Why we've joined the SIAA

This week BTC Markets became a Principal member of the Stockbrokers and Investment Advisers Association, SIAA. It's not the kind of news that moves markets, but it matters to us, and I want to explain why.

SIAA has represented Australia's stockbroking and investment advice industry for a long time. Its members are the firms that execute trades, advise investors and help Australian businesses raise capital. They work to a shared code of ethical conduct, invest in ongoing education, and engage with government and regulators on how the rules should work in practice.

That's the company we want to keep.

I've spent much of my career in traditional financial services, and I've had the chance to speak on a panel at the SIAA conference. What stood out to me then is what stands out now: the people in that room care about doing things properly. Good execution, clear disclosure, sound compliance, and treating clients fairly. None of that is unique to equities or derivatives. It's what any serious market participant should be judged on, and digital asset platforms are no exception.

Digital assets are becoming part of the mainstream. More Australians hold them alongside shares and super, more advisers are being asked about them, and the regulatory framework for digital asset platforms continues to take shape. As that happens, the line between "crypto" and "financial services" gets thinner. We think that's a good thing, and we'd rather help shape the standards than wait to be told what they are.

Membership gives us three practical things.

First, education. Our team now has access to SIAA's CPD program, which covers the full range of professional standards areas. We already invest in training, but there's real value in learning alongside people from across the industry rather than only from inside our own walls.

Second, a voice. SIAA runs committees on compliance, operations and technology, derivatives, and the profession more broadly. We intend to put our people forward. We've been operating a regulated platform in Australia for over a decade, and we have practical experience to offer on how digital assets fit into existing market infrastructure. Equally, we have plenty to learn from firms that have spent decades working through the same questions in other asset classes.

Third, accountability. Joining an industry body means signing up to its standards. That's a commitment we're comfortable making publicly, because it's how we already run the business.

For our clients, nothing changes day to day. You'll keep trading on the same platform, with the same team. What it does mean is that the people looking after you are more connected to the wider industry, better informed, and held to a recognised professional standard.

SIAA CEO Maria Lykouras said: "We're delighted to welcome BTC Markets as a Principal member. As digital assets become part of how Australians invest, it's important that firms in this space engage with the wider industry on professional standards and education. We look forward to BTC Markets contributing to our committees and to the conversations shaping Australia's capital markets."

I'd like to thank Maria and the SIAA Board for welcoming us. We're looking forward to getting involved.

Paul Stonham

Chief Commercial Officer, BTC Markets

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