Vanpowers Manidae ebike has been like. Check out my Vanpowers Manidae Review.
- Sohamo S3 Step-Thru Folding EBike Review – A Great Value Folding Ebike – The Sohamo S3 Step-Thru Folding Ebike is an entry-level folding ebike that offers a lot of value for the price point. I’ve been riding the Sohamo S3 for a while now, putting the bike through its paces, and I have to say, this bike has exceeded all of my expectations. Check out my Sohamo Review.
- KBO Flip Ebike – The KBO Flip is an excellent bike. I’ve had a great time riding it and think it’s a versatile bike that can be used for a lot of purposes and can fit a variety of lifestyles. It’s worked out great for me as a general commuter bike and as a food delivery bike. Check out my KBO Flip Review.
- Hiboy P7 Commuter Ebike – The Hiboy P7 is an excellent electric commuter bike that’s offered at an affordable price point. The range and speed of this bike are both very good, so you won’t have any trouble getting anywhere you need to go with it. As a food delivery vehicle, this is also good – with how much range it offers, you’ll be able to work all day on a single charge. Check out my Hiboy P7 Commuter Electric Bike Review.
- Himiway Escape Ebike – The Himiway Escape is an interesting bike for anyone looking for a moped-style ebike. If you’re a gig economy worker, the Himiway Escape is particularly interesting and it’s possible to think of it as an investment, especially if you can opt to do deliveries with the Himiway versus using a car. It’s not cheap, but you can definitely make your money back when you compare the mileage you’ll put on your car versus using an ebike. Check out my Himiway Escape Bike Review.
- Espin Sport Ebike – The Espin Sport is a good ebike for someone who is looking for an ebike that feels and rides more like a regular bike. There are many ebikes that are really only bikes in name. In reality, they’re basically electric mopeds. The Espin Sport, by contrast, is a bike you could probably ride without the battery and you’d feel like you’re just riding a regular bike. Check out my Espin Sport Review.
- Varla Eagle One Scooter – The Varla Eagle One is an excellent scooter that can make sense for a lot of people. It can work as a primary mode of transportation. You can use it to work on gig economy apps like DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Grubhub. And it can also be a recreational vehicle if you’d prefer to use it for that. Check out my Varla Eagle One Review.
- Varla Falcon Scooter – The Varla Falcon is an excellent scooter that offers a good amount of power at a lower price point compared to more powerful scooters. It’s not exactly an entry-level scooter, nor is it a high-powered scooter. I think it fits somewhere in-between those two categories – an intermediate scooter if I had to give it a category. Check out my Varla Falcon Review.
- Hiboy S2 Scooter – The Hiboy S2 is an excellent entry-level commuter scooter that's perfect for someone looking to save some money in transportation costs and improve their commute. Check out my Hiboy S2 Review.
- Hiboy S2R Scooter – The Hiboy S2R is one of the more interesting electric scooters I’ve been able to test out. It’s not a high-powered scooter, but for an everyday transport option, it’s very useful, especially given some of the unique features that it has. Indeed, for the price, the Hiboy S2R might be the best value scooter I’ve used. Check out my Hiboy S2R Review.
- Fucare H3 Scooter – The Fucare H3 is a fun scooter and I’ve enjoyed testing it out. For a daily commuter or quick trips or errands, the Fucare H3 is probably the scooter I’ll use. It’s portable and easy to maneuver, so it’s just easier to take on the road when I need it. Check out my Fucare H3 Scooter Review.
More Recommended Investing App Bonuses
For additional investing app bonuses, be sure to check out the ones below:
- M1 Finance ($100) – This is a great robo-advisor that has no fees and allows you to create a customized portfolio based on your risk tolerance. You also get $100 for opening an account. Check out my M1 Finance Referral Bonus – Step-By-Step Guide.
- SoFi Invest ($25) – SoFi Invest is an easy brokerage account bonus that you can earn with just a few minutes of work. Use my SoFi Invest referral link, fund your SoFi Invest brokerage account with just $10 and you’ll get $25 of free stock. I also have a step-by-step guide for the SoFi Invest referral bonus.
