Keynote Speech Ⅰ

Topic: ESG-The Future of Accounting           
Speaker: Rachel Grimes AM, Digital Finance CRC



Rachel Grimes AM was the Chief Financial Officer for Challenger Group until 1 December 2022 after which time she has focussed on Non-Executive Director roles. A Chartered Accountant with over thirty years’ experience in the financial services sector, Rachel has worked at Westpac, BT (formerly BT Financial Group) and PwC Australia.

Rachel joined the Institute of Chartered Accountants Australia in 1994. She advanced to a Fellowship in 2002 and became a Director in 2006. In 2011, Rachel was appointed President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants Australia and was the President of the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC) – the global organisation for the accountancy profession from 2016 to 2018.

Rachel is a Director on the Accounting Professional and Ethical Standards Board and serves as the Chair of the Finance and Risk Committee for Surfing Australia.

Rachel has been on the advisory committee for the DFCRC bid since its inception and is taking a particular interest in the regulatory research program, and its audit and accounting aspects for Digital Finance. She brings a unique combination of a deep understanding of the field alongside extensive expertise in governance and auditory oversight. Rachel was also instrumental in the DFCRC’s gaining of support from the national accounting and auditory bodies.