Binance appoints new country head

Fintech specialist, Matt Poblocki, has joined the ranks of global cryptocurrency exchange Binance as its General Manager for Australia and New Zealand.

Poblocki brings close to 20 years of experience in the fintech space having held several senior executive roles at PayPal, Afterpay and eBay, with particular expertise in regulatory policy both locally and internationally.

Poblocki’s history of working with businesses in their early stages of growth and assisting them to scale their operations globally aligned with Binance’s own growth ambitions across Australia and New Zealand.

“Matt brings an exceptional track record of scaling some of the most recognisable fintech brands across complex, highly regulated markets,” Binance CEO, Richard Teng, said.

“He brings a unique ability to connect governance leadership with commercial strategy. His appointment reinforces our commitment to the Australian and New Zealand markets and to building a sustainable digital asset ecosystem for the long term.”

Poblocki’s appointment comes as Australia sees a surge in both the number of crypto exchange users and digital asset holders.

Poblocki also has experience working with a variety of regulators to help develop Australia’s fintech, payments and commercial ecosystem, including APRA, the RBA, AUSTRAC and the ACCC.

“Few markets are as digitally capable and commercially dynamic as Australia. With a strong ecosystem, a progressive policy environment, and millions of Australians already engaging with crypto, we have a real opportunity to lead responsibly on the global stage,” Poblocki said.

“Australia and New Zealand are renowned globally as early and fast adopters of innovative technology. This next wave of Web3 and blockchain is well and truly upon us. I’m excited to help shape the next chapter of growth and innovation for digital assets in Australia and New Zealand, and energised by the opportunity to pair Binance’s global expertise with local momentum to build a trusted future for crypto in our region.”

“Our next chapter will be about showing what responsible growth really looks like. That means combining commercial strategy and innovative product offerings with proactive engagement with regulators, robust compliance, and supporting everyday Australians with safe access to the digital asset economy. Regulation and innovation don’t have to be at odds. In fact, they must go hand in hand if we want to build a future that all Australians want to be part of.”