Trends and Tools:

Smart Contracts: Platforms like Ethereum and Hyperledger Fabric enable automated, self-executing contracts with predefined conditions, reducing the need for intermediaries and enhancing transparency.

Decentralized Finance (DeFi): Tools like Uniswap and Aave automate financial services such as lending, borrowing, and trading without traditional banks.

Supply Chain Automation: Blockchain solutions like VeChain and IBM Food Trust provide transparency and traceability, automating complex supply chain processes.

Applications:

Cross-border Payments: Automating international transactions with reduced fees and faster processing.
Identity Management: Secure, automated identity verification processes.
Regulatory Compliance: Automated compliance checks and reporting using blockchain’s immutable ledger.