Macrina Kgil | Blockchain.com

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After Scaling Multi-Billion Dollar Companies, Blockchain.com CFO Macrina Kgil Positions The $5B Company for Growth

Macrina Kgil

CFO

Blockchain.com

https://www.macrinakgil.com/

Interview conducted by:

Lynn Fosse, Senior Editor

CEOCFO Magazine

Published – September 6, 2021

CEOCFO: Would you tell us about your interest in finance and cryptocurrency?

Macrina Kgil: As a longtime finance professional who has worked in consumer finance and private equity, I’ve seen both the innovations and challenges the traditional finance industry faces. When I first learned about the benefits of blockchain technology to systematically reshape our financial system, I was immediately captivated by the crypto industry and excited to jump aboard back in 2018.

CEOCFO: What led you to the role of CFO at Blockchain.com?

Macrina Kgil: My career has spanned from advisor at Big 4 accounting firms to private equity to consumer finance, ultimately leading to my role as CFO for two multi-billion dollar companies. My nearly 20 years spent in traditional finance served as a tremendous base from which to pivot into the crypto industry. I’m able to take an understanding of complex financial structures, infrastructure, and processes and apply them to Blockchain.com.

CEOCFO: What are some of the challenges as CFO of Blockchain.com? How do you navigate the waters in such a fast moving industry?

Macrina Kgil: The biggest challenge in my role as CFO of Blockchain.com is keeping pace with the rapid growth the company is currently experiencing. With one of the most significant balance sheets in the industry, we’re in a strong position to scale – but it also requires building out my team and the necessary internal processes to support that growth. It’s an exciting time and a challenge that I’m very familiar with after scaling two multi-billion dollar companies.

CEOCFO: How does being an officer of a company involved with cryptocurrency affect the role of CFO?

Macrina Kgil: The role of CFO at a crypto company is an important one. Not only must I ensure that we have the right processes and infrastructure in place, but my team must also remain nimble to adapt to the changing environment and technology in the space.

CEOCFO: Most CFOs are male. As a female CFO do you encounter any pushback? Was this a consideration when becoming CFO?

Macrina Kgil: Finance is a male dominated industry, but the demographics are changing. In fact, research shows that female CFOs outperform males, with $1.8 trillion in increased profits. After serving as the most senior woman (or one of the most senior) in the companies I’ve supported, I’d like to think I’m blazing a trail for other talented women to join the C-suite ranks.

I’m also passionate about the power that blockchain technology has to democratize finance and offer minorities – including women – economic empowerment opportunities. For example, women have limited banking availability in some countries, from difficulty physically traveling to a faraway bank, restrictions for women to even open bank accounts at all, or laws that prohibit property ownership. With blockchain’s ledger technology, all users are created equal and gender is not a factor – opening up financial freedom and access for everyone.

CEOCFO: What have you learned as CFO? What, if anything, has changed in your approach to finance?

Macrina Kgil: I’ve learned so many different skill sets as a CFO. One that I value the most is how to deal with the daily and weekly fires that always crop up. I always attempt to understand and resolve these issues calmly and with clear instructions to my team about the path forward.

CEOCFO: What would you like to accomplish in the short term? Long term?

Macrina Kgil: As a prudent steward of our finances, I’d like to maintain our healthy balance sheet in the short term and position us to scale. In the long term, the sky’s the limit – as the world’s oldest and most trusted crypto platform, our legacy speaks for itself and will help us maintain our leadership position in the years to come. I’m also keen to help grow our institutional business. While the Wallet remains the core of our business, our institutional business is now significant enough to cover the entire operating cost of the business globally while also delivering additional operating profits.

Macrina Kgil, |- Blockchain.com | After Scaling Multi-Billion Dollar Companies, Blockchain.com CFO Macrina Kgil Positions The $5B Company for Growth

“With blockchain’s ledger technology, all users are created equal and gender is not a factor – opening up financial freedom and access for everyone.”

Macrina Kgil

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“After serving as the most senior woman (or one of the most senior) in the companies I’ve supported, I’d like to think I’m blazing a trail for other talented women to join the C-suite ranks.” Macrina Kgil