DFCRC welcomes Elizabeth Reed and Tālis Putniņš as new Co-CEOs

The Digital Finance Cooperative Research Centre (DFCRC) today announced the appointment of Elizabeth Reed and Tālis Putniņš as Co-CEOs for the Centre. Professor Putnins was previously Chief Scientist at the DFCRC and Elizabeth was previously DFCRC’s Chief Commercial Officer. This leadership transition follows Andreas Furche’s decision to step down as CEO last year.

The announcement comes at a pivotal time for digital finance globally and in Australia. It is also a key time of growth and innovation for the DFCRC, including this month’s announcement of a key milestone for Project Acacia, a joint research project with the Reserve Bank of Australia, and DFCRC poised to announce important milestones for its other projects in the coming year.

Neville Stevens AO, Chair of the DFCRC Board, said he was pleased to welcome Talis and Elizabeth as Co-CEOs of the Centre, which is focused on bringing together industry, government and research to unlock the significant economic potential of digital finance innovation in Australia.

Talis is an internationally recognised authority on digital finance, with over 15 years’ international research experience. This includes being a Professor of Finance at the University of Technology Sydney, publishing widely in distinguished journals and experience advising governments, market operators and regulators on financial markets and digital finance issues.

Elizabeth brings to the DFCRC over 20 years’ executive leadership experience, including over 15 years in banking and finance. This includes 10 years at Macquarie Bank, as well as executive roles across major banks, and a breadth of expertise driving innovation, commercialisation and deal execution.

“Elizabeth and Tālis have been pivotal in shaping the strategic direction of the DFCRC and are recognised as leaders in their fields,” Stevens said. “Their complementary skills in research and commercialisation as Co-CEOs enhance the DFCRC’s core philosophy that research and industry collaboration are equally vital for driving meaningful outcomes for the Australian economy.

“The leadership diversity of the Co-CEO model will strengthen the environment of collaboration and innovation that is crucial to the DFCRC’s ambitious research program.

“The DFCRC Board sincerely thanks Andreas Furche for his visionary leadership during the Centre’s establishment phase and his ongoing role leading the Centre’s Mining and Minerals Strategy,” Stevens added.

Elizabeth and Tālis will continue in their roles as Chief Commercial Officer and Chief Scientist, respectively, in addition to their responsibilities as Co-CEOs.