Blockchain & Fintech Engineering

Željko Kovačević

Building secure systems for a decentralized world

Expert blockchain and software developer with 20+ years of experience and a Master of Information Technology - from smart contracts to full-stack platforms.

Željko Kovačević
20+ Years Experience
50+ Projects Delivered
20+ Happy Clients
100% Satisfaction Focus

About

What drives me

As a Senior Developer with over 20 years of experience and a Master of Information Technology, I bring a wealth of knowledge and passion to every project. My commitment to writing clean, efficient code and doing things the right way ensures top-quality results.

I am fully dedicated to each project, striving for 100% customer satisfaction. My self-organization, quick learning, and motivation drive me to seek out and conquer new challenges.

Let’s connect and discuss how we can make your next project a success.

Name
Željko Kovačević
Education
Master of Information Technology
Location
Croatia, EU
Focus
Blockchain, Fintech, DeFi

What I do

How I can help your next project

01

Blockchain Architecture & dApps

I design the architecture of the dApp, choose the network infrastructure, and build production-ready, scalable backends.

02

Smart Contracts

Smart contracts for Solana, Ethereum, EVM chains, Stellar, and NEAR - tested, audit-prepared, and ready for review.

03

DeFi Platforms

DEX integrations, AMMs, Uniswap hooks, custom liquidity pools, and API integrations with CEXes and similar trading venues.

04

Token Development

SPL and ERC-20/721 tokens - FoT, KYC-whitelisted, and RWA issuance - plus vesting, treasury, distribution, and custom on-chain logic.

05

Token Launch

Presales and meme coin launches, listings on popular registers like CoinGecko, and everything needed to prepare a successful token launch.

06

Fintech Integration

Bridging traditional finance with blockchain - stablecoins, cross-border payments, payment gateways, KYC/AML flows, fiat on/off ramps, and compliant architecture.

Stack

Tech stack I work with

  • JavaScript
  • Solidity
  • Rust
  • Python
  • PHP
  • React
  • Fastify
  • PostgreSQL
  • Express.js
  • MongoDB

Career

Experience

  1. 2024-present

    Blockchain Developer

    Freelance

    Building dApps and smart contracts on Solana (Rust) and Ethereum (Solidity), with Node.js backends and React frontends. Delivered a crypto affiliate / meme-coin presale platform with on-chain commission splits and wallet integrations (WalletConnect, Phantom, Solflare). Also worked on fintech systems - architecting core platform services and blockchain workflows on Stellar for secure financial and communication operations.

    Rust · Solidity · Solana · Ethereum · Stellar · Node.js · React · FinTech

  2. 2011-2024

    Web Developer

    Freelance

    Full-stack delivery for e-commerce, marketplaces, and fintech products - from PonudaDana.hr (PHP Slim, Croatian payment providers, booking and affiliate systems) to multi-tenant platforms (Membershops / QuantumPLR), Voicecrafters, NextCampaign (React + Laravel on AWS), and Revolut banking API / invoicing tools.

    PHP · Laravel · React · MySQL · Redis · WordPress · AWS · Payment APIs

  3. 2004-2011

    Java Software Engineer

    NTH Group, full-time

    Server-side telecom VAS applications (SMS, Voice, WAP) on custom in-house frameworks and GlassFish, plus desktop Java tools for building SMS, MMS, and Voice services.

    Java · GlassFish · Telecom VAS - SMS, Voice, WAP

Clients

What people say

“Excellent work. Zeljko demonstrated a very high level of professionalism, quickly understood our needs, and delivered flawless execution. His assistance with the client page as well as with the setup and optimization of the billing and payment methods was particularly valuable. Communication was smooth, deadlines were respected, and the overall quality of the work was outstanding. I recommend him without reservation.”

Switzerland Damien M.
CEO

“This is the second time working with Zeljko and an outstanding experience yet again. He managed to do a complex API integration of a payment gateway system with an existing, undocumented PHP platform. Great communication, flexibility and fast execution as always!”

Seychelles Antonio J.
CEO, Next Campaign

“Zeljko was an absolute pleasure to work with! He exceeded my expectations by going above and beyond to meet my requirements and even took the initiative to create comprehensive documentation for the project. I would definitely work with him again!”

United States Meme M.
Founder

“Zeljko did an exceptional job with the development of a fairly complex web app that required great skills in JavaScript, React, PHP, Laravel, AWS, SQL and API integration. I have worked with dozens of developers and he is by far the most skilled in both frontend and backend development. He is always ready to respond quickly and he can get complex tasks done fast while maintaining the great quality. Definitely recommended for all web development needs.”

