A new study revealed at the Australian Digital Economy Conference in Gold Coast, Queensland, shows that if Australia develops a strategic approach to innovating the digital finance sector, billions of dollars of economic benefits could be achieved.
Mapping specific opportunities across financial markets, the study found that foreign exchange emerged as the most important opportunity estimated at around US$4.8 billion per year, followed by US$7.6 billion cross-border payments.
Additional opportunities range from several asset classes, including investment funds ($670 million), private credit ($1.34 billion), public debt ($1.07 billion), and private equity ($800 million). Even niche markets such as carbon credits offer potential profits through tokenization and streamlined transactions.
“Australia is on the key fork on the road,” Talisputnins, chief scientist at the Digital Finance Scoopality Research Centre, said in a shared statement. Decryption. “Working together at PACE allows us to seize this opportunity and choose a path that will allow us to make Australia a leader in digital finance.”
Still, the team admits that the country is “not doing well at the moment to realize even half of its potential economic benefits,” but says it has continued involvement with the government.
Data based on the survey shows that by 2030, only about $1.8 billion is expected to be unlocked annually for economic benefits, assuming the current pace continues.
Research methodology measured how blockchain technology enhances value exchange, essentially eliminating intermediaries and reducing friction in financial transactions.
When settlements occur immediately rather than days and costs drop from dollars to cents, a whole new economic activity is possible.
Meanwhile, OKX Australia CEO Kate Cooper said the study is currently filming two segments, “an additional benefit that can be obtained from digital finance innovation beyond economic impact.”
When asked what specific policy or regulatory changes would make digital finance innovation the most adoption in Australia, Cooper licensed clarity and pointed out the need for a country to address it. Deployment issues.
“The Treasury’s digital asset regime is here, but speed is everything. Clear rules unlock capital and confidence,” Cooper said. Decryption. “Without access to the basic financial rail, innovation is operating with the handbrake on.”
The research suggests that Australia already has fundamental elements: strong financial markets, technical capabilities and regulatory refinement, making it a global digital finance hub.
Still, the biggest barriers to unlocking Australia’s US$12 billion digital finance potential include outdated infrastructure, unclear regulatory standards, and resistance from sectors such as private credit, commodity and real estate.
But what remains the question is not whether these benefits are achievable, but how quickly the country can mobilize to capture them. According to DECA CEO Amy-Rose Goodey, the passforward requires calibrated action.
Already, the foundation has been laid out for more information and coordinated decisions as they shape the next chapter of Australia’s digital economy.
edit Sebastian Sinclair
