Colin Ferris
Toronto,Canada
Summary
Executive Leadership | P&L Management | DeFi | Private Equity (PE) | Tokenization | Cryptocurrencies | Blockchain | Trading Platforms | Operations I Front-end Technology | Relationship Management | Regulation I Compliance I Fund Administration
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Director, CFO Services & Cloud Accounting
Cypher (formerly PROKONECT)
11.2023 - Current
- Manage and supervise cloud-based accounting functions, including bookkeeping, accounts receivable/payable, and financial reporting.
- Utilize specialized tools and technology to ensure accurate financial data for clients and investors.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to seamlessly integrate financial information.
- Offer a wide range of Chief Financial Officer (CFO) services to clients, including budgeting, forecasting, and cash flow management.
• Assist with fundraising efforts by preparing financial models and supporting due diligence processes. - Develop financial strategies to optimize growth and stability.
- Prepare precise profit and loss (P&L) statements, cash flow reports, balance sheets, and other relevant financial metrics.
- Create customized dashboards and key performance indicators (KPIs) to guide data-driven decision- making.
- Cultivate robust relationships with clients, understanding their unique business models and industry challenges.
- Implement process improvements to enhance efficiency and accuracy in accounting workflows.
- Leverage technology and best practices to streamline financial operations and free up clients’ time.
Head of Risk & Compliance
NetraScale
12.2023 - Current
- Oversee the development and implementation of comprehensive risk management frameworks and compliance programs, including those specific to our use of AI technologies.
- Identified, evaluated and monitored risk exposures for the organization.
- Provided advice and guidance on best practices in risk management across all business units.
- Collaborated with stakeholders to identify areas of improvement in existing processes related to risk management.
- Monitored changes in laws, regulations, industry standards, and best practices related to risk management.
- Analyzed data from various sources such as surveys, studies, market research., to identify emerging trends that may impact organizational objectives.
Director of Risk & Compliance, EMEA
NetraScale
10.2023 - 12.2023
- Provided expert guidance on adhering to complex statutory and regulatory requirements, including AML, SOX, CFT, sanctions, FATCA, and CRS.
- Developed and implemented risk-mitigation strategies for digital products, services, onboarding, and sustainable business relationships, contributing to a decrease in identified ML/TF alerts.
- Contributed to the development and implementation of robust standards-based cyber security frameworks, enhancing our overall security posture and mitigating potential breaches
- Conducted ongoing research, identifying emerging trends in financial crime and RegTech solutions, and proactively incorporated findings into risk assessments,.
- Co-developed training solutions and facilitated workshops, empowering employees to effectively manage compliance and security risks, leading to an increase in compliance awareness.
Finance Business Partner & Principal Consultant
Ferris Strategic Consulting
09.2023 - Current
- Provided strategic leadership and help with oversight as a fractional CFO/O for multiple clients
- Possess deep experience collaborating with CEOs and leadership teams across various industries to develop and implement financial strategies that fuel growth.
Director, Investment Finance & Operations
MarketX Ventures
03.2023 - 09.2023
- Provided transformational leadership to the accounting department, directing a team in the execution of comprehensive quarterly financial reviews. Cultivated a culture of accuracy and compliance, optimizing financial statements and net asset value (NAV) analyses.
• Leveraged an innovative approach to finance, conceptualizing and launching a decentralized finance (DeFi) platform for offshore investors. Fostered strong relationships with vendors and spearheaded operational process development, ensuring a seamless transition from funding to consumer release. - Commanded the review and approval process for critical financial documents and performance reports. Mentored junior team members, enhancing their analytical capabilities and fostering a detail- oriented work environment.
- Ensured effectivecollaboration with fund administrators for timely and precise delivery to investors.
- Strengthened the company's investor relations by coordinating with internal and external tax counsel for optimized investor tax reporting and investment structuring.
- Simplified vendor onboarding processes, demonstrating a commitment to operational efficiency, regulatory compliance, and enriched investing experiences.
- Cultivated strong relationships with investment teams to facilitate deal closings and financings, solidifying the organization's strategic financial growth.
- Maintained a strong network of inter-departmental and external vendor relationships. Regularly conducted performance reviews, provided feedback, and resolved conflicts, upholding a cooperative and productive work environment
- Demonstrated exemplary leadership in vendor management, negotiating contracts, and ensuring adherence to service level agreements (SLAs), optimizing organizational processes and outcomes.
Senior Associate, Investment Operations
MarketX Ventures
10.2022 - 03.2023
Senior Analyst, Private Investment Operations - Direct Private Equity & Real Assets
CPP Investments | Investissements RPC
08.2021 - 09.2022
- Provide leadership and guidance in the day-to-day management of investment operations functions including the review of the calculation and reporting of management base and incentive fee accruals, capital calls & redemptions, and invoice payments.
