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Blockchain Forks: A Formal Classification Framework and Persistency Analysis

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  • Schär, Fabian

Abstract

Blockchain forks can have severe economic implications, sow uncertainty and undermine trust. In this paper, we introduce a formal framework to study the emergence, persistency and economic consequences of blockchain forks. We argue that blockchain forks can be process- or protocol-based and emerge unintentionally or deliberately. We then proceed with a sub-classification of protocol-based forks and study the circumstances under which a chain split may become permanent. It can be shown that the persistency of a fork depends on the nature of the change to the consensus rules and on the relative allocation of the consensus-relevant resources. Lastly, we discuss business implications as well as potential consequences for policy makers and practitioners.

Suggested Citation

  • Schär, Fabian, 2020. "Blockchain Forks: A Formal Classification Framework and Persistency Analysis," MPRA Paper 101712, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    • Handle: RePEc:pra:mprapa:101712
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Aleksander Berentsen & Fabian Schär, 2018. "A Short Introduction to the World of Cryptocurrencies," Review, Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, vol. 100(1), pages 1-16.
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    Cited by:

    1. Schär, Fabian & Schuler, Katrin & Wagner, Tobias, 2020. "Blockchain Vending Machine: A Smart Contract-Based Peer-to-Peer Marketplace for Physical Goods," MPRA Paper 101733, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    2. Kong, Xiaolin & Ma, Chaoqun & Ren, Yi-Shuai & Narayan, Seema & Nguyen, Thong Trung & Baltas, Konstantinos, 2023. "Changes in the market structure and risk management of Bitcoin and its forked coins," Research in International Business and Finance, Elsevier, vol. 65(C).
    3. Goldberg, Mitchell & Schär, Fabian, 2023. "Metaverse governance: An empirical analysis of voting within Decentralized Autonomous Organizations," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 160(C).

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    JEL classification:

    • G15 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets - - - International Financial Markets
    • G23 - Financial Economics - - Financial Institutions and Services - - - Non-bank Financial Institutions; Financial Instruments; Institutional Investors
    • G38 - Financial Economics - - Corporate Finance and Governance - - - Government Policy and Regulation

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