16 Jul DFCRC welcomes new Co-CEOs, Elizabeth Reed and Tālis Putniņš
16 July 2025
Media release
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.
“Elizabeth and Tālis have been pivotal in shaping the strategic direction of the DFCRC and
are recognised as leaders in their fields,” Mr. 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,” Mr. Stevens said.
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 will continue in their roles as Chief Commercial Officer and Chief
Scientist, respectively, in addition to their responsibilities as Co-CEOs.
[Ends]
Media enquiries:
Mione Collins: media@dfcrc.com
About the Digital Finance Cooperative Research Centre
The DFCRC leads a 10-year, $180 million research program, as a collaboration between industry partners, universities, and the Australian Government through the Cooperative Research Centres Program. DFCRC’s mission is to develop and leverage the next transformation in financial markets – the digitisation of assets traded and exchanged directly on digital platforms. You can find out more at https://dfcrc.com.au/