Is the hype around blockchain justified? Since Bitcoin introduced the world to the concept of secure distributed ledgers, much has been written about their potential to address other business problems. But the discussion often remains abstract focusing on the opportunity to decentralize mark ets and disrupt middlemen. GoldmanSachs shift the focus from theory to practice, examining seven real-world applications of blockchain, such as enhancing trust in the Sharing Economy, building a distributed smart grid, lowering the cost of title insurance, and changing the face of finance across capital markets, trading and control. We identify, itemize, and quantify the player dollars and risks for blockchain to reach its full potential.