Meet the New Members of the Blockchain NZ Executive Council

Spring has brought fresh beginnings at Blockchain NZ, and we’re excited to introduce the newly elected members of our Executive Council. Each of these industry leaders brings unique expertise and passion to the table, ready to drive the next wave of innovation and collaboration in Aotearoa’s blockchain community. 

Memoona Zareen – University of Auckland

Memoona Zareen brings a wealth of research and practical experience to Blockchain NZ. With four years of focused research on blockchain and seven years of experience in inter-organisational collaborations, Memoona brings a breadth of insights into blockchain ecosystems.

Her PhD research at the University of Auckland delves into the challenges and opportunities within multi-organisational blockchain ecosystems. Drawing from over 30 B2B blockchain ecosystems and associations worldwide, Memoona’s work positions her to contribute significantly to Blockchain NZ’s mission. She is passionate about fostering collaboration, advocating for supportive policies, and promoting education across the sector.

Memoona is dedicated to ensuring that Blockchain NZ is transparent, diverse, and inclusive. She looks forward to representing the needs of the community and building a robust blockchain network for all New Zealanders.

Shu Su – Auckland University of Technology

With a PhD in Finance Mathematics and a role as a blockchain and cryptocurrency lecturer at AUT, Shu Su brings a unique blend of academic expertise and real-world experience to the council. Shu is deeply passionate about blockchain’s potential to drive innovation in Aotearoa and beyond.

Her ongoing research in applied blockchain and involvement in cutting-edge projects make Shu an invaluable addition to the Blockchain NZ Executive Council. Shu is committed to fostering an environment that supports both research and practical applications of blockchain technology, ensuring that Blockchain NZ remains a leader in the space.

With her combination of academic and industry experience, Shu is ready to help guide Blockchain NZ into a future where blockchain is an essential part of our economy and society.

Marc Krisjanous – Confide Limited

Marc Krisjanous is a firm believer in the power of blockchain technology to empower individuals, cutting out unnecessary intermediaries and adding value directly to people. With an extensive background in information security, Marc has led efforts to ensure decentralised applications are as secure as they are transformative.

As the world’s leading CryptoCurrency Security Standard (CCSS) Auditor and a member of the CCSS Committee, Marc has been instrumental in shaping the Cryptocurrency Certification Consortium’s (C4) auditor programme over the last three years. He has conducted numerous audits to help companies achieve top-tier security classifications, and is now leading the development of a CCSS Implementers Course after co-authoring the “CCSS Implementation Guide for a Full System.”

Marc’s commitment to blockchain security doesn’t stop there – he recently became a New Zealand member of the ISO/TC 307 committee, which focuses on blockchain and distributed ledger technologies. His role on the council will bridge the gap between the council’s work and global standards, ensuring that Blockchain NZ stays ahead of the curve in security and standardisation.

Sean Preston – Immersve

With extensive experience in fintech and payments innovation, Sean Preston brings a global perspective to Blockchain NZ. As Chief Commercial Officer at Immersve, Sean leads the expansion of one of the world’s first decentralised Mastercard programmes, working with crypto exchanges and wallets to drive adoption.

Sean’s career has taken him around the world, from managing Visa’s partnership with Revolut in London to holding leadership roles in Italy, Vietnam, and New Zealand. As the former Visa New Zealand Country Manager and Head of ASB Cards, Sean has consistently pushed the boundaries of what’s possible in payments and digital finance.

Now, as part of Blockchain NZ’s Executive Council, Sean is excited to use his expertise to shape policies, foster innovation, and promote blockchain education. He’s particularly focused on driving collaboration between fintech leaders and the wider blockchain ecosystem in Aotearoa.

We’re thrilled to have such an accomplished and diverse group of leaders join our Executive Council. Together, with their expertise, we’re confident that Blockchain NZ will continue to push boundaries and lead the way in innovation, collaboration, and education in Aotearoa.

Let’s welcome Memoona, Shu, Marc, and Sean to the team – we can’t wait to see the incredible work we’ll accomplish together.