Blockchain Australia, the nation’s industry body advocating for appropriate regulation and policy, has appointed Laura Mercurio as its new CEO, the organization announced on Wednesday.
-
Mercurio succeeds Steve Vallas, who led Blockchain Australia for two years at a time when the nation signalled a new approach toward crypto adoption.
-
Australia’s new government, led by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese since May 23, has introduced token mapping to identify how crypto assets are managed, and its its central bank has started a pilot to explore the use cases of a central bank digital currency (CBDC). More than 20 prominent Australian institutions have backed an A$180 million (US$124.3 million) research program to benefit from the opportunities arising from asset digitization.
-
Mercurio, who has previously gained experience working with the likes of BlackRock, Merrill Lynch, Deutsche Bank, various Government & regulatory bodies and blockchain businesses globally, starts her terms on 12th September 2022.
-
“We are excited to welcome Laura to the role of CEO and to bring her wide global experience in this space to Australia,” said Blockchain Australia Chairman Adam Poulton.