The constant repetition of this canard of "blockchain saves costs/increases efficiency" really needs to be put to rest.
Blockchains are less efficient than the centralised systems banks currently use, not more. Blockchains are NOT about saving running costs.
Blockchain's are used to record information honestly. No wonder the banks are trying to pretend blockchains are something they aren't: the last thing those banks need is honest record-keeping.
Could it be argued that banks are researching blockchain technology to track what 'the people' spend and on what?
edit: I understand the article states it's for "cutting costs", but I'm inclined to disbelieve anything a corporation reports.