In an ambitious move to reshape the landscape of Australia’s financial ecosystem, Project Acacia has emerged as a groundbreaking collaboration between the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) and the Digital Finance Cooperative Research Centre (DFCRC). This innovative initiative is set to explore how digital money and modern settlement infrastructure can redefine wholesale tokenised asset markets, ushering in a new era of efficiency, transparency, and operational resilience.
Key Milestones in Project Acacia
Recently, Project Acacia marked an important milestone by conditionally selecting 24 innovative use cases that will drive the project’s next phase. Out of these, 19 are focused on real money transactions while 5 serve as proof-of-concept for simulated transactions. The use cases are diverse, encompassing a variety of asset classes—from fixed income to carbon credits—demonstrating the project’s potential to transform multiple facets of the financial market.
As part of the operational framework, the project will utilize different forms of digital assets for settlements, including stablecoins, bank deposit tokens, and pilot wholesale Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC). Notably, the issuance of the pilot wholesale CBDC will take place on several leading Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) platforms such as Hedera and R3 Corda. This is a significant leap toward integrating innovative technology with traditional financial markets.
The Role of the Industry Advisory Group
To navigate the complexities of digital finance and asset tokenization, an Industry Advisory Group (IAG) has been assembled, comprising members from various sectors, including technology, regulation, and finance. Having conducted four meetings so far, the latest on June 16, 2025, the group plays a critical role in shaping the project’s trajectory. Discussions in these meetings focus on the project timeline, selected use cases, and the ever-evolving international landscape concerning digital currencies.
In these forums, the group reviews and deliberates on key updates, such as pilot CBDC networks and regulatory considerations for stablecoin interoperability.
The RBA and DFCRC have established an Industry Advisory Group to provide advice on the project pathway, findings, and future research opportunities,
DFCRC representative
Consultation and Future Directions
As part of its inclusive approach, Project Acacia released a Consultation Paper in November 2024, inviting stakeholders to contribute insights into potential use cases and operational challenges. This initiative culminated in approximately 65 submissions from organizations expressing interest in participating in the experimental phase of digital money innovation. The feedback has been instrumental for the steering committee, which comprises members from RBA, DFCRC, and regulatory bodies like the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) and the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC).
The steering committee is currently refining the proposed use cases based on the insights gathered and is expected to finalize selections for testing soon.
The project aims to improve the efficiency, transparency, and resilience of wholesale markets through tokenised money and new settlement infrastructure,
RBA spokesperson
Paving the Way for the Future of Digital Finance
The ambitious goals of Project Acacia reflect a significant shift toward embracing digital transformation within Australia’s financial sector. As the project progresses, findings from testing and exploration will contribute to a comprehensive report slated for release in 2026. This report will encapsulate lessons learned, shaping the framework for future wholesale tokenised asset markets and the implementation of digital money in Australia.
With the collective expertise from industry participants, including the Australian Bond Exchange and major banks like Commonwealth Bank of Australia and Westpac, Project Acacia is poised to make notable strides in redefining what digital finance means in a post-pandemic world. As regulatory landscapes adapt and technological capabilities grow, stakeholders will be keenly watching the momentum of this initiative.
Embracing Change in a Digital Era
As Australia stands on the brink of a financial revolution, Project Acacia exemplifies how collaboration among key financial institutions and regulatory bodies can harness the full potential of digital technology. With its robust approach to exploring innovative use cases and addressing regulatory concerns, the project is not only likely to enhance current market functionalities but also inspire similar initiatives globally. Stakeholders and financial enthusiasts alike should keep an eye on this transformative journey—one that may very well change the way we perceive and interact with money.
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