SYDNEY: 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.

Michael advises companies dealing with Digital Law: the intersection of cutting-edge technology, automation and innovation.  As a former software developer, Michael has a rare combination of technical, regulatory and legal skills which he leverages to assist his clients.

Michael works with Fintech, Regtech, Blockchain, digital asset projects from enterprise level deployments bringing technology to existing business models, scale-ups, start-up ventures, cryptocurrency payment providers, crypto-asset exchanges, RegTech, InsurTech, PropTech and compliance for other technology deployments.

Since founding and exiting a successful IT business in the early 2000s, Michael has maintained an active involvement in software development.  He is knowledgeable in the workings of (and legal issues surrounding) digital currencies and digital assets, blockchain projects, smart contract issues as well as FinTech and RegTech projects.

This technical knowledge coupled with a highly commercial approach enables Michael to add real value to his client’s business in front and back-end advice. Michael delivers targeted advice for the whole of life software, start-up (including fundraising) and project lifecycle including design and analysis, commercial contracts including shareholder, advisory, supply and software agreements, financial services regulation including project analysis, compliance as well as fundraising documentation and ongoing support.

Michael regularly publishes on technology and Blockchain and technology matters and is a sought-after speaker on regulatory issues facing smart contract, Blockchain and technology adoption, appearing both internationally (New York, San Francisco and Singapore) and in Australia (Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Brisbane) and recently appearing before the Australian Senate Inquiry into FinTech and RegTech.  He has been ranked Band 1 in FinTech by the prestigious Chambers & Partners since 2019 and serves on the Board of Blockchain Australia and the Board of the Canadian Australian Chamber of Commerce.