School of Communication and School of Continuing and Professional Studies Commencement Addresses

Carlos X. Montoya 

(BA ’85) • Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, I-ON Digital Corporation 

Carlos X. Montoya (BA '85) is a visionary executive with extensive expertise in Banking and Investment Banking with over 30 years of distinguished experience. Known for his expertise in acquiring and building commercial and merchant banking groups, he has established innovative enterprise-wide risk management frameworks and developed strategic capital resources throughout his career. 

As the current Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of I-ON Digital Corporation, Montoya is leading the transformation of traditional banking into the digital age through proprietary patented processes. He also serves as Founder & Chairman of Tall Ship Partners Fund, LLC, an investment banking and private debt platform that supports the global positioning of ION.au—the world's first gold-backed and custody-managed digital asset. 

His leadership extends to MCM Advisors Corp., where he has served as President and CEO for over a decade. As Founder & Chairman of MCM Advisors LLC, he oversees a bank-service bureau staffed with executive-level banking operations, compliance, and treasury management experts who drive innovation in digital assets. 

Montoya's groundbreaking achievements in digital finance include developing the first fully transparent digital security with enforceable smart contract technology that meets 1933 SEC Act standards. He pioneered the first digital asset to incorporate US regulated financial onboarding, custody, and asset transfer capabilities, as well as the first to be pegged to a major metals exchange (London Market daily price). Under his leadership, the patent-supported ION Digital Blockchain was developed, featuring robust Anti-Money Laundering protocols and stringent "Proof of Reserves" onboarding systems. 

Earlier in his career, Montoya served as President and CEO of Republic Bank of Chicago, where he was instrumental in its growth from a $100 million institution to its current $2.5 billion in assets. He initially served 10 years as Executive Vice President/Chief Credit Officer and Board Member before assuming the role of President and CEO for five years. 

Montoya holds degrees from Loyola University of Chicago, where he was inducted into Alpha Sigma Nu and received the Damen Honor Society distinction, and the University of Delaware's Stonier Graduate School of Banking. His commitment to service is evident in his leadership roles across various sectors, having served as Chairman, President and CEO, Founder, or Trustee for prestigious institutions including Loyola University, Loyola Medicine, Republic Bank, AAB, the National Museum of Mexican Art (NMMA), the Goodman Theatre, and Chicago Scholars. His public service includes two terms as Chairman of the Illinois Property Tax Appeals Board (PTAB). 

Mr. Montoya is also a proud veteran of the United States Coast Guard.