Open Banking Expo has announced the first set of trailblazers joining the speaker line-up at Open Banking Expo Canada on March 5, 2026, and 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.

“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, 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.