Deutsche Bank has shed new light on its exploration of blockchain technology, amid growing interest by financial institutions in the software that powers bitcoin.

In its response to a European Securities and Markets Authority consultation on virtual currencies and distributed ledger technology, published by the regulator on July 30, the German bank revealed it has been exploring the potential commercial application of distributed ledgers in areas including the enforcement and clearing of derivatives contracts, know-your-customer and anti-money laundering registries and surveillance, and securities asset servicing.