The Australian Banking Association (ABA) has appointed a new Head of Future Policy with Nick Giurietto joining the team.

Giurietto said on LinkedIn “good results at the intersection of technology, economics and regulation can unlock productivity gains across the economy and improve life in society.”

He added that he was “excited” to take on the new roles to help “shape responses to challenges and opportunities in areas such as payments, digital identity, blockchain and cryptography, AML /CTF and privacy”.

ABA CEO Anna Bligh said iTnews Giurietto “joined us at the office this week”

“This newly created ABA role reflects our heightened focus on the future of banking and the opportunities arising from the transition to a digital economy,” Bligh said.

“Nick’s deep expertise will enhance our capabilities in a range of areas including payments, cybersecurity and critical infrastructure, and he will also bring new insights into rapidly evolving areas such as blockchain, crypto and digital ID.

“This new role will add to our ongoing work to ensure Australia’s banks meet customer needs and expectations and grow the country’s economy.”

The role reports to the ABA’s Chief Policy and Strategy Officer, Christine Cupitt.

Bligh recently appointed James Abbott as Chief General Affairs Officer and said the two new members are expected to make “a significant contribution to the ABA’s work on behalf of the industry”.

Prior to joining ABA, Giurietto was Head of Growth and Strategic Partnerships for connectID, an eftpos-backed digital identity solution fintech under the Australian Payments Plus (AP+) umbrella.

In a separate post, Giurietto said he remained “convinced that connectID, with the backing of Australian Payments Plus, is best placed to drive the rollout and adoption of the national digital identity infrastructure.”

A spokesperson for Australian Payments Plus (AP+) said iTnews recruitment is underway to fill Giurietto’s position.

“We wish Nick Giurietto well and look forward to continuing to work with him in his new role at the Australian Banking Association,” the spokesperson said.

Giurietto was also a member of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the Commonwealth Treasury until June 2020.

During this period, he also served as Vice President of the Department of Industry, Innovation and Science, helping to lead Australia’s national blockchain roadmap.

He has also been a member of Standards Australia for around three years and was CEO and Managing Director of Blockchain Australia from 2016 to 2020.

Giurietto has also held positions at CEB (now known as Gartner), Experian Australia and AAPT telecommunications.