Deciphering the blockchain revolution in supply chain finance: applications, opportunities and challenges

Supply Chain Finance (SCF) has been the key to optimizing cash flow. It alleviates the financial constraints of small and medium-sized enterprises by leveraging the advantages of enterprises. This study explores the transformative potential of blockchain in SCF, with particular attention to its capabilities in decentralization and transparency, interoperability and scalability. By reviewing the existing literature and analyzing practical applications, this paper determines the role of blockchain in optimizing financing models, payment and settlement systems, financing platforms and financing processes in SCF systems through features such as smart contracts and distributed ledgers. The study not only highlights innovation opportunities, but discusses the challenges faced by blockchain integration into SCF, such as technical challenges, security issues and regulatory barriers, and proposes future research directions to bridge the gap and further promote the application of blockchain. This study provides management insights and analytical perspectives to guide businesses and decision makers to adopt blockchain to optimize SCF.