Monaco attracts a diverse group of global leaders and innovators, making it an ideal location for the first @, held on June 27 and 28, 2025, at the elegant One Monte-Carlo, near the iconic Place du Casino. This two-day event brought together visionaries and high-net-worth individuals to discuss the future of technology, focusing on Web3 and artificial intelligence. Participants connected through engaging discussions and honored the pioneers in the field. The event concluded with an awards ceremony recognizing special achievements within the industry.
In this friendly atmosphere, HelloMonaco spoke with the team at YouHodler, a forward-thinking financial hub that connects traditional finance with the digital world. Leading the team is CEO Ilya Volkov, who brings a wealth of experience in fintech and a strong commitment to creating a trustworthy platform. Here’s the conversation with Ilya, where he shares his thoughts on the future of finance and what YouHodler is doing to make an impact.
HM: Why is Monaco the right place for YouHodler to be this summer?
Ilya Volkov: Monaco is where capital meets creativity. Yes, it’s luxurious, but more importantly, it’s a summer hub for global investors, innovators, and decision-makers. It brings together open-mindedness and financial influence, exactly what’s needed to drive emerging technologies like Web3 and AI forward. For YouHodler, it’s the ideal environment to exchange ideas, form new partnerships, and be part of the conversation shaping the future of finance.
HM: Congratulations on your nomination for WAIB’s “Most Trusted Wallet” award. What does this recognition mean to you?
Ilya Volkov: Thank you, it’s a meaningful moment for us. In the world of Web3, trust isn’t optional; it’s foundational. We’ve spent years building a platform that is secure, transparent, and genuinely useful for both individuals and businesses. Our wallet is more than just a place to store digital assets; it’s a smart entry point into a connected ecosystem of on-chain and off-chain financial services. This nomination reinforces our commitment to building tools people can rely on.
HM: What role does YouHodler play in the evolution of Web3 and AI?
Ilya Volkov: Web3 has evolved; it’s no longer just a playground for early adopters. It’s become infrastructure for serious business. We’re supporting that shift by offering robust B2B and B2B2C white-label solutions that help companies easily integrate digital assets into their services. Our corporate accounts offer everything from faster, cheaper payments to crypto-backed liquidity and diversified asset options across 100+ cryptocurrencies. It’s about giving businesses the tools they need to grow in this new financial reality.
HM: And how does AI factor into your strategy?
Ilya Volkov: AI isn’t just a trend for us; it’s a tool that enhances how we serve clients. From onboarding to risk assessment to personalized user experiences, AI helps us build smarter, more responsive systems. It allows us to offer more value while keeping things efficient and scalable. The goal is always to make our technology more intuitive and impactful.
HM: Regulation is a major theme at WAIB this year. How is YouHodler approaching it?
Ilya Volkov: Regulation is a sign that our industry is maturing, and that’s a good thing. At YouHodler, we’ve always taken a proactive, transparent approach. We work closely with regulators and align with frameworks like MiCA because we believe compliance and innovation can, and must, coexist. That’s why our Head of AML, Alexandra Lloyd, is speaking at WAIB. We’re proud to contribute to a global dialogue about building a safe, trustworthy future for Web3.
