Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Websites
Awards
References
Timeline
Generic

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

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
Colin Ferris