Unleashing Innovation: FinTech Forward

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

8:30 – 8:45 AM: Opening Remarks

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

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

Innovation is no longer a choice but a necessity in today’s evolving financial landscape. Embracing technology can propel growth and create a more inclusive financial system. With traditional banks adapting to the digital age and collaborating with cutting-edge technologies, the role of innovation in reshaping finance and the future economy becomes increasingly vital. 

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

Financial Machine Learning is more than the application of Machine Learning to Finance, but a field in its own right. Organizations deploying Machine Learning algorithms must become familiar with the opportunities and challenges involved in the responsible deployment of these technologies.

• 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

FinTech innovations are transforming access to capital, reshaping opportunities for investors and businesses alike. From digital lending and crowdfunding to AI-driven investment tools, these advancements are increasing liquidity, lowering barriers to entry, and unlocking possibilities for underserved markets. How can FinTech drive growth and competitiveness, fostering a more dynamic and inclusive economy?

• Susan Christofferson, Dean, Rotman School of Management

Moderator:

• Som Seif, CEO & Founder, Purpose Financial

10:00 – 11:00 AM: Networking Break

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

As FinTech drives the financial sector forward, we balance the need for groundbreaking innovation with the imperative of stability. How can regulators and industry leaders collaborate to create flexible, principles-based regulations that foster innovation while safeguarding the financial system? How important is cooperation in ensuring a secure yet dynamic financial landscape?

• Hester Peirce, Commissioner, U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) (Virtual Appearance)
• Leslie Byberg, Executive Vice President, Strategic Regulation, Ontario Securities Commission 

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

As artificial intelligence accelerates financial innovation, firms face both unprecedented opportunities and critical challenges. AI is transforming market dynamics and operational efficiency while raising essential questions about stability, oversight, and ethics. What does the pursuit of AI-driven advantage mean for financial stability, and how can institutions balance innovation with responsible growth?

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

12:20 – 1:20 PM: Networking Break

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

Open Banking is set to reshape Canada’s financial landscape through secure data sharing, driving innovation, enhancing customer experiences, and intensifying competition. How will this transformation unlock new opportunities for a more dynamic and inclusive financial ecosystem?

• Cato Pastoll, CEO and Co-Founder, Loop

Moderator:

• Eyal Sivan, Podcaster, Mr. Open Banking

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

As Canada approaches the launch of its Real-Time Rail (RTR) payment system, the era of instant payments is near. How can real-time payments reshape the financial landscape with 24/7 capabilities, boosting financial inclusion, business efficiencies, and innovative services? What are the key hurdles to ensuring financial institutions can adapt to a real-time, digital-first payments ecosystem?

• Susan Hawkins, President & CEO, Payments Canada 

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