Murdoch University and the Global Fintech Institute (GFI) recently co-hosted an invitation-only, closed-door roundtable — Trust by Design: AI, Digital Assets & The Next Financial System — bringing together leaders from industry and academia for a thoughtful exchange on the future of financial technology.  Kindly hosted on campus by Murdoch University’s School of Information Technology (IT) and Murdoch Business School, the roundtable formed part of a broader international engagement aligned with the Black Swan Summit Australia 2026 and marked an important step in deepening collaboration between the institutions. 

Held under the Chatham House Rule, the session was deliberately designed to foster open, high-trust dialogue. Rather than focusing on formal presentations or public commentary, the roundtable created space for senior voices to connect candidly, explore shared challenges, and reflect on how trust is built across rapidly evolving digital financial systems. This approach underscored a shared commitment to meaningful engagement over publicity, and to long-term partnership over one-off events. 

The roundtable drew senior representatives from across the fintech, digital asset, banking, legal, and technology sectors, including leaders from Binance, Maybank, Safeheron, Dentons Rodyk, the Artificial Intelligence International Institute (AIII), and Alpha Node Global, alongside GFI’s Chartered Fintech Professionals (CFtPs) and Murdoch University faculty. 

At the heart of the discussion was the relationship itself — between GFI and Murdoch University, and more broadly between industry and academia.  The roundtable reinforced the value of bringing together global perspectives with local expertise, and of creating forums where ideas can be tested, challenged, and refined in a trusted environment.  For Murdoch University, it also highlighted the strength of collaboration between the School of IT and the Business School, reflecting an interdisciplinary approach that mirrors the realities of today’s digital economy. 

Professor David Lee Kuo Chuen, Chairman of the Global Fintech Institute, reflected on the importance of these kinds of engagements, noting that universities play a critical role in shaping the future fintech ecosystem.  

“Strong partnerships with universities like Murdoch University are essential,” he said.  “They allow us to connect industry practice with education and research, and to ensure that conversations about emerging technologies are grounded in both technical capability and societal responsibility.” 

For Murdoch University, the roundtable aligned closely with its focus on applied research, industry engagement, and future-ready education.  Professor David Parry, Dean of the School of Information Technology, emphasised the significance of hosting the discussion on campus and the opportunity it created for deeper collaboration.  

“This roundtable reflects the kind of engagement we value at Murdoch University,” he said.  "By working closely with organisations like GFI and with our colleagues in the Business School, we can ensure our teaching and research remain connected to real-world challenges and global conversations.” 

While the content of the discussions remains confidential, the outcomes extend beyond the room. The roundtable strengthened relationships, opened pathways for future collaboration, and reinforced a shared commitment to responsible innovation, talent development, and industry–academia partnership.  It also demonstrated how universities can serve as trusted conveners, bringing together diverse perspectives to explore complex issues in a rapidly changing technological landscape. 

As Murdoch University continues to build its engagement with global partners, the roundtable with the Global Fintech Institute stands as an example of how trust, dialogue, and collaboration can shape meaningful progress — not only for the institutions involved, but for the broader community they serve.