Meet Team Monex
Welcome to Team Monex USA’s currency corner
At Monex USA, we believe in the power of diversity, not just in our services but in our team as well. Welcome to Currency Corner, where we introduce you to our dedicated employees, each representing different currencies from around the world. Our team brings unique insights and experiences, informed by their roots and cultural backgrounds, to help you navigate the foreign exchange landscape.
When you work with Monex USA, you’re on a first-name basis whether you choose to interact and transact over the phone, via email, or through our digital payments platform, Monex USA Online.
JP – CEO, Monex International
Say hello to JP, our ambassador of the Mexican Peso, straight from the heart of Mexico
What brought you to Monex?
A plane
…and what keeps you on the team?
First, the team; second the team; and third, the team.
Share one of your Monex ‘wins‘
It was a long summer day; the thermometer was flirting with the three-digit zone when the Monex brainiacs team sat to design a flexible FX hedging product that could be (a) operational and (b) beat other existing market offers. Enter Window Forwards with no window limit. Six years now, and competition still can’t match our level of flexibility!
What’s your favorite game to paly with the family?
My favorite board game is “Spot It!” It’s quick, is fun, it gets all the family together, and there are several ways to play it. I often carry a set of cards when dining out with the family and always on road trips.
Audra – Head of Marketing
Audra is basically the living embodiment of AUD—after all, her name kicks off with the same three letters as the Australian Dollar! Talk about a currency connection!
What brought you to Monex?
The opportunity to start the ‘official’ Marketing department and work with such a diverse team of experts
…and what keeps you on the team?
I love the fact that even remotely I get to work with nearly everyone across the organization whether it’s for an internal or external project and I enjoy getting to know the individuals.
Share one of your Monex ‘wins‘
This year we’ve started rolling out more Monex content relative to FX, the economy, and general business. We’ve had all this expertise bottled up and it’s amazing to finally get it flowing into the hands of our prospects and clients.
Do you have any hidden talents or hobbies?
One of my hidden talents is face painting which I do on a volunteer basis and to raise money for charity, I’m better with face paint than makeup 😉
John–CEO
The Euro currency is arguably the most important and recognizable attribute of the European Union, which originated post-World War II to prevent future wars between European countries. Plus, it makes European vacations a touch easier!
What brought you to Monex?
Family culture and the chance to help make a start-up into a full-fledged company.
…and what keeps you on the team?
The people. We are a diverse group of interesting, fun-loving, and trustworthy people. Sometimes, I spend more time with my co-workers than my family, so I better enjoy them!
Share one of your Monex ‘wins‘
I think getting through 2020 safely and profitably is a great win! I thought working remotely would create difficult challenges but everyone stepped up! We are thriving and in some respects, the team is even closer, more connected now.
Who inspired you to pursue the career you have today?
Greg Salvaggio, one of the original founders of Monex. Greg taught me all I know about foreign exchange and trading and always pushed me to learn more. He also taught me a few things about fine wine!
Toral–Head of Revenue Operations
Toral, the ambassador of the Indian Rupee, proudly showcases her family’s roots, proving that currency is not just about numbers but also about heritage and flavor!
What brought you to Monex?
A part-time job.
…and what keeps you on the team?
I love the flexibility Monex affords their employees. And I have a great team of co-workers.
Share one of your Monex ‘wins‘
Bringing actionable intelligence to the table every day from detailed company-wide data analysis.
Do you have any hidden talents or hobbies?
One of my hidden talents is drawing henna tattoos. This passion started when I was very young and we used to go to weddings in India. It is customary for the families to celebrate with henna art and I used to love watching the artists draw on my hands. For my sister’s wedding in Mexico, family members applied henna tattoos to guests to replicate the celebrations in India. Since then, it has been a tradition for me to take henna to the beach and I free-hand designs on all the kids and some adults!
John- Chief Economist
One of my favorite cities is Toronto. I used to visit monthly for a consulting gig and kept a close eye on USDCAD—after all, I was earning in CAD but spending in USD.
What brought you to Monex?
A consulting role
…and what keeps you on the team?
Teamwork!
Share one of your Monex ‘wins‘
Managing the risk ‘marlin fishing’ expedition
What’s your favorite thing to do on the weekends?
Squash and wine
Nikola- Operation Specialist
Nikola is proudly representing the Serbian dinar—because who needs dollars when you have a currency that sounds like a delicious dish?
What brought you to Monex?
I heard there was an opportunity available and applied.
…and what keeps you on the team?
Job security, people in my team, and our company’s culture
Share one of your Monex ‘wins‘
Fast responses to my fellow employees with their questions and concerns.
What’s your favorite place you’ve ever visited?
My favorite place I have visited is Honolulu, Hawaii.
Juan–Director of Trading
The Swiss Franc was the first account Juan opened. Little did he know it also symbolizes Monex. After all, a Swiss businessman kickstarted what we now know as Monex USA, showing that the best investments sometimes come with a side of Swiss chocolate!
What brought you to Monex?
I always wanted to be involved in international relations one way or the other but doing this combined it with my appreciation for markets and interacting with a lot of people. FX is as global as it gets!
