Cryptocurrency and blockchain consultant Antony Lewis is joining R3 blockchain consortium as director of the lab and research center in Singapore.

Lewis will bring his deep knowledge and expertise to the startup. After working in Barclays and Credit Suisse, he joined itBit as Institutional Client Group Director and worked in varied roles including product management, business development, operations, as well as sales to businesses and consumers, and account management. In addition, he is also a mentor at Startupbootcamp FinTech.

He launched Bits on Blocks in 2015 – a blog on blockchain technology that strives for clear, practical articles that are accessible to business people. Bits on blocks is based in Singapore with a focus on Asia.

According to CoinDesk, the announcement comes amid efforts by R3 to solidify its footing in Asia. Recently, Asian firms including Ping An and life insurance firm AIA have joined the banking consortium.