Steve Vallas is Australia’s Mr. Blockchain according to Crypto Conversation and others in industry. From driving cabs to CEO of Blockchain Australia, Steve Vallas shares his story on Beyond The Dream. His commitment to pay it forward is why we recognise Steve as someone who makes the DIF.

Steve’s early-adoption of social channels combined with a lifelong study of economics and new tech has evolved into a deep and unique understanding of emerging blockchain technology and its impact across industries.

His true passion in helping others build businesses that listen and rely on the social signals and the needs of their customer. Mentoring the next generation of entrepreneurs and startups he has worked with Swinburne Innovation Precinct, Deakin University and with the Melbourne Accelerator Program at the University of Melbourne.

Steve focuses on building value adding relationships with those who seek to advance the development of the Australian Blockchain sector. Advisory roles with industry and government he serves on the Digital Finance Advisory Panel (DFAP) advises ASIC and is Deputy Chair - National Blockchain Roadmap Steering Committee.

“Don’t be the last business to grasp the opportunity that enterprise blockchain solutions can create. It’s time to start the conversation, to identify your cohort and to grow your network. Embrace the technology.”

The move to Blockchain Australia

To this end, Steve moved into the role of Chief Executive Officer of Blockchain Australia in mid 2020. As a qualified lawyer, blockchain technology and digital strategist he is well placed to steer the peak industry body that represents and supports Australian business professionals, startups, industry and education sector participants in the blockchain sector.

Steve sees the promise of the Blockchain industry is extraordinarily expansive, but before we build out that capability, we require renewed focus on establishing confidence. Confidence in our vision, confidence in the regulatory frameworks that underpin this emergent technology and confidence in the people and organisations that will drive the uptake in this space.

Australia’s global reputation as an economy with strong market integrity affords us a unique opportunity to lead narratives that balance reforms that address issues of efficiency, industry 4.0 and the development of financial service outcomes that build on our strong investor protections.

How Steve made the DIF

Steve has been part of the annual Digital Innovation Festival since 2018 when he established the Blockchain APAC conference as a flagship of the DIF2018 Festival emerging tech stream. This was an important time in the emergence of blockchain for enterprise and government.

For DIF2020, Blockchain Australia was part of the "Blockchain: Supplychain Showcase" webinar. Focusing on how regional communities suffered in 2020 and supply chains have been tested like never before. Resilience, innovation, and technology will be at the centre of their recovery. Watch On Demand