Chain Reaction - 23rd June 2025
DEConference Highlights and more
From the Editor
Welcome to this week’s edition of Chain Reaction! It’s been a whirlwind of activity with DECA week on the stunning Gold Coast and a cascade of innovation making waves in the blockchain world.
As Thomas Edison once said, “There’s a way to do it better - find it.” That sentiment perfectly embodies the energy and innovation we witnessed at the DECA conference and beyond this week. From groundbreaking research to new stablecoin developments, the blockchain ecosystem continues to evolve at lightning speed. Let’s dive into all the highlights and stories shaping our industry.
Just before we dive in, if you are in Sydney next week, make sure to come to our Aus DeFi event here https://lu.ma/mptexrhs
DECA Week Recap: Gold Coast Edition
Last week, we spent three action-packed days at the DECA conference on the Gold Coast! Here are the key moments:
Amy Rose, CEO of DECA, Wraps It Up - Amy-Rose Goodey shared her gratitude for all the speakers, participants, and attendees who made the event a success. Check out her thoughtful recap:
Daily Highlights
- Day 1 Opening: A powerful start to the conference: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/activity-7340199848568156160-WiRF?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop
- Day 2 Breakfast: Conversations and coffee to kick off the day: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/activity-7340512370370166786-EjpY?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop
- Digital Finance CRC on Stage: Insightful discussions on digital finance innovation: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/activity-7340530596005277699-6i9r?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop
- Presentation Highlights: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/activity-7340939221567795200-vO9j?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop
- Final Day Wrap-Up: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7341021589360033792/
OKX Big Reveal - Kate Cooper of OKX presented findings from the Digital Finance CRC x OKX commissioned research paper, showcasing how digital finance could unlock $19 billion (1% of GDP) if implemented effectively. Read more here: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/australias-19-billion-opportunity-how-digital-finance-kate-cooper-f9hac/?trackingId=Bbb9lEG0QYeFSvjoY3kFDg%3D%3D
Spotlight: Big Wins and Exciting Launches
"Law of Code" Book Launch - Michael Bacina and Steven Pettigrove unveiled their new book, "Law of Code," live on stage—an insightful look at blockchain and law in Australia. Check it out: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/stevenpettigrove_lawofcode-blockchainandthelawinaustralia-activity-7340269311065825281-5RmT?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop
FEX Insights Podcast - We recorded interviews during DECA week for the FEX Insights Podcast! We delved into blockchain trusteeship and the latest industry news. Watch here:
- France’s Crypto Innovation
France is exploring crypto to utilize wasted energy—an intriguing development in energy efficiency:
https://x.com/Cointelegraph/status/1934605670365438299?t=rsxvBHEBhxUOP9bmODuffQ&s=19
Adoption & Innovation: The Blockchain Boom
Block Earner’s Crypto-Backed Home Loan - Congratulations to Block Earner on their new crypto-backed home loan product:
https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7341718511947288576/
Stablecoin Developments - Revolut is building its own stablecoin:
JD.com joins the stablecoin wave in China: https://x.com/Cointelegraph/status/1935155521633268215?t=z3uj38suBwIXgJhpAvzkdw&s=08
Peter Thiel-backed Ubyx enters the stablecoin space: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/marcphilippeb_%F0%9D%97%9D%F0%9D%97%A8%F0%9D%97%A6%F0%9D%97%A7-%F0%9D%97%9C%F0%9D%97%A1-a-citi-veteran-just-launched-activity-7340770598052085763-74WK/
Crime & Regulation: The Week in Blockchain Headlines
We'll leave you with some news here from the Chainalysis emails which you should subscribe to if you have not already.
Criminal Activity
Hackers linked to Israel reportedly stole $81 million from Iranian exchange Nobitex: https://info.chainalysis.com/NTAzLUZBUC0wNzQAAAGbJAjxdWano-BcTylHj3NGAEs2nDn7nP_OJRid3vawjbc13mzOiQCT9ccrqgmzdyPI1YmxCFA=
DeFi protocol Meta Pool faced a $27M exploit, with the attacker escaping with only $132K: https://info.chainalysis.com/NTAzLUZBUC0wNzQAAAGbJAjxdWAluV4Kog19_frFkE2M0u8g3GCRDVw3qRndHNcmW7wzeTehNltBGa_vA9564v5caPM=
Regulation Updates
Gemini and Coinbase edge closer to EU operating licenses: https://info.chainalysis.com/NTAzLUZBUC0wNzQAAAGbJAjxdmGOBl49iywU1_ffc871lzknPj_Xv7TB1Zfn5gWjKrMC0KHHq68neNCrgSnJVryOvbw=
El Salvador continues Bitcoin purchases, despite IMF restrictions: https://info.chainalysis.com/NTAzLUZBUC0wNzQAAAGbJAjxdhT8cIyK8OVXxMViXY82GLoi1Ph7k1WqIBDOVe4ep-zodq96234XeIXL1DAsNTFxg2c=
US legislation clears stablecoin paths for banks: https://info.chainalysis.com/NTAzLUZBUC0wNzQAAAGbJAjxdSxgrNaOCMHiqnd6FRj0opL06YiFXuCxcerHvGKW0IapDBW0iWYct2qlzok52yIcFig=
That’s a Wrap!
What a week it’s been! From DECA’s incredible insights to the fast-evolving world of stablecoins and blockchain infrastructure, the future of finance is looking brighter than ever.
Until next week—stay curious, stay innovative, and keep building!
See you next week,
Mark
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