MELBOURNE, 9 May, 2018 — Horizon State has joined the Australian Digital Commerce Association (ADCA).

The ADCA is an industry group made up of Australian businesses implementing blockchain solutions, with members working together to build understanding of the technology and engaging with government and regulatory stakeholders.

ADCA aims to encourage the responsible adoption of blockchain technology by industry and governments across Australia as a means to drive innovation in service delivery across all sectors of the economy.

ADCA counts among its members professional services firms EY, PwC, Accenture, KPMG and Deloitte; law firms Gilbert + Tobin, Allens, Maddocks and DLA Piper; and leading corporates such as Illion, Equifax, Perpetual, Optus and Computershare.

The news follows the recent announcement by the Australian government on the increase in funding towards blockchain research under its 2018–19 Budget. The government will set aside AU$700,000 in funding for the Digital Transformation Agency (DTA) to “investigate areas where blockchain technology could offer the most value for government services”.

Australia is uniquely positioned to provide global leadership in the adoption of blockchain technologies, with ADCA partnering with the Australian Trade and Investment Commission on several trade missions to promote Australian blockchain businesses and showcase proof of concepts overseas.

As a member of ADCA, Horizon State will work with stakeholder groups such as Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) to advocate for the technology and help with setting best-practice standards for the industry.

Chief executive officer of the ADCA, Nicholas Giurietto, has praised Horizon State’s addition to the industry group.

“Horizon State is an Australian blockchain pioneer, building solutions that have the potential to transform corporate governance and even the efficiency and confidence in our electoral system,” Giurietto said.

Speaking from Melbourne, co-founder Jamie Skella said he was delighted the company was joining the ADCA as an industry partner.

“The ADCA offers Horizon State the industry network needed to build an understanding of the potential of the technology in order to advocate for best practices and engage with government and regulatory stakeholders,” Skella said.