- Robinhood (1 free stock) – Robinhood gives you a free stock valued between $2.50-$225 if you open an account using my referral link.
- Public (1 free stock) - Public gives you a free stock valued between $3-$70 if you open an account using my referral link.
More Recommended Bank Account Bonuses
If you’re looking for more easy bank bonuses, check out the below options. These bonuses are all easy to earn and have no fees or minimum balance requirements to worry about.
- Ally Bank ($100) – Of all the banks out there, Ally is, without a doubt, my favorite. At the moment, Ally is offering $100 to customers who open an eligible Ally account and meet the requirements. Here are the step-by-step directions to earn your Ally Bank referral bonus.
- Chime ($100) - Chime is a free bank account that offers a referral bonus if you use a referral link and complete a direct deposit of $200 or more. In practice, any ACH transfer into this account triggers the bonus. This bonus is easy to earn and posts instantly, so you’ll know if you met the requirements as soon as you move money into the account. I wrote a step-by-step guide on how to earn your Chime referral bonus that I recommend you check out.
- US Bank Business ($900) – This is a fairly easy bank bonus to earn, since there are no direct deposit requirements. In addition, you can open the Silver Business Checking account, which comes with no monthly fees. Check out how to earn this big bonus here.
- GO2Bank ($50) - GO2Bank is an easy bank bonus that I recommend people take advantage of if they have an easy way of meeting the direct deposit requirement. I like that it’s easy to open the account and that the bonus pays out quickly. Check out my step-by-step guide on how to earn your GO2Bank $50 referral bonus.
- Current ($50) – Current is a free fintech bank that’s offering new users a $50 referral bonus after signing up for an account using a referral link. Current is an easy bonus to earn and also gives you access to three savings accounts that pay you 4% interest on up to $2,000. That means you can put away up to $6,000 earning 4% interest. That’s very good and makes Current an account I recommend to everyone. Check out my step-by-step guide on how to earn your Current Bank bonus.
- Novo Bank ($40) - Novo bank is a free business checking account that’s currently offering a $40 bonus if you open a Novo business checking account using a referral link. In addition to being a good bank bonus, Novo is also a good business checking account. It has no monthly fees or minimum balance requirements and operates a good app and website. Indeed, it’s the business checking account I currently use for this blog. Check out my post on how to easily open a Novo account.
- Varo ($25) – Varo is a free fintech banking app similar to Chime or Current. It’s currently offering a $25 bonus to new users that open a new Varo account with a referral link. The bonus for this bank is very easy to meet, all you need to do is spend $20 within 30 days of opening your Varo account. Check out my step-by-step guide to learn how to earn this bonus.
Kevin is an attorney and the blogger behind Financial Panther, a blog about personal finance, travel hacking, and side hustling using the gig economy. He paid off $87,000 worth of student loans in just 2.5 years by choosing not to live like a big shot lawyer.
Kevin is passionate about earning money using the gig economy and you can see all the ways he makes extra income every month in his side hustle reports.
Kevin is also big on using the latest fintech apps to improve his finances. Some of Kevin's favorite fintech apps include:
- SoFi Money. A really good checking account with absolutely no fees. You'll get a $25 referral bonus if you open a SoFi Money account with a referral link, and an additional $300 if you complete a direct deposit.
- 5% Savings Accounts. I'm currently getting 5.24% interest on my savings through a company called Raisin. Opening a Raisin account takes minutes to complete, it's free, and all of your funds are FDIC-insured. I explain how it works, why I'm now using it to store my emergency fund and any other cash savings I have, and why I recommend everyone check it out in this review.
- US Bank Business. US Bank is currently offering new business customers a $900 signup bonus after opening a new account and meeting certain requirements.
- M1 Finance. This is a great robo-advisor that has no fees and allows you to create a customized portfolio based on your risk tolerance. You also get $100 for opening an account.
- Empower. One of best free apps you can use to monitor your portfolio and track your net worth. This is one of the apps I use to track my financial accounts.
Feel free to send Kevin a message here.
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