Seychelles Antonio J.
CEO, Next Campaign

“Zeljko was proactive in coming up with a possible solution at an early stage, preemptively thought about possible constraints and how one could work around them above and beyond the initial job description, and was quick to iterate on the product after initial feedback and testing.”

Switzerland Mark M.
Owner

“Zeljko has been excellent. He has top tier communication and technical skills. He comes up with innovative technical solutions to solve any problems we run into. He always adheres to deadlines. I would highly recommend him for any development work.”

United States Jonathan W.
Manager

“Competent and skilled developer, excellent in communication, able to resolve all issues, I will be looking to hire him again in the future!”

Croatia Goran T.
CEO, GT Audio

“Zeljko did an amazing work on my project! He was always very reactive, and could solve every problem I encountered. I'm very grateful for all what he did on my project. Thank you sooo much!!!”

Switzerland Sebastien G.
CEO

“Highly competent developer, delivered on everything needed on both the back and the front end, excellent in communication and pleasant to work with. I can only recommend Zeljko and will be hiring him again!”

Croatia Goran T.
CEO, GT Audio

“Very fast, very good communication and a really good code! I recommend him 100%.”

Bulgaria Matthieu F.
CEO, MF Network

“Understood me (another coder), delivered on time, good communication, excellent instructions, made it easy for me.”

United Kingdom Craig
Founder

“Zeljko completed the task successfully and on time. Our collaboration went great without any hiccups. My highest recommendations!”

Serbia Dusan C.
CEO

“Zeljko was great to work with, very friendly and professional.”

United States Mony R.
CEO

“Really fast as always, a good problem solver! I recommend him 100%.”

Bulgaria Matthieu F.
CEO, MF Network

“Great collaboration with Zeljko as always! My highest recommendations!”

Serbia Dusan C.
CEO

“Great work! Very skilled - highly recommended.”

United States M. Rubin
CEO

“Second experience with Zeljko, still perfect! Thanks a lot.”

Bulgaria Matthieu F.
CEO, MF Network

“Exceptional work as always!”

Switzerland Sebastien G.
CEO

“I had the pleasure of working with Zeljko for 10 years, collaborating on lots of projects. He worked as a lead programmer and is one of the most dedicated professionals I've worked with.”

Croatia Antonija D.
Head of Sales, Ponuda Dana

Global reach

Clients worldwide

Teams I’ve worked with across five continents.

  • New York, USA
  • Chicago, USA
  • Denver, USA
  • Colorado, USA
  • Delaware, USA
  • Wyoming, USA
  • São Paulo, Brasil
  • Kenya
  • United Kingdom, UK
  • Basel, Switzerland
  • Geneva, Switzerland
  • Graz, Austria
  • Sofia, Bulgaria
  • Bucharest, Romania
  • Zagreb, Croatia
  • Beograd, Serbia
  • Turkey
  • Hong Kong
  • Jamaica
  • Seychelles
  • UAE
  • Cyprus
  • Marshall Islands
  • USA USA
  • Brasil Brasil
  • Kenya Kenya
  • UK UK
  • Switzerland Switzerland
  • Austria Austria
  • Bulgaria Bulgaria
  • Romania Romania
  • Croatia Croatia
  • Serbia Serbia
  • Turkey Turkey
  • Hong Kong Hong Kong
  • Jamaica Jamaica
  • Seychelles Seychelles
  • UAE UAE
  • Cyprus Cyprus
  • Marshall Islands Marshall Islands

Contact

Let’s build something together

Whether you need smart contracts, a DeFi integration, or a token launch - I’d like to hear about your project.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Who is Željko Kovačević?
Željko Kovačević is a blockchain and software developer with 20+ years of experience and a Master of Information Technology. He focuses on fintech, crypto, and decentralized systems - from architecture and smart contracts to full-stack platforms.
What does he do?
He designs and builds blockchain and fintech systems: architecture and dApps, smart contracts, DeFi platforms, token development, token launches, and fintech integrations across Solana, Ethereum/EVM, and related stacks.
Where is he from?
He is based in Croatia, in the European Union, and works with clients worldwide.
How can I contact him?
Email contact@zeljko.dev, or reach out via the contact section, LinkedIn, Upwork, or Freelancer.com.
How do I start a project?
You can engage directly through Castor (Castor d.o.o., Croatia), hire via Upwork, or via Freelancer.com. Share your goals, timeline, and constraints - the next step is usually a short scoping call or a written proposal.
What payment methods are accepted?
Payments are accepted in USD and EUR. Bank transfer options include SEPA and SWIFT. Crypto payments are also accepted when agreed for the engagement.