Blockchain Australia has rebranded as the Digital Economic Council of Australia (DECA). This comprehensive transformation signals a deliberate shift towards inclusivity, encompassing a broader range of digital economic activities. Amy-Rose Goodey, former COO, has taken the helm as CEO, succeeding Simon Callaghan.

DECA's rebranding marks a significant expansion of its scope, now covering emerging digital sectors like digital ID, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and Web3 technologies. This move acknowledges the rapidly evolving industry landscape, which now includes digital identities, AI, and a diverse range of Web3 technologies.

Under Goodey's leadership, DECA aims to redefine its focus, catering to a diverse membership that spans crypto and Web3 companies, governmental bodies, charities, and sectors involved in tokenization, payments, and banking. The organization seeks to bridge the gap between traditional financial institutions and crypto enterprises, advocating for nuanced regulatory frameworks that boost innovation while ensuring strong consumer protection.

This transformation comes at a critical time when Australia's regulatory environment regarding digital assets is undergoing significant changes. Recent legislative adjustments have prohibited digital currency and credit card usage for online gambling, aiming to curb financial excesses and promote responsible behavior among consumers.

DECA's rebranding aligns with significant developments in the financial sector, such as the approval and trading of Monochrome Asset Management's Bitcoin ETF on Cboe Australia. This move is poised to enhance the accessibility and attractiveness of cryptocurrency investments in the region, reflecting a growing acceptance of digital assets within mainstream financial markets.

The organization proposes to incorporate eight membership categories, including crypto and Web3, government and charities, tokenization, payments and banking, and more. Goodey emphasized the need for regulation, stating that there is risk aversion and a need for due diligence. Australian political leader Andrew Charlton highlighted the potential of blockchain technology, asserting that it could add $60 billion to the economy and reverse the slow productivity growth of the past three decades.

DECA's transformative rebranding signals a new era for the organization, as it seeks to navigate the evolving digital landscape and promote a more inclusive and diverse tech community.