…and what keeps you on the team?
We are a unified front in the DC office while holding family-like bonds with the rest of our American presence. Every year has been one of growth for me at Monex and I realize how lucky I am to be in the frontlines of what affects international business.
Share one of your Monex ‘wins‘
There have been a lot of small and big victories at Monex throughout my time, but I am particularly happy for our opportunity to be involved in FX forecasting and to be able to say we have been ranked as most accurate globally by Bloomberg. Our analysis and insights aim to help our clients be more aware, better prepared, and expertly well-served.
What’s your favorite place you’ve ever visited?
It’s a wonder of the world: The Iguazu Falls where Brazil, Argentina, and Paraguay meet. My description or feelings can do it no justice.
Matt- Director of Dealer
The Turkish Lira —always on the verge of collapse! With inflation soaring, political drama unfolding, and economic uncertainties making headlines, it’s in a dizzying downward spiral that’s exciting to watch.
What brought you to Monex?
Fellow William and Mary alumni, Greg Kimball, the co-founder of Monex.
…and what keeps you on the team?
Great team to work with and the company has always supported my career as an artist.
Share one of your Monex ‘wins‘
Was able to recognize a client’s email had been compromised and prevented a 50K wire from being sent to a fraudulent bank account thanks to calling the client to re-confirm new banking information.
What are you reading right now?
The Nude: A Study In Ideal Form by Kenneth Clark
Peter- Director of Dealing
I have always maintained that the USD was really the original EUR, as it was the first currency to bring together very different states and enabled them to work together congruently for the greater whole. Having grown up here in DC, I know firsthand how the city truly is a melting pot, a converging point where different parts of the world meet. That spectrum of diversity is what makes life here so interesting. I believe travel really is the best educator, so being able to constantly experience different cultures in my home city makes DC special.
What brought you to Monex?
Very good questions. I guess after 12 years in FX I needed a change.
…and what keeps you on the team?
It’s a very down-to-earth group of people. Everyone has the goal of a happy client in mind and we all work towards giving the best possible service. This limits my frustrations.
Share one of your Monex ‘wins‘
My favorite success stories are when we confirm with our clients any changes or new banking for a vendor. Sometimes a client’s emails are hacked and it is always such a relief to our clients when I verbally confirm each change and push them to confirm with their vendor as well that the banking change is indeed legit. Sometimes they find it was not and we can prevent them from sending thousands of dollars. The largest such wire I have stopped was just over $150,000!
What’s your favorite place you’ve ever visited?
That’s a hard one but it is between Angkor Wat Cambodia and Rome Italy. I love old historic cities!
Will- Director of Operations
I can’t imagine representing a better currency than the Bahamian Dollar (BSD). Working in a fast-paced environment, constantly racing against cutoffs and deadlines can be exhausting. What better way to counter that stress than to envision yourself relaxing on a Caribbean beach, where the only clock that matters is Island Time?
What brought you to Monex?
Headhunter poached me from a similar company. What I had to offer and what Monex was looking for was a perfect match.
…and what keeps you on the team?
The work hard, play hard environment. When we win, we win together and Monex knows how to celebrate.
Share one of your Monex ‘wins‘
Few years back Monex switched banking partners which was a critical, positive change for the business. Internal teams were impacted as well as the entire client base. I oversaw the transition and it couldn’t have gone smoother. I was still somewhat new to the organization and felt like I officially earned my stripes.
What are your favorite video/board games and why?
I’ve loved card and board games since I was a kid and I am still a kid in that sense. I’m always down for a game night. Monopoly, Catan, and Stratego are a few of my favorites. We need to revive our backgammon and chess lunchbreaks at Monex.
Marc–Sales Director
The Vietnamese Dong (VND) symbolizes the country’s economic growth and development. It embodies Vietnam’s journey toward becoming a more competitive player in the global economy.
What brought you to Monex?
I wanted to be a part of a company that cares for their employees while doing business the right way. Whenever I came across Monex, I always felt that those two factors were always aligned!
…and what keeps you on the team?
The people!! And that’s saying something since I was onboarded virtually and have only met maybe 3 people in the business! I love the open communication and the friendly atmosphere that Monex has! Can’t wait to meet everyone (in person), whenever that may be!
Share one of your Monex ‘wins‘
A number of our clients come to us for various reasons but one of the biggest reasons they stay with us is due to some of the long-term hedging strategies we customize for them. By doing exactly that, we were able to save one of my clients from 3% currency movement out of their favor, resulting in a savings of at least $15,000 in the span of two weeks!!
What’s your favorite place you’ve ever visited?
Hoi An, Vietnam is and always will be one of my favorite places I’ve visited! Full of culture, amazing people and titled as the food capital of Vietnam – It’s a must-visit!
Ready to work with Team Monex to optimize your FX?
Will Vigliotta, Senior Director of Operations
Will Vigliotta, Senior Director of Operations
For over 8 years at Monex USA Will has led operations, using his expansive knowledge about payment processes to help drive the accuracy and efficiency of our business functions. Learn more about Will 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.
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