Open Banking Expo has unveiled the first set of industry experts joining the speaker line-up at Open Banking Expo Canada on 5 March 2026.
It also confirmed that Symcor will return as headline partner for the second consecutive year.
Speakers from banks, credit unions, fintechs, and policymakers will be on stage at the MTCC in Toronto discussing key themes, including the consumer-driven banking roadmap, Open Banking oversight and accreditation, trust in a data-driven economy, unlocking payment initiation, and Open Finance readiness.
Among those confirmed to speak at Open Banking Expo Canada in Toronto are:
Sonia Bakshi, senior vice president, digital head Canada, Citi
Neela Maharaj, director, Open Banking and APIs, RBC
Saba Shariff, senior vice president, chief strategy, product and innovation officer, Symcor
Alain DeSouza, vice president, product and GTM, JP Morgan
Idriss Bouhmouch, digital partnerships lead, National Bank of Canada
Abdi Hersi, director, payments strategy and partnerships, Wealthsimple
Oscar Roque, chief product and innovation officer, Beem Credit Union
Heather Davis, senior director, innovation, CIBC
Andrew Graham, co-founder and chief executive officer, Borrowell
Samantha Tom, legal and general counsel, Borrowell
Santiago Duro, director and head, Open Banking, Scotiabank
Michelle Beyo, founder and chief executive officer, Finavator
Kirstie Lestition, director, AML compliance and fraud, FirstOntario Credit Union
Roy Kao, principal, Elja Associates
Victoria Clark, associate vice-president, payment products, ATB Financial
Jamie Kruspel, chief transformation officer, Mainstreet Credit Union
Symcor will deliver the opening keynote on the main stage, before the first powerhouse debate of the day gets underway.
Collaboration and action
“With the Consumer-Driven Banking Act now in place, Canada is moving from policy to real delivery – and the clock is ticking,” said Saba Shariff, senior vice president, chief strategy, product and innovation officer at Symcor.
“As the returning headline partner at Open Banking Expo, Symcor is proud to champion collaboration and action that will turn this momentum into secure, consent-driven innovation. Together, we can build a more inclusive, future-ready financial ecosystem that empowers consumers and accelerates industry readiness.”
Adam Cox, co-founder and managing director of Open Banking Expo Canada, also said: “We’re thrilled to have Symcor back as headline partner and I’d like to thank the team for their continued support. This year’s agenda is shaping up to be a major catalyst for Canada’s Open Banking ecosystem and Symcor’s insights will help set the tone for what comes next.”
View the full speaker line-up here and find out more about Open Banking Expo Canada here, including speaking, partnering and exhibiting opportunities.
