Unleashing Innovation: FinTech Forward

8:00 – 8:30 AM: Networking and Registration

Start the day by connecting with industry leaders, innovators, and peers, setting the stage for a day of insightful discussions and opportunities to build lasting relationships.

8:30 – 8:45 AM: Opening Remarks

Gain insight into the vision driving this event and hear how Toronto’s financial ecosystem is evolving to foster innovation and competitiveness.

• Giles Gherson – President and CEO, Toronto Region Board of Trade 

8:45 – 9:05 AM: Accelerating Change: Building a Growth-Oriented Financial System

Discover how embracing technology can propel growth and foster collaboration between traditional banks and FinTech, creating a more inclusive and resilient financial system.

9:05 – 9:25 AM: Challenges and Opportunities of the AI Revolution in Finance

Dive into the unique challenges and transformative opportunities of AI in finance with a leader from one of the world’s largest institutional investors. Understand how organizations can responsibly deploy machine learning to achieve operational excellence while navigating potential risks.

• Prof. Marcos López de Prado OMC – Global Head of Quantitative R&D at the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority & Professor of Practice, Cornell University (Virtual)

9:25 – 10:00 AM: Connecting Capital and Opportunity: Deepening Markets through FinTech

Explore how FinTech innovations like digital lending, crowdfunding, and AI-powered tools are increasing liquidity, lowering barriers, and unlocking new opportunities for underserved markets. Learn how these advancements are driving growth and fostering a dynamic, inclusive economy – and how your business can benefit.

• Som Seif – CEO & Founder, Purpose Financial
• Susan Christoffersen – Dean, Rotman School of Management
• Brent Allen – Executive Vice-President, Head of Sales and Distribution, IG Private Wealth Management

 10:00 – 11:00 AM: Networking Break

Take time to engage with fellow attendees, exchange ideas, and build connections that can support your professional and business objectives.

 11:00 – 11:40 AM: The Digital Knife Edge: Fueling Innovation While Ensuring Stability 

Understand how to balance groundbreaking FinTech innovation with the need for financial stability. Hear how industry leaders and regulators can collaborate on flexible, principles-based policies that safeguard the system while fostering innovation.

• Hester Peirce – Commissioner, U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) 
• Leslie Byberg – Executive Vice President, Strategic Regulation, Ontario Securities Commission
• Andreas Park – Professor at the University of Toronto and Academic Director, Rotman FinHub 

11:40 AM – 12:20 PM: The AI Frontier in Finance: Balancing Innovation, Efficiency, and Stability

Learn how artificial intelligence is reshaping financial operations and market dynamics. Gain practical insights into how firms can achieve efficiency and innovation while navigating critical ethical and stability challenges.

• Shelby Austin – Founder and CEO, Arteria AI
• Tony Gaffney – President & CEO, Vector Institute

 12:20 – 1:20 PM: Networking Break

Continue conversations from the morning’s sessions and meet with peers who share your challenges and ambitions in the evolving FinTech landscape.

1:20 – 2:00 PM: Seamless Finance: Harnessing Open Banking for Growth

Discover how Open Banking is transforming financial services in Canada. Learn how secure data sharing is driving innovation, enhancing customer experiences, and creating competitive opportunities for businesses and institutions.

• Eyal Sivan – Podcaster, Mr. Open Banking
• Cato Pastoll – CEO and Co-Founder, Loop Financial

 2:00 – 2:30 PM: Canada in Real-Time: Transforming Finance with Instant Payments

As Canada approaches the launch of its Real-Time Rail payment system, the era of instant payments is near. Learn how 24/7 capabilities can enhance financial inclusion, streamline business operations, and create innovative services to drive business growth. 

• Patricia Meredith – Author, Teacher, Director and Consultant

2:30 – 2:35 PM:  Closing Remarks  

Reflect on the day’s insights and leave with actionable ideas to drive innovation and growth in your business or investments.

•  Giles Gherson – President and CEO, Toronto Region Board of Trade

2:30 – 3:30 PM: Cocktail Reception: Bytes and Bubbles

Cap off the day by networking by the bar in our welcoming reception space. Share your takeaways, celebrate new connections, and toast to the future of FinTech.