World Bank Group Tracks Project Funds with New Blockchain Tool

WASHINGTON, Sep. 29, 2025-The World Bank Group is transforming how it tracks development project funds, becoming the first multilateral development bank to use a blockchain-based tool for funds traceability and enhancing transparency in public finances.

Use of this technology is in line with the World Bank Group's goals of digitalization and efficiency. Called FundsChain, the new tracking tool has been successfully tested in 13 projects in 10 countries and will now be scaled up and extended to around 250 projects by the end of the fiscal year, June 30, 2026.

"FundsChain allows everyone involved in a project - development partners, borrowers, auditors, and payment recipients - to track disbursements and to monitor how funds are used. It sets a new standard for transparency and accountability, empowers communities, and improves development results," said Anshula Kant, Managing Director and World Bank Group Chief Financial Officer.

Borrowers often rely on manual procedures or fragmented systems to track payments and to store paper-based records, which can be inefficient both for borrowers and for the World Bank. The technology used in FundsChain addresses these issues by streamlining and automating records, taking advantage of technologies such as cryptography, distributed ledgers, and the internet to create a mobile-accessible, tamper-proof platform for all transactions.

"FundsChain demonstrates the power of innovative technology to boost the impact of our projects. This is part of a broader effort to make World Bank operations more efficient and streamlined, ultimately serving countries better," said Anna Bjerde, Managing Director of Operations at the World Bank

Key features and benefits of the new tool include:

• Immutable Digital Ledger: Using Hyperledger Besu, transactions stored by all parties involved in World Bank-financed investment projects are recorded permanently and cannot be altered
• Saves Time: Record keeping and reporting efforts are reduced, with some reporting tasks completed in minutes versus months previously
• Offers End-to-End Visibility: Development partners can track the use of funds from initial disbursement to final payment

More information:

• Feature Story about FundsChain
• FundsChain Website: https://www.worldbank.org/fundschain
• Two-page brochure

Contact:

World Bank Media Relations: +1 (202) 473 7660, [email protected]