In boardrooms around the world, AI pilots are getting greenlit at record speed. Companies are racing to automate processes, personalize services, and capitalize on the AI wave. But when the conversation shifts to blockchain and combining those two — another foundational technology with massive potential — the stakeholders become more reluctant.

Despite years of development and proven use cases, blockchain adoption remains cautious. Why?

In this episode of Blockchain Beyond the Hype, Sakib Mirza, CEO of Kumo, and Tomisin Jenrola, Founder & CEO of SwarmZero.ai delve into the intersection of blockchain and AI, exploring the challenges of blockchain technology, corporate resistance to its adoption, and the dynamic of trust and power within decentralized systems.

Why Corporations Are Reluctant to Embrace Blockchain?

1. Nobody Wants to Be First
   Corporations work with fixed budgets and tight roadmaps. New technologies, no matter how promising, must compete with proven solutions. As Tomisin puts it:“Nobody really wants to be the first to go out... They want to see more case studies, they want to see other people doing it first.”This “chicken-and-egg” dynamic slows down innovation. Everyone’s waiting for everyone else to prove it works.

2. Reputation Risk
   Big brands can’t afford to get it wrong, especially in finance, healthcare, or travel. Many Web3 projects are experimental or hyped without a clear long-term use. Blockchain’s association with crypto volatility doesn’t help, especially for risk-averse leadership teams.

3. Regulatory Complexity
   Global companies operate across dozens (or hundreds) of jurisdictions. Blockchain regulation is inconsistent and evolving. Legal teams are cautious.
   This is especially true when user data, payments, or financial instruments are involved. One wrong move can trigger legal liabilities across borders.

4. Control vs. Decentralization
   Many corporations are built around central control over data, systems, and user access.
   “There’s a bit of a conflict of interest… a large company wants more control, but a decentralized solution gives them less.”
   This philosophical mismatch means blockchain may need to be tailored or selectively adopted to work within existing corporate frameworks.

5. When Blockchain Does Get Adopted, It’s Often Customer-Driven
   Ironically, blockchain adoption is more likely when large customers or partners push for it. One success story shared in the episode: a blockchain-based identity management platform was adopted because banks themselves led the initiative.

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Blockchain adoption in corporations isn’t just about proving the tech—it’s about aligning with business priorities, managing risk, and finding the right use case. As more real-world applications emerge and as regulatory clarity improves, we’ll likely see more companies take the leap.

🎧 Listen to the full episode: "Who Profits from AI? The Blockchain Solution to Power, Trust, and Fair Participation" — now available wherever you get your podcasts.