FinTech Australia Appoints Xero Head of Global Public Policy Grace Gown to its Board

WHY THIS MATTERS
The appointment of Grace Gown to FinTech Australia’s board comes at a critical stage in the sector’s evolution, as fintech transitions from a high-growth industry to core national infrastructure. With the sector already contributing $13.6 billion to the Australian economy and projected to nearly triple by 2035, policy is becoming a decisive factor in determining how quickly fintechs can scale, compete globally, and drive broader economic impact. Strengthening policy expertise at board level signals a more coordinated effort to shape regulatory frameworks that support innovation while maintaining stability.

Gown’s experience at the intersection of public policy, digital economy, and financial services is particularly relevant as fintech increasingly overlaps with areas like AI, small business enablement, and cross-border digital trade. As regulatory environments become more complex, having leadership that understands both global policy trends and local market dynamics is essential for aligning industry growth with government priorities and ensuring fintech remains competitive on the global stage.

FinTech Australia has appointed Xero Head of Global Public Policy Grace Gown to its board, further strengthening its policy impact as the sector enters its next phase of growth. 

The appointment comes at a time when Australia’s fintech sector has become a material part of the economy – contributing $13.6 billion in value and supporting more than 100,000 jobs – while increasingly underpinning how finance operates across industries. 

With the right policy settings, that contribution is projected to grow to $38 billion by 2035 – a near threehold increase and one of the potential largest gains of any industry.  

Gown brings global experience in public policy and digital economy frameworks, working with governments, regulators and industry at  the intersection of technology, small business, financial services and AI.  

Commenting on her appointment Gown says: “I am thrilled to join the FinTech Australia board at such a pivotal time for the sector. Effective policy has a direct role to play in enabling innovation, unlocking growth and ensuring fintech can scale to meet the evolving needs of customers and the broader economy.  

“I look forward to helping shape forward-looking policy settings that translate into real-world outcomes — supporting fintechs to grow, compete, and deliver value across Australia and globally.” 

FinTech Australia Chair and Head of Growth at DAS, Sarah Gorman, said: “Fintech is no longer emerging – it is proven, cross-economy infrastructure underpinning how finance operates across industries.  

“Policy is the bridge between that innovation and real-world impact. It determines how quickly this sector can scale, compete globally and deliver productivity gains across Australia. With the right policy landscape/settings, fintech has the potential to become one of the most important industries Australia builds over the next decade, unlocking tens of billions of dollars in economic activity, exports and jobs.  

“Grace’s deep expertise across global policy, digital transformation and the small business economy will strengthen our ability to translate the momentum we’re seeing across the sector into meaningful policy advocates for our members and the broader economy.”  

Gown replaces Tiimely Chief Risk and Compliance Officer Jodi Ross on the board. Her appointment reflects Fintech Australia’s continued focus on moving from policy participation to policy impact – ensuring the sector’s growth is supported by settings that enable innovation, investment and global competitiveness.

Gown joins FinTech Australia’s existing board:

• Sarah Gorman, Head of Growth at DAS, Chair of FinTech Australia
• Brian Collins, CEO of Enterprize Tasmania, Co-Founder of Triple Bubble, Deputy Chair of FinTech Australia
• Marnie Baker, Former Bendigo and Adelaide Bank CEO
• Christian Westerlind Wigstrom, Founder and CEO of Monoova, Treasurer of FinTech Australia
• Vinnie D’Alessandro, Founder at Raishio
• Dominic Pym, Co-Founder of Up and Euphemia
• Dan Jovevski WeMoney Founder and CEO
• Michael Saadat, International Head of Public Policy at Block

FinTech Australia’s board members are selected from across the ecosystem to help govern the peak body’s decision-making and ensure it represents the best interests of the fintech industry. Board members are elected through a nomination and voting process by FinTech Australia’s members.

FF NEWS TAKE
This appointment reflects a broader shift in fintech from “participating” in policy discussions to actively shaping them. As the sector matures, influence over regulation is becoming just as important as product innovation, particularly in markets like Australia where policy can directly impact growth trajectories.

However, translating policy engagement into tangible outcomes is often challenging. While adding experienced voices strengthens advocacy, the real impact will depend on how effectively FinTech Australia can align industry priorities with government agendas. If successful, this could help position Australia as a more competitive global fintech hub, but execution and collaboration will be key.

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