Coinbase Australia Names Former ASIC Leader Adam Judd as COO

Coinbase Australia has appointed Adam Judd as chief operating officer, a notable executive move from traditional finance into the digital asset sector. Judd joins from CommSec, where he led strategy, product development, and risk governance for derivatives and margin lending, managing P&L, collateral, and complex product lines.

Before CommSec, Judd spent more than a decade at the Australian Securities and Investments Commission, holding senior roles in securities supervision, strategy, and market structure. He oversaw licensing, market operations, compliance, and engagement with domestic and international regulators. His experience combines regulatory insight with operational leadership, positioning him to guide Coinbase through a rapidly evolving environment.

The appointment comes as Australia prepares for stricter rules for crypto platforms. Pending regulations are expected to require companies to obtain an Australian Financial Services Licence, aligning digital asset platforms with traditional financial institutions. The regulator has issued a no-action position until June 2026 to give firms time to adapt, but compliance will become critical thereafter.

As COO, Judd will oversee Coinbase’s Australian operations and ensure that global offerings are adapted to local regulatory standards. John O’Loghlen, managing director for Coinbase Australia and APAC, said the move reflects a broader trend of experienced finance professionals transitioning into crypto. He added that talent like Judd is crucial for scaling operations and supporting a more efficient financial ecosystem.

Judd said the timing of his appointment is significant. He highlighted that clear regulatory pathways provide an opportunity to build a safer and more open financial system while enabling productivity growth through digital assets. He added that Coinbase is leading the shift toward a tokenised financial system in Australia, and his role will focus on supporting that transition while maintaining compliance and operational excellence.