Blockchain Startup Everledger Wins Meffy Award

Everledger became the first blockchain startup to scoop a 'Meffy' at an award ceremony held in London on Monday night.

The firm, which is creating a tamper-proof digital ledger for the world's diamonds, took home the award for innovation in FinTech. The event, which has been run by the Mobile Ecosystem Forum (MEF) for 11 years, recognises those "disrupting the status quo" and is touted as a benchmark for the mobile industry.

Everledger beat four others in the category, including social payments app PayFriendz and SmartBank, a banking tool developed by Monitise Create and Spanish bank Santander.

CEO Leanne Kemp told CoinDesk:

"We're honoured and thrilled that the judges of the MEFFYS have recognised Everledger and the power of the blockchain ... With the support and recognition of organisations like the Mobile Ecosystem Forum, remarkable innovators and their advances ... are made visible."

Founded in 2000, the MEF is a trade body representing companies across the mobile sector. Its members include American Express, Baidu and Barclays – with whom Everledger is running a proof-of-concept.

The startup is also developing a project with another bank, BBVA, having scored €30,000 as the joint winner of its European Open Talent competition.