René Michau is a visionary leader in digital finance, serving as the Global Head of Digital Assets at Standard Chartered Bank, where he spearheads the bank’s innovation and delivery of secure digital asset solutions for institutional clients. Based in Singapore, René plays a key role in shaping the future of finance by integrating cryptocurrencies, tokenization, and stablecoins into the bank’s ecosystem.
Since joining Standard Chartered in 2016, René has held several influential positions, including Head of Fintech Client Advisory where he established the Fintech Banking business within CIB.
His expertise in fintech, crypto and digital payments is backed by an extensive career across major banks, including HSBC, ANZ, and National Australia Bank, where he led groundbreaking projects such as the launch of a cloud-based merchant platform and the development of a carbon trading capability.
René’s leadership extends beyond banking, as he is deeply embedded in the global fintech and crypto communities. He co-chairs the Global Digital Finance (GDF) Financial Institutions Crypto Working Group and the Institute of International Finance (IIF) Digital Assets Forum, driving industry-wide conversations on the future of digital assets. He is also an active member of the Digital Asset Markets sub-committee within the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission’s (CFTC) Global Markets Advisory Committee, influencing regulatory discussions at the highest level.
A former officer in the Australian Army, René brings a disciplined and strategic approach to leadership. His passion for fintech goes beyond innovation—he is a strong advocate for empowering women in crypto and fintech, actively championing diversity and inclusion in the industry.
René is not only shaping Standard Chartered’s digital asset strategy—he is helping define the future of digital finance globally.
Hall A (Level 2)
Open
From private blockchains to public blockchain networks which are permissioned, these enable broad participation. The digital assets network space is evolving rapidly – and new models are emerging, such as open and interoperable shared networks that promise to strike their own balance between transparency, participation, and control.
This panel session will gather leaders in the blockchain space to discuss the future of digital assets networks and which future models will strike the optimum balance.
Roundtable Room 1 (Level 2)
Open
Stablecoins have introduced a new paradigm for digital finance, offering the promise of faster payments, greater financial inclusion, and seamless cross-border transactions. But with this potential comes risk—from financial crime and illicit activity to consumer protection gaps and systemic market threats. As regulators race to put the right guardrails in place, the question remains: What does an optimal regulatory framework for stablecoins look like?
Tighter oversight could bring greater legitimacy and mainstream adoption, but at what cost? Could excessive restrictions stifle innovation and limit stablecoins’ ability to compete with traditional finance? Meanwhile, financial institutions are stepping into the space, bridging the divide between regulated banking and digital assets—but is this the answer to ensuring stability, or simply a step toward the centralization of stablecoins?
This discussion brings back the banking and crypto voices from the three-part debate (Battle Royale of Payments, Digital Currency Showdown and Stablecoins vs Tokenised Deposits) with policy experts to tackle the key risks of ML/TF compliance, consumer protection, and financial stability. Expect a hard-hitting discussion on the future of stablecoin regulation as we break down the real risks, real opportunities, and real regulatory solutions that will determine whether stablecoins remain an experimental asset class—or the foundation of the next financial revolution.