Chain Analysis

Chain analysis refers to the process of examining blockchain data to track the movement and ownership of bitcoin between addresses. This typically involves applying various heuristics and techniques to identify patterns and potentially link transactions to real-world identities. Dedicated firms specialize in these services, providing governments and financial institutions with tools to combat fraud, money laundering, and other illicit activities. It’s important to note that “chain analysis” is a general concept and is not the same as Chainalysis, which is a specific company offering such solutions.