Sarah Gorman was chosen as the next chair of Fintech Australia, replacing outgoing chair Simone Joyce, who will now serve as an advisor. The leading advocacy group also elevated existing general manager Rehan D'Almeida to the position of CEO, while Brian Collins of Audacity Ventures assumed the position of Deputy Chair.

In addition to being an investor and a founding team member of Melbourne-based DAS (Digital Agriculture Services), Gorman is currently Head of Growth and Marketing at Agri-Fintech, which she has assisted in creating and growing since its foundation in 2017. Gorman is a prominent participant in the startup community and was named Deputy Chair of Fintech Australia's board in November 2023. She is a three-time founder, influencer, strategist, and entrepreneur with over twenty years of expertise in investment, business, story, and advice in Asia Pacific and beyond.

Collins is an executive, fund manager, and fintech innovator. Most recently, he was in charge of AWS's fintech efforts in the Oceania region. He currently oversees Audacity Ventures, which has collaborated with Euphemia to establish one of the first fintech funds in the area, in addition to offering support services to fintech entrepreneurs.

Sarah Gorman, the new chair of FinTech Australia, stated: "I fully echo the view that, with the right support, these organizations can continue to be a driver of growth and productivity in Australia and can provide the foundation for Australia's digital economy." "I am driven by a genuine desire to help shape the future of Australia's fintech industry as it enters its next wave of evolution and growth," Gorman said.

"In Australia alone, the sector we are discussing is worth billions of dollars. It is difficult to imagine of an organization that does not engage in some manner with the Fintech ecosystem. In addition, modern fintechs are using their knowledge to address global concerns like inequality and climate change rather than merely resolving local financial problems. All the while battling a shifting technological environment that includes concerns about privacy, data trust, and artificial intelligence, which is very important.
 

Gorman's appointment coincides with Simone Joyce, the creator and worldwide CEO of Paypa Plane, wrapping up a very fruitful term as Chair. Joyce went to New York recently in order to expand her firm internationally after being selected to the position in 2020. Joyce will keep advising the company on important business problems, such as guiding its approach to payment-related policy matters.

"Serving this industry as Chair of FinTech Australia and witnessing its growth has been a great honour." Simone Joyce, the creator of Paypa Plane and a former chair of FinTech Australia, expressed her excitement about turning her attention to the company's expansion in both the US and Australia.

The board of FinTech Australia is widely acknowledged throughout the industry as an extension of the company's workforce. Its members, including the chair, are very involved in helping the organization and Rehan's staff provide results for the industry.

The board of FinTech Australia has accepted the nomination of a new CEO, Rehan D'Almeida, who has been building the ecosystem for the benefit of its members both in Australia and internationally since taking on the General Manager position in 2021.

Under his leadership, Fintech Australia has expanded to include more than 400 members and corporate partners. In the past year alone, the organization has submitted more than 30 proposals to the government about fintech-related policies. While new projects like The Banking Reverse Pitch, Fintech for Net Zero, and CDR Summit have drawn interest from all around the world, the organization's flagship events, Intersekt Fintech Festival and The Finnies, continue to sell out.
 

"It's an incredible honour to be recognised as FinTech Australia's CEO — my career has grown alongside the industry," D'Almeida remarked in response to the announcement. With a small, committed team, FinTech Australia has achieved unprecedented levels of engagement with members and policymakers. Most importantly, that results in financial success for the industry. More than 81% of fintech companies have reached profitability and are increasing revenue, up from 77% in 2019, according to the most recent FinTech Australia, EY Census.

"As the FinTech sector continues to negotiate intricate legal frameworks and moves toward assisting society in addressing more significant issues like climate change, we confront greater hurdles ahead. However, the industry is experiencing an exciting period and is more expansive and dynamic than it has ever been.

Showcasing Simone Joyce's track record, D'Almeida declared: "We have been immensely appreciative of Simone's work for the last three years. Her efforts have contributed to FinTech Australia being in its strongest position since its founding in 2016.

"With Sarah's addition, our board's level of knowledge and experience is raised even more. As we continue to expand FinTech Australia and its contribution to the broader growth of the fintech industry, I am looking forward to working closely with her.

"Similarly, the industry is increasingly focused on unlocking critical funding for large, mid, and early-stage fintechs alike, and Brian's appointment is significant at this time."

Board confirmation: 
The current members of FinTech Australia's board are as follows:

-Christian Westerlind Wigstrom, co-founder and CEO of Monova, appointed Treasurer; 

-Kellie Morton, Chief Legal Officer & Director at Birchal; 

-Sarah Gorman, Head of Growth & Marketing at DAS, appointed Chair; Brian Collins, Principal at Audacity Ventures, appointed Deputy Chair; and 

-Vinnie D'Alessandro, Chief Product Officer at Change Financial.

-Dominic Pym, co-founder of Euphemia and Up, as well as director of both organizations

-Cathryn Lyall, Partner, Seed Space VC and Co-Founder Seed Money; Harry Godber, Head of Strategy and General Counsel at Flare; Michael Saadat,     International Head of Public Policy at Block;