Crypto convert Charlton in the frame for key Labor role – if he retains his seat
The race to succeed financial services minister Stephen Jones has emerged as a key subplot in this weekend's election.
Towards the end of March, Treasurer Jim Chalmers sent out an innocuous media release that raised eyebrows in sections the financial services industry for two different reasons.
Heralding a new approach to the "innovative digital asset industry", the release signalled a softening of the government's sceptical stance towards crypto. And it was co-signed by Anthony Albanese's recently appointed 'special envoy' on digital resilience and cyber security, Andrew Charlton.
It hinted that Charlton, an ambitious former consulting entrepreneur, Kevin Rudd adviser and Oxford graduate was posturing, or being positioned for bigger things in the next Parliament, should Labor be returned to power.
One of the biggest questions for the financial services industry at this election is who exactly will replace outgoing financial services minister Stephen Jones in the event of a Labor victory.
