IBM’s Blockchain Infusion

A year and a half ago, the IBM blockchain business was just a piece of paper. Now, Bridget van Kralingen has assembled a team of 1,500 people, all tasked with figuring out how blockchain technology can be applied to many types of businesses.

That’s a big question to answer. Blockchain technology has gained a lot of attention in recent months, thanks in large part to the growing profile of cryptocurrencies that also rely on decentralized ledgers. But Ms. van Kralingen is leading IBM’s charge to persuade thousands of clients that blockchain has the potential to dramatically change how they operate. A lot is riding on the effort, as IBM looks to cast off its reputation as an aging tech giant and reinvigorate slowing growth.