While media coverage of blockchain and distributed ledger technologies has focused on bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, companies have begun en masse to use those technologies to underpin smart contracts and supply chain management, and to improve transparency, risk assessment and compliance in contractual relationships. This panel session will look at the usefulness or otherwise of cryptocurrencies as an alternative to 'real' currencies, distinguish between the 'hype' and the 'reality' of the blockchain, distributed ledger and smart contract technologies, and will explore the range of legal, regulatory, commercial and practical issues involved in their application in international sales transactions. Our expert panellists will use one or more case studies drawn directly from commercial practice to provide context to the current issues. They will also highlight what legal and practical 'unknowns' remain to be answered in light of the early stage nature of the technologies’ application to cross-border sales matters, and overall bring attendees 'up to speed' on this rapidly developing area of interest.