International Journal of Blockchains and Cryptocurrencies (5 papers in press)

Regular Issues

• Blockchain for IoT security: securing firmware updates and device authentication  
  by Margi Desai, Yash Vasava 
  Abstract: The rapid growth of IoT devices has increased security risks, particularly in firmware updates and device authentication. Traditional approaches are vulnerable to attacks such as unauthorised access and data breaches. This study proposes a blockchain-based framework using smart contracts and a proof-of-authority (PoA) consensus mechanism to ensure secure firmware verification and decentralised authentication. The system leverages distributed ledger technology to enhance integrity, trust, and scalability in IoT environments. Experimental results demonstrate reduced latency, improved throughput, and strong resistance to common cyber threats, making the framework suitable for large-scale IoT deployments.
  Keywords: blockchain; IoT security; firmware updates; device authentication; smart contracts; distributed ledger technology; cybersecurity; PoA consensus; decentralised authentication; IoT systems.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJBC.2026.10078044
   
  
• Blockchain-assisted quantum digital twin for photonic component verification and manufacturing traceability  
  by Praveen Kumar Pal 
  Abstract: The increasing complexity of photonic components in optical and quantum systems exposes critical limitations in conventional verification approaches, which rely on static testing, fragmented data, and centralised trust models. These limitations hinder reliable validation under fabrication variability, quantum noise, and multi-vendor manufacturing environments. To address this gap, this study proposes a blockchain-assisted quantum digital twin (BQDT) framework that integrates quantum-aware modelling with decentralised trust to enable continuous, lifecycle-aware verification and traceability. The proposed framework models quantum noise, operational drift, and fabrication variability while ensuring tamper-resistant lifecycle records across distributed stakeholders. Experimental results demonstrate that BQDT achieves 97.4% verification accuracy and 97.3% F1-score, outperforming classical and quantum-only baselines. The framework reduces false accept rate (FAR) to 1.9% and false reject rate (FRR) to 2.8%, corresponding to approximately 39% and 40% improvements, respectively, compared to the best baseline.
  Keywords: optical communications; photonics integrated chip; AI optimisation; coherent transceivers; digital twin; quantum noise; quantum modelling; blockchain; manufacturing.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJBC.2026.10078140
   
  
• That 'funny money from the internet' cannot last: the Financial Times evaluates bitcoin  
  by Tabe Bergman 
  Abstract: Introduced in 2009 in the bowels of the internet, bitcoin has achieved legitimacy as an investment asset on much of Wall Street. For that reason alone the cryptocurrency constitutes a remarkable digital story. Yet, Media and Communication Studies have paid relatively little attention to bitcoin, despite a focus on the internet and everything digital. This paper begins to mend this gap with a thematic analysis of how the Financial Times commented on bitcoin until the summer of 2024. The analysis finds that the newspaper with a global reach consistently depicted bitcoin as a deeply flawed project and in a price bubble. The Financial Times also tracked bitcoin's growing adoption by traditional finance and occasionally pointed to its potential and especially that of the blockchain that is part of it. This paper explains the findings with the framework of the political economy of journalism.
  Keywords: Financial Times; bitcoin; journalism; thematic analysis; cryptocurrencies; press; financial news; digital money.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJBC.2026.10078217
   
  
• A blockchain-based model to manage big data in the field of fintech  
  by Pedram Roozban, Reza Kargar, Mohsen Rostamy-Malkhalifeh 
  Abstract: In today's digital era, the increasing significance of big data across various domains presents challenges in effective data management, particularly for fintech, which is the fusion of technology and financial services. This paper provides an overview of the features and capabilities of blockchain technology that can be used to manage big data and presents a model that integrates blockchain technology with big data to address the challenges in fintech's big data management. By utilising the inherent features of blockchain, such as security, decentralisation, distribution, transparency, and privacy, this proposed model offers an effective approach for managing big data in the fintech domain, thereby enhancing the data economy. While this study concentrates on the financial technology sector, the principles and capabilities of the model can be generalised to other sectors, broadening its scope and applicability.
  Keywords: blockchain technology; big data; fintech; decentralisation; data management; pseudonymisation; data privacy; data transparency; smart contracts; data security.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJBC.2026.10078429
   
  
• A decentralised algorithmic bargaining system for savings and loans: replacing retail banking through blockchain-based market design  
  by Nipun Agarwal 
  Abstract: Retail banking has changed little in a century, remaining dependent on centralised intermediaries. This paper argues that replacing banks requires combining negotiation theory, behavioural economics, and blockchain enforcement into a unified system. It proposes algorithmic bargaining systems (ABS), which embed negotiation logic, behavioural risk models, and decentralised market design into smart contracts. These systems allow savers and borrowers to interact directly without banks. The paper develops the theory behind ABS, applies it to a decentralised savings-and-loans marketplace, and analyses political-economic impacts through case studies and simulations. It concludes that ABS could create more transparent, efficient, and resilient credit markets, improving financial inclusion, stability, and monetary governance.
  Keywords: ABS; algorithmic bargaining systems; DeFi; decentralised finance; tokenised credit; decentralised savings and loans; market-based credit allocation; DAOs; decentralised autonomous organisations.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJBC.2026.10078428