Iranian Business Management Association International Journal of Resistive Economics 2345-4954 Articles in Press 2026 08 02 Proposing a Model of Blockchain Technology Mechanisms for Enhancing Sustainable Performance in the Banking Industry 248426 10.22034/oajre.2026.573634.1188 EN Behnam Ahmadzadeh Department of Business Management, Bob.C., Islamic Azad University, Babol, Iran. Majid Fani Department of Business management, Bob.C., Islamic Azad University, Babol, Iran. Seyed Ali Nabavi Chashmi Department of Financial Management, Bob.C., Islamic Azad University, Babol, Iran. 0000-0001-8642-4792 Journal Article 2026 02 02 The purpose of this research is to propose a model of blockchain technology mechanisms aimed at enhancing sustainable performance in the banking industry. In terms of its objectives, this study is applied-developmental in nature. A qualitative approach employing thematic analysis was adopted to develop the proposed model. The participant community for the qualitative phase consisted of theoretical experts (faculty members in management) and empirical experts. Purposive and snowball sampling methods were applied simultaneously. The sample size in the qualitative phase was determined by theoretical saturation, meaning that interviews with banking industry experts continued until saturation was reached. Theoretical saturation was achieved following semi-structured interviews with 15 experts. Data collection in the qualitative phase was conducted through semi-structured interviews. To ensure the reliability of the qualitative phase and theoretical saturation, an inter-rater agreement correlation matrix and a dual-coder diagram were employed. Model design and identification of main and sub-themes were performed using MAXQDA 2024 software. The findings of this study indicate that the model of blockchain technology mechanisms in the banking industry constitutes a multi-layered and interconnected framework that originates from technological infrastructure, continues through transaction trust and security and smart contracts and automation, acquires meaning within the context of governance, regulation, and compliance, and—shaped by organizational factors and implementation barriers—culminates in its ultimate outcome: sustainable banking performance. This model is consistent with recent research that regards blockchain in banking not merely as a technical tool, but as a transformative infrastructure for enhancing security, transparency, operational efficiency, and risk management.