Dr Rhys Bollen [ASIC] - Regulation, trust and Australia’s digital future

In this episode, Amy-Rose is joined by Dr Rhys Bollen to explore the role of regulation in building trusted, resilient and future-ready digital financial markets. The conversation examines how supervision evolves when finance becomes software, markets operate around the clock, and digital assets move from the edge of the system toward the centre.Dr Rhys Bollen is Senior Executive Leader, Digital Assets at Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), where he leads the team overseeing crypto and digital asset firms and preparing for the Government’s proposed law reforms in this area. He is also responsible for ASIC’s broader work across digital finance, innovation and tokenisation, including ASIC’s regulatory sandbox.With more than 25 years of experience across regulation, policy and financial services, Rhys has held senior leadership roles spanning market supervision, banking, insurance, investment management and strategic policy. His work focuses on balancing innovation with market integrity, consumer protection and confidence in Australia’s evolving financial system.The discussion unpacks why markets require clear rules and active oversight, particularly as new technologies increase speed and complexity. It explores how digital assets and tokenisation are reshaping financial infrastructure, where innovation is delivering real value across payments, investment and capital markets, and where risks continue to emerge through poor governance, disclosure and market behaviour.The episode also examines ASIC’s approach to supporting innovation through tools such as the regulatory sandbox, the growing role of AI across financial services, and how regulators are adapting their own capabilities to keep pace with technological change.Looking ahead, the conversation focuses on Australia’s opportunity to lead in digital finance, and the importance of moving beyond the technology itself to delivering better products, services and outcomes for end users across the economy.A special thank you to Independent Reserve for hosting this episode in their studio. Their support in providing this space makes conversations like this possible, and reflects their ongoing contribution to the growth and maturity of Australia’s digital economy.