Metallicus CFO emphasizes importance of compliance in crypto industry for financial institutions
From Yahoo Finance: 2025-06-12 07:00:00
Irina Berkon, CFO of Metallicus, discusses the importance of crypto and blockchain at Consensus 2025 in Toronto. She highlights the progress in crypto infrastructure and its value in finance. Berkon emphasizes the use of blockchain for treasury management and the potential of post-hype era crypto for finance functions.
At Metallicus, Berkon utilizes blockchain for multi-layered control in treasury management, ensuring asset security and preventing reconciliation issues. She stresses the importance of oversight in managing crypto assets and listening to financial institution customers for revenue growth in the blockchain-based business model.
Berkon addresses the volatility of crypto assets on the balance sheet, managing exposure strategically. She collaborates with the CEO and board for investment decisions, focusing on customer-driven forecasting and financial planning. Berkon notes growing interest in implementing crypto and blockchain in financial institutions due to regulatory maturity and credible partners in the space.
The evolving regulatory landscape and the presence of credible technology builders have fostered confidence in financial institutions to explore and implement crypto and blockchain solutions. Berkon highlights the importance of serious companies in the space and the supportive tone from regulators and policymakers for successful integration in the financial industry. In August 2018, Irina Berkon was offered the CFO position at a startup during a chance encounter on the sidewalk. She joined Metallicus after learning about their compliance framework and desire to be a legitimate crypto company. Berkon emphasizes the importance of putting in the work to land high-level finance roles.
Berkon believes that the crypto industry has evolved beyond hype to focus on compliance and real products. She stresses the need for serious skill sets in the industry, with a background in public accounting, regulation, and financial operations being crucial. Companies in traditional industries face a talent shortage as more people are drawn to blockchain and AI.
Having started her career in public accounting, Berkon highlights the importance of building a strong foundation and gaining experience to prepare for high-level finance roles. She encourages firms to inspire and retain their best talent by showcasing the potential career paths and emphasizing the value of hard work in achieving success in the industry.
Read more at Yahoo Finance: Metallicus CFO Irina Berkon on why compliance is crypto’s next frontier