TMX Group, the operator of the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX), has taken its first step toward investigating blockchain technology by appointing Anthony Di Iorio as its first chief digital officer.

One of the founders of the ambitious Ethereum project, Di Iorio's appointment in January follows what he called months of collaboration with TSX that culminated in the creation of the new role.

Di Iorio said that he will now help TSX navigate a number of areas of FinTech innovation more broadly, with the goal of ensuring the exchange is "on top" of emerging tech.

The appointment comes at a time when a number of major global stock exchanges are taking similar measures. This includes Nasdaq, Deutsche Börse, the London Stock Exchange (LSE) and the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX), all of which have either made investments in startups or are exploring applications of the tech.