- Review and calculate monthly NAV's for external pooled funds and monitor estimate versus final and evaluate month over month market value and PnL change
- Review trade tickets and accounting entries for accuracy; ensure figures agree with transacted amounts, completeness of supporting documentation and appropriate authorizations are in place to facilitate investment closings
- Oversee the cash forecast for the business line and the proper reporting of all manager and fund related activities
- Partner with colleagues from the Investment Departments, Treasury and Trade Support to successfully set up and fund transactions by proactively identifying and resolving operational issues
- Assist in the review of financial statements, note disclosures and management reports to ensure accuracy and completeness, as well as providing valuable insights and commentary
- Provide insightful analysis of operational or business issues and provide direction in determining corrective action; promptly escalate irregular activities or issue
- Maintain an ongoing effective working relationship with internal investment staff and external asset managers to ensure issues are discussed and resolved and financial controls and reporting requirements are met
- Built a reputation as a subject matter expert in the hedge funds domain for issues related to investment operations and accounting
- Continually strives for operational excellence; seek ways to streamline processes, create operational efficiencies and foster a culture of continuous improvement, enhanced controls and data integrity
Senior Analyst, Private Investment Operations - Funds, Secondaries & Co-Investments
CPP Investments | Investissements RPC
03.2021 - 08.2021
Senior Analyst, Private Investment Operations - External Fund Operations
CPP Investments | Investissements RPC
03.2020 - 03.2021
Supervisor - Single Manager
The Citco Group Limited
06.2019 - 03.2020
- Responsible for providing and overseeing all accounting functions and preparation of financial statements, partner allocation P&L flow, assure fund operation is within the guidelines of offering document, provide comments on offering documents, provide assistance and guidance on accounting standards and best practices.
Senior Fund Accountant
SS&C Technologies
10.2017 - 06.2019
- Review and create daily and monthly reconciliations - including fee calculation workbooks.
- Assist with implementation of new clients and special projects – including fund setup across all reconciliation products ensuring a smooth month end
- Train new and current staff on different daily and month tasks ensuring they have the necessary resources to gain confidence in completing the task going forward
Fund Accountant
SS&C Technologies
04.2016 - 10.2017
- Complete cash and holdings reconciliations between core systems, custodian, prime broker and Investment Manager including trade entry, securities and holdings data maintenance.
Customer Service Representative
TD
08.2015 - 04.2016
- Create a legendary customer experience at every interaction and look for ways to contribute to the ongoing improvement of the overall branch customer experience.
Education
Bachelor of Management & Organizational Studies, Cross Sectional - BA -
Western University
01.2016
Ontario Secondary School Diploma, High School/Secondary Diplomas and Certificates -
Our Lady of Mount Carmel Secondary School
01.2011
Skills
- Part-Time CFO Services
- COO
- Accounting Software
- Cloud
- International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS)
- Accounting Standards for Private Enterprises (ASPE)
- Software as a Service (SaaS)
- Professional Services
- Cybersecurity
- Large Language Models (LLM)
- Team Management
- Google Drive
Websites
Awards
Canadian & International Law Award - Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board (DPCDSB) - June 2011
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Head of Risk & Compliance
NetraScale
12.2023 - Current
Director, CFO Services & Cloud Accounting
Cypher (formerly PROKONECT)
11.2023 - Current
Director of Risk & Compliance, EMEA
NetraScale
10.2023 - 12.2023
Finance Business Partner & Principal Consultant
Ferris Strategic Consulting
09.2023 - Current
Director, Investment Finance & Operations
MarketX Ventures
03.2023 - 09.2023
Senior Associate, Investment Operations
MarketX Ventures
10.2022 - 03.2023
Senior Analyst, Private Investment Operations - Direct Private Equity & Real Assets
CPP Investments | Investissements RPC
08.2021 - 09.2022
Senior Analyst, Private Investment Operations - Funds, Secondaries & Co-Investments
CPP Investments | Investissements RPC
03.2021 - 08.2021
Senior Analyst, Private Investment Operations - External Fund Operations
CPP Investments | Investissements RPC
03.2020 - 03.2021
Supervisor - Single Manager
The Citco Group Limited
06.2019 - 03.2020
Senior Fund Accountant
SS&C Technologies
10.2017 - 06.2019
Fund Accountant
SS&C Technologies
04.2016 - 10.2017
Customer Service Representative
TD
08.2015 - 04.2016
Bachelor of Management & Organizational Studies, Cross Sectional - BA -
Western University
Ontario Secondary School Diploma, High School/Secondary Diplomas and Certificates -
Our Lady of Mount Carmel Secondary School