In the world of finance and technology, there’s often a gap between the traditional and the new. But Nikola Škorić, a nuclear engineer turned crypto entrepreneur, is determined to change that. As the co-founder of the Money Motion conference and CEO of Electrocoin, he’s spent over a decade pushing the boundaries of fintech in Southeastern Europe – and he’s just getting started.
From an Idea to a Movement: The Birth of Money Motion
When asked what inspired him to launch Money Motion, Škorić is quick to point out the need for connection.
“We had this vision of bringing crypto to the mainstream and into traditional finance.”
That vision goes back to the early days of Electrocoin, when his team was already working on integrating crypto payments with traditional payment processors as early as 2018. For Škorić, it wasn’t enough to simply be a crypto company – he wanted to be a service provider to the banking world.
The result was Money Motion, a unique event where fintech, banking, crypto, and regulators could all meet. Unlike most crypto conferences, which often operate in silos, Money Motion was designed to be a shared space.
“We really wanted to have a conference where crypto people are a minority. The majority should be traditional finance – but we’re in the same room, on the same panels, and most importantly, at the same parties.”
What Makes Money Motion Different?
Hosted in Zagreb and entering its third year, Money Motion has made a name for itself not only through content but through atmosphere. Škorić says they purposely hired producers from film and music festivals — not finance events — to make the experience memorable and engaging.
“We wanted a financial conference that’s relaxed. If we want sincere discussions about the future of finance, we need the environment to match.”
This relaxed yet professional approach has won over participants from across Europe, with a growing international audience from Hungary, Bulgaria, Romania, and beyond. But despite the growing reach, Škorić and the team keep their focus clear:
“If you can drive to Zagreb, you’re in our target group.”
Who Should Attend?
Money Motion is not just for CEOs or crypto enthusiasts. In fact, Škorić emphasizes the importance of diversity among attendees.
“We want bankers, fintechs, crypto people, regulators, lawyers, educators – everyone. We are not a niche conference. We’re the opposite.”
Whether you’re on a board of directors or working on a bank’s IT team, Škorić believes you should be part of the conversation. That inclusivity is part of what sets the event apart.
Building Electrocoin: A Crypto Company Ahead of Its Time
Škorić’s crypto journey began in 2013, when he found it difficult to buy Bitcoin – especially from Croatia. With a background in cryptography and engineering, he spotted an opportunity.
“I figured out that I had the perfect tools to start offering crypto buying and selling services. So I did.”
The idea then quickly grew into Electrocoin, one of Croatia’s first and most prominent crypto companies. The company started as a brokerage but later launched its own payment processor, and now provides crypto infrastructure to banks and currency exchanges.
“Since last year’s Money Motion, we’ve seen a lot of interest from banks. We offer a Revolut-style crypto trading module that they can integrate into their apps.”
They even partner with Exclusive Change, a Hungarian-owned currency exchange chain, allowing users to buy crypto with cash – while letting the exchange handle all AML and KYC processes.
Navigating Regulation: From Silence to Collaboration
Electrocoin wasn’t just early in crypto adoption – they were also proactive with regulators. Škorić recalls emailing Croatia’s central bank and other authorities in 2014 to inform them about launching a crypto company. He got no response.
“I came from the nuclear industry – probably the most regulated one out there. So I figured, if we’re doing something experimental, we should talk to the regulators.”
That proactive mindset paid off later, as Škorić co-founded the Croatian Blockchain Association and helped foster dialogue with regulators. Today, Electrocoin actively participates in panels and meetups with government institutions.
“We can only bridge the gap between crypto and mainstream if we pay attention to regulation.”
On MiCA and the Future of Crypto
When asked about the Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation, Škorić describes it as a “mixed blessing.”
“On one hand, there’s a lot of regulatory overhead. On the other hand, it gives banks a framework they can work within. So now they feel more comfortable offering crypto services.”
This regulatory clarity is helping Electrocoin expand, but it also brings higher operational costs – a trade-off that Škorić believes is worth it in the long run.
What’s Next for Crypto?
Looking ahead, Škorić sees continued institutional interest and integration with traditional finance as key trends.
“I’m quite sure that more banks will offer crypto to their clients, and more payment companies will start using stablecoins.”
But he’s realistic about the market’s unpredictability – especially when it comes to prices or meme coin hype.
“I’ve been in the industry for more than 10 years, and the only thing I can tell you is: you never know.”
The Future of Electrocoin
As for the next five years? Škorić envisions Electrocoin growing its B2B services across the region – especially with banks and payment processors in Southeast and Central Europe.
“We’ve built strong foundations in Croatia. Now we’re working with partners in Slovenia, Bosnia, Hungary, and beyond.”
Whether it’s through Electrocoin’s innovative services or the vibrant, open atmosphere of Money Motion, one thing is clear: Nikola Škorić is helping reshape how Europe’s financial players talk about – and adopt – crypto. And for him, it all comes down to building bridges.
(Cover photo: Depositphotos)