From Speculation to Societal & Economical Transformation: Reflections from DECA 2025

This week, I had the privilege of attending the DECA (Digital Economy Council of Australia) Conference 2025 on the Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia — an energising convergence of industry leaders, regulators, innovators, and technologists focused on the evolving world of digital assets, blockchain, AI, and the future of financial infrastructure.

Over three packed days, the agenda tackled the most pressing topics facing the sector today: from macroeconomic trends to digital identity, from regulatory frameworks to applied innovation across industries. But perhaps the most powerful message was this — what was once speculative is now systemic.

An Economy of Trust: The New Financial Frontier

The conference opened with a compelling macroeconomic overview and a striking statistic: the digital assets sector has the potential to drive annual productivity gain of up to $19bn. - that's 1% of Australia's GDP and we're operating in what is now referred to as an “economy of trust.” This is not a future vision — it's happening now.

Consumer behaviour is changing. Cryptocurrency is moving beyond trading and investment into daily utility. With platforms like Shopify integrating crypto payments, digital assets are increasingly seen as functional currency.

But adoption is only one part of the story. The underlying shift in infrastructure — through AI, digital twins, and decentralised finance — is enabling organisations to rethink how value is created and delivered. At the same time, cryptographic algorithm risks, digital identity challenges, and regulatory clarity are top of mind, demanding sophisticated responses.

OKX, SMSFs, and the Rise of Responsible Innovation

One of the standout agenda items was the spotlight on Self-Managed Super Funds (SMSFs) and the integration of digital assets within them — a topic of national significance.

Australia may rank 56th globally by population, but we hold the 4th largest pension pool in the world. With $1.1 trillion managed via SMSFs — representing 26% of the entire superannuation system — the question must be asked:

Where is the leadership, the frameworks, and the safe pathways to responsibly integrate digital assets into this sector?

At DECA 2025, OKX emerged as a clear leader in this conversation. Under the visionary leadership of Kate Cooper , who has both instigated and now Chairs the newly formed SMSF Innovation Council, there is serious momentum building.

This Council, made up of carefully selected members, is committed to creating a safe, transparent, and educated ecosystem where SMSF trustees and advisors can engage with digital assets responsibly and confidently. It’s an initiative grounded in integrity, professionalism, and forward-thinking governance — a critical response to one of the biggest opportunities (and responsibilities) in our financial system today.

The Council are proactively identifying challenges and creating clear pathways forward that balance innovation with accountability.

Real-World Use Cases and Industry-Wide Momentum

The discussions expanded further — diving into real-world case studies across industries including telco, retail, SMSFs, and supply chain logistics. Blockchain is being actively deployed to drive efficiencies, reduce risk, and build trust across entire ecosystems.

The intersection of AI and digital assets is now a living, breathing transformation — not just in financial services, but in how organisations and economy’s function.

We explored how digital twins are optimising supply chains in real time, how AI is removing manual burdens from roles and elevating people into more strategic work, and how decentralised models are quietly rewriting the rules of engagement across sectors.

Personal Reflections: Full Circle Leadership

Beginning my career in institutional banking—designing and managing complex derivative structures—was just the start of a journey that has taken me from traditional software to the frontier of decentralised technologies. Standing at this point of convergence, I’m reminded that this evolution isn’t just about systems or code—it’s about leadership, adaptability, and unlocking human potential.

In my work as an executive performance and leadership coach, I witness firsthand how powerful it is when leaders bridge established foundations with emerging capabilities. Organisations grow faster and more sustainably when they invest in both technological intelligence and human development.

As one of the early pioneers of Blockchain in Australia, I had the privilege of serving on the board of ADCA which subsequently became Blockchain Australia alongside Ronald M. Tucker Loretta Joseph Katrina Donaghy Nicholas Giurietto Richard "Dickie" McCarthy Karen Cohen Rob Allen and Sheree Ip . It’s humbling to reflect on how far this industry has come. Amy-Rose Goodey , also a founding board member, has since gone on to lead DECA as CEO—and has just delivered what I consider the most impactful and forward-thinking conference I’ve ever attended. A massive thank you for all your hard work, and the support of all the speakers, sponsors and delegates.

It remains an absolute privilege to contribute to the evolution of trust and to collaborate with such extraordinary individuals who are shaping the future of technology and leadership.

Looking Ahead

The pace of change is only accelerating. What was dismissed as hype a decade ago is now a trusted enabler of real-world outcomes. We’re witnessing the maturation of digital assets, and the realisation that trust, transparency, and responsibility are the true currencies of this next era.

DECA 2025 was not only a conference. It was a reflection point — and a call to action.

Let’s continue to lead with clarity, innovate with intention, and unlock the full potential of this extraordinary transformation.

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