Chain Reaction - 16th June 2025
Greetings from DEConference Week
A Note from the Editor
Hello, Chain Reaction readers! It’s a big week ahead as we dive into the exciting happenings from the Gold Coast at the DEConference. This annual industry get-together is the perfect opportunity to network, learn, and discover the latest innovations in our space. As they say, “Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower.” – Steve Jobs. So, let’s jump in and see what our industry leaders have been up to!
DEConference Buzz
As you're reading this, we are headed over to the Gold Coast for DEConference, the annual industry gathering. Keep your eyes peeled for our reports on the cool findings and interviews we’ll be sharing next week! Some folks have already arrived for the opening events—check out this post from Lisa Wade: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/lisa-wade-she-her_and-so-it-begins-look-who-we-found-at-the-activity-7339852197226037249-M67d?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_android&rcm=ACoAAAV7RT0Bf0fJj7zr6JDyM7Fh2-KhNgJf4dk.
Insights and Innovations
In other news, our friends at Hashlock are making waves—literally—over in Martin Place. Something big is brewing, and they’re lighting up the city! Check it out: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/jockhaslam_you-dont-see-that-every-day-a-bright-green-activity-7338124611483574272-QC-d?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAAV7RT0Bf0fJj7zr6JDyM7Fh2-KhNgJf4dk.
Podcasts You Can't Miss
Don’t miss the latest Redbelly Insights podcast featuring Alan Burt interviewing Michael Prendiville on the tokenization of funds. It’s a hot topic you won’t want to miss!
We also powered our latest FEX Global Insights podcast, where we talked about dark pools with Arturo and digital asset custody with Shane Verner of Fireblocks. Tune in for all the juicy details!
Upcoming Events
Mark your calendars! Our Aus DeFi Association event is coming up on July 2nd, featuring special guests and more. Sign up here to secure your spot! https://lu.ma/mptexrhs
Movers and Shakers
In the latest Movers and Shakers segment, we celebrate Greg Oakford’s move to Swyftx. Exciting times ahead for him—check out his announcement here: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/gregoakford_excited-to-announce-that-my-next-crypto-chapter-activity-7338350378012315650-Jkqx?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_android&rcm=ACoAAAV7RT0Bf0fJj7zr6JDyM7Fh2-KhNgJf4dk.
And let’s not forget about the preview of the OKX film, “The Mild, Mild West.” It’s getting some buzz! Watch the preview here: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/amy-rose_the-flavour-of-this-years-digital-economy-ugcPost-7338729082869772288-Xqwh?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_android&rcm=ACoAAAV7RT0Bf0fJj7zr6JDyM7Fh2-KhNgJf4dk.
In the News
Catch the latest insights on crypto staking from the SEC, with contributions from the crew at Bits of Blocks. Read more here: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/sec-cooks-up-clarity-crypto-staking-michael-bacina-nwggc?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_android&utm_campaign=share_via.
We also have our friends Steve and Richelle over at the Global Blockchain Business Council making headlines in the US this week. Check out their adventures: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/stevevallas_an-incredible-day-at-the-global-blockchain-activity-7339056412204900353-a_p8?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_android&rcm=ACoAAAV7RT0Bf0fJj7zr6JDyM7Fh2-KhNgJf4dk
And did you know? Owning 1 Bitcoin is being touted as the new American dream—especially with prices hovering above $100k USD. Read more about this trend here: https://www.coindesk.com/markets/2025/06/15/owning-one-bitcoin-is-the-new-american-dream-says-bitwise-portfolio-manager.
That’s all for this week’s edition of Chain Reaction! Stay tuned for more updates, insights, and fun happenings from the world of blockchain and DeFi. Enjoy the conference, and let’s keep the innovation flowing!
About Aus DeFi Association
The Australian DeFi Association (Aus DeFi) is a non-profit community organisation dedicated to increasing education and awareness of blockchain technology, specifically decentralised finance (DeFi) and web3-based projects. Their goal is to empower the Australian community with the knowledge and tools to participate in the decentralised economy, and to promote the adoption and growth of blockchain technology in Australia. They strive to provide a more grassroots approach to promoting blockchain technology compared to other industry-focused organisations in Australia, and to provide a platform for community members to learn about and engage with this emerging technology.
Sponsors
This newsletter is brought to you by our sponsors at NotCentralised who use their AI tool, SIKE, to bring together the highlights each week. For more on SIKE and the world of business-friendly AI, see