Behind the Portal
Learn about the multi-talented people at Monex USA
At Monex USA, we believe in the power of diversity, not just in our services but in our team as well. Introducing Behind the Portal — a series featuring the range of interests and talents our team members pursue outside of their work at Monex. Explore the things that drive us, and the lessons that we learn from them.
Matt Malone
What is your talent/interest/hobby outside of monex?
I am an artist and paint collaboratively with another artist on the same canvas at the same time.
has painting taught you anything you apply in your work at monex?
It has taught me how to compromise and to be open to outside perspectives. Also, by working together, things are often better than going at it alone.
Where can we find your work?
Check out my site, www.dulynotedpainters.com
Rachel Hopp
What is your talent/interest/hobby outside of monex?
Last year, I decided to pursue a 200-hour yoga teacher certification for the Iyengar and Hatha styles. Currently, I’m gaining hands-on teaching experience at a local studio, where I teach a variety of kids and adult yoga classes each week.
has yoga taught you anything you apply in your work at monex?
Incorporating yoga principles helps me realign physically and mentally, easing the strain from sitting and maintaining focus and calm throughout the day.
What is your favorite thing about yoga?
At first, I loved how it improved my flexibility, but over time I realized yoga offers so much more. Beyond the physical practice, it provides emotional balance and spiritual grounding.
Bryan Cohen
What is your talent/interest/hobby outside of monex?
Music and audio gear! I’ve built an audio system piece by piece, guided by members of the incredible audio/music community.
has Music taught you anything you apply in your work at monex?
It is a great reminder to set aside differences and be kind to one another. It’s nice to be part of a community built on real common ground — both at work and in life. Even with the never-ending debate of vinyl vs. digital, everyone I’ve met still enjoys the music and each other’s company.
What is your favorite part of music & Audio Gear?
It’s never-ending, and the community is amazing — whether it’s the people you go to concerts with, the friends who introduce you to new music, or the folks who teach you how to set up and improve your system.
Kyle Falconi
What is your talent/interest/hobby outside of monex?
Restoring vintage Land Rovers. An old colleague moved back to Spain, where Land Rovers are everywhere—these trucks are essentially glorified tractors. He had been importing unrestored versions to buyers in the U.S. I mentioned I’d always wanted one, and that’s how it started.
has it taught you anything you apply in your work at monex?
Last year, I began a startup, Lavin Motors, which has taught me so many lessons that apply to my career at Monex. A few themes that come up every day are that action beats overthinking, and persistence wins respect.
What is your favorite part of restoring the cars?
The trucks are simple: no electronics, entirely mechanical, and easy to access. You can take them apart and put them back together without much fuss. The process is fun, challenging, and was completely new to me.
Chris Barclay
What is your talent/interest/hobby outside of monex?
Argentine tango! I’ve been passionate about it for several years now.
has tango taught you anything you apply in your work at monex?
Tango has taught me how to listen closely, adapt quickly, and stay attuned to subtle cues, which translates directly to teamwork and collaboration at work.
How has dancing inspired you?
I began learning Spanish to understand the tango lyrics we were dancing along to. I’ve found Spanish to be such a fun and beautiful language to learn, and the process has strengthened my patience, resilience, and empathy. My current favorite song to dance to is probably ‘Viejo Portón’, a gorgeous vals.
Lacy Callahan
What is your talent/interest/hobby outside of monex?
Baking — I started from a very young age, and by high school, I was running a small baking business!
has baking taught you anything you apply in your work at monex?
Baking is both an art and a science; if you learn the fundamentals of how things work, you can push the boundaries and be creative with flavors and techniques. I carry that creativity into my marketing role at Monex, where I use both my right and left brain every day.
What is your favorite thing to bake?
I love the artistry of decorated sugar cookies, but my favorite things to make are French silk pie, brown butter chocolate chip cookies, and salted caramel cake.
John Min
What is your talent/interest/hobby outside of monex?
Teaching — I am a Professor of Economics at Northern Virginia Community College.
what made you interested in becoming a professor?
I’ve always been fascinated by how exchange rates are shaped by macroeconomic and geopolitical forces, and how those forces ripple through markets worldwide. To deepen my understanding and provide more insightful market intelligence, I enrolled at GMU and earned a doctoral degree in economics while working full-time in FX sales.
how has teaching shaped your work at monex?
The lectures I give to my students are not so different from talks I give at conferences with Monex. I truly believe that teaching is the best way to learn, and I am fortunate to keep learning and growing every day.
JP Carriedo, CEO of Monex International
JP Carriedo, CEO of Monex International
JP has almost 30 years of experience in the financial sector, specializing in international payments and foreign currency exchange. His wealth of experience and excellent leadership bring Monex to new heights! Learn more about JP in our currency corner
Meet Team Monex USA
Say hello to the Monex USA App
Say hello to the Monex USA App
Transact anywhere, anytime from your mobile device with the Monex USA App. Manage all your payments and FX products at your fingertips with end-to-end transaction tracking as well as instant quotes with the ability to buy in a few clicks.
Read More