Linklaters and Herbert Smith Freehills (HSF) have the taken lead legal roles on the first syndicated loan to be negotiated using blockchain technology.

The £130m transaction took place between Spanish bank BBVA, co-lenders BNP Paribas and MUFG, and Red Electrica Corporation – Spain's national electric grid provider.

Linklaters Madrid partner Juan Barona advised BBVA and the co-lenders, with HSF Madrid finance head Gonzalo Martin De Nicolas and financial services regulatory head Leopoldo Gonzalez-Echenique acting for Red Electrica.

Blockchain networks, which are typically valued for their decentralised nature and ability to create highly secure and unalterable records of transactions, have gained significant attention in finance and supply chain management, but are now being piloted for creating simpler ways to negotiate complex agreements.

Although the final balance was wired in a traditional manner, the entire negotiation of the agreement was completed on the blockchain network.

Barona told Legal Week: "In the old days you'd have meetings, then it moved to conference calls, then emails. The blockchain is a new way to run the transaction."

All three banks, Red Electrica and the two law firms had access to the private blockchain network used for the transaction. Amendments and drafts could be uploaded until all parties reached a final agreement, with all updates being stored securely in an unalterable ledger.

"It allows for a perfect draft record of everything that's happening. You don't rely on one party's files, or the cloud, or something like that. Everything can be perfectly traced. It's much more sophisticated and accurate than the system we have now, where each party keeps its own records."

Barona added: "It's not just important for the day to day of the transaction, but also for keeping a record for the future."

Law firms have begun to take an interest in blockchain and its many applications, from weighing up their use in finance and fundraising using cryptocurrencies, through to collaborating directly with industry on blockchain-based smart contracts, and Barona is optimistic about their potential.

"It's been a fantastic transaction to be involved with – working with a client that is at the forefront of innovation in financial markets. As the technology becomes more embedded, we'll see a greater uptick in use, which is really exciting."