Key Highlights:

• WonderFi is developing a zkSync-based Layer-2 platform to integrate centralized and decentralized financial systems.
• The company is expanding to Australia, targeting markets with clearer regulations and high cryptocurrency adoption.
• CEO Dean Skurka has mentioned that Canada’s regulatory environment could hinder innovation, prompting projects to relocate—an issue he aims to address.

When Dean Skurka began at Bitbuy in 2018, there were only four employees, a handful of users, and about $25 million in trading volume. Fast forward, and he now leads WonderFi, which has consolidated several Canadian exchanges, serving 1.7 million accounts and protecting $2 billion in client assets.

But Skurka is not stopping at Canadian success—he’s looking to expand internationally.

Dean Skurka, who is featured as a speaker at Consensus 2025, discusses WonderFi’s plans to launch a Layer-2 blockchain in collaboration with zkSync. Australia is on the radar as it offers a blend of regulatory certainty and robust crypto adoption, which positions it as an ideal market for expansion.

In an interview, Skurka addressed how centralized exchanges will serve as a bridge to decentralized finance (DeFi), helping users transition into on-chain activities. He stated, > “We see a really strong synergy between centralized exchanges…the users are originating…and giving them a seamless bridge to everything that’s happening on-chain today.”

Shifting Perspectives in Canada Skurka highlights Canada’s rich crypto history—from being home to Ethereum and the first spot Bitcoin ETF to having early regulatory frameworks for crypto trading.

However, an absence of clear guidelines has pushed many innovative crypto products offshore.

He remarked, > “We are working hand in hand with regulators…and hopefully that will encourage entrepreneurs…to stay in Canada and build products with confidence.”

With the growing interest in crypto from institutional investors in Canada, including family offices and private equity looking for exposure to digital assets, Skurka anticipates significant momentum in the coming years.

Looking At Australia and Beyond Skurka aims to extend his company’s footprint into Australia first, stating it serves as an excellent initial target due to its clear regulations and high crypto adoption rates.

As the crypto landscape continues to evolve, Skurka is keeping a close watch on market volatility, which he describes as a pressing concern that influences business outlook and team morale. He confidently concluded, > “We have a really good handle on it, and we’re in a really good spot.”

For more detailed insights, be sure to check out the full coverage at Consensus Toronto 2025.