MELBOURNE: Tokenising the future: Asset tokenisation and private markets

As the Founder and Managing Director of The SILC Group of companies, I am engaged in all aspects of the firms operations including general management, business development, client interaction, product manufacturing, strategic initiatives, technology, governance, risk and compliance.

Prior to establishing The SILC Group, my background in the financial services industry spanned mainly across global financial markets and private wealth management, which included previous appointments with major Australian financial institutions WBC, ANZ and NAB, as well as investment group WIG. My experiences in these organisations included roles in advisory, structuring and dealing of multiple product groups across various client segments.

James is an experienced senior executive with more than 20 years’ experience gained in pivotal technology and operational roles for large iconic companies such as iiNet, Asgard (Westpac), TSA (Telstra) as well as CEO & Chairman of IT consulting company Bluebox Solutions. More recently James was CEO of Ettle – which pioneered the very first wage payment using an Australian Dollar stablecoin on the blockchain.

James has a unique combination of C suite executive experience and innovative technology start-up expertise. As a financial services and technology executive James has led large teams (350+) and served on company Boards delivering operational strategy, project implementation, digital strategy, financial management and product development.

As the Head of Digital Solutions James is entrusted with the responsibility of spearheading the development of the SILC digital investment platform, overseeing strategic projects and initiatives, and contributing to the continued success and growth of the Group.

Steven advises on financial services and fintech, with a particular focus on digital assets regulation and disputes. Steven represents leading financial institutions, fintechs, digital currency exchanges, startups, venture capital and funds.  He has 14 years’ experience as a start-up founder and litigation specialist. Steven has a rare combination of commercial, legal and entrepreneurial skills. He adopts a highly commercial approach and is focused on helping clients to navigate regulatory complexity and achieve commercial outcomes.

Steven has experience with commercial contracts, corporate law, disputes, financial services and cryptocurrency regulation, regulatory investigations, and enforcement. He has advised on fraud investigations, insider trading, market manipulation, cyber frauds and asset recovery, IP theft, mis-selling, governance and directors’ duties, AML/CTF and sanctions issue. His experience includes advising on regulatory investigations involving ASIC as well as the DOJ, CFTC, MAS, HKMA, SFC and the FCA. He has acted on litigation before the UK Supreme Court and in the Hong Kong and Australian Courts. Steven also advises on arbitration and has experience in relation to international arbitration, investment treaty disputes, interim relief and enforcement of arbitral awards.

Steven trained at a Magic Circle law firm in London and worked for one of Australia’s leading disputes practices prior to joining Piper Alderman. His previous experience includes:

• cyber-frauds, freezing injunctions, disclosure orders and asset recovery proceedings;
• a multi-jurisdictional regulatory investigation involving alleged manipulation of foreign exchange markets;
• a regulatory investigation involving a fintech company concerning its marketing representations and collections practices;
• regulatory investigations and disputes relating to the handling of client securities;
• shareholder disputes involving allegations of oppression and breaches of directors’ duties;
• a contractual interpretation dispute before the UK Supreme Court;
• an internal investigation involving alleged fraud by a senior employee;
• disputes relating to the alleged theft of proprietary information; and
• various complex securities and insolvency disputes arising from the collapse of Lehman Brothers.

Steven also has experience as a start-up founder and previously ran a Delaware incorporated Public Benefit Corporation. Steven is admitted and has practised in Australia, Hong Kong and England & Wales.