Investing in the Future

Kambiz has over 28 years of experience navigating financial technology, securities, brokerage, and large-scale organizations, as Chief Innovation Officer at CI Financial (“CI”), he analyzes and engages with disruptive technologies to develop and digitize existing core businesses, participates in digital ecosystems, manage, and launch new technology initiatives, conduct data governance, and sustain innovative strategies on existing value networks and core businesses. He is also the President and UDP of CI Direct Investing (ex. WealthBar), an industry-leading Fintech company providing Digital Advice (Robo Advisory) services in Canada.

Kambiz led CI Financial in its Digital Transformation journey since 2019, during this time CI adopted a series of emerging technologies and emerging business practices such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), Intelligent Character Recognition (ICR), Robotic Process Automation (RPA), Automation, Agile methodologies, DevOps, CI/CD, Data Visualization, Microservice Architectures, Cloud computing…. CI Financial won the 2022 Digital Transformation Award in Canada under his leadership.

Before taking his roles at CI Financial, he was the CEO and president of CI Investment Services Inc. (ex. BBS Securities Inc.) and its highly-ranked Canadian online broker CI Direct Trading (ex. Virtual Brokers). He has worked in a variety of senior management roles with the company since its inception and was one of the main architects of its proprietary Broker Management Systems, Books and Records, and its technologically disruptive practices. Prior to joining BBS Securities Inc., he was leading the Engineering and R&D departments at Butane Industrial Co., one of the largest household appliance manufacturers in Asia.

In addition to being an Advisory board member of the Schulich Tech MBA program, Kambiz is an active member of Fundserv (National Exchange and Platform for Mutual Fund Trading and Settlement in Canada) Strategic Technology Advisory Committee, he also served as a member of the IIROC (Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada)/CIRO (Canadian Regulatory Investment Organization) Ontario District Council from 2018 to 2023.

Mr. Vatan-Abadi holds a master’s degree in Automation/Mechanical engineering from the Sharif University of Technology. He is a Certified Lead Auditor for Quality and Management Systems from SGS Switzerland and a Certified EFQM (European Federation for Quality Management) Auditor from Belgium.

In his leisure time, Kambiz enjoys playing music on his piano, a hobby he has had since childhood.

With over 20 years of experience in Digital Banking and Investing, and a proven track record of driving digital innovation, Matt is an advocate for Innovation in financial services and how this can help deliver better experiences for Canadians.

Matt started his career in the early 2000s working at one of the first Digital-only Banks in the world, speaking to Canadians about their frustrations with Banking in Canada. This experience has fuelled Matt’s passion for making financial services more accessible ever since. Matt went on to lead the growth and modernization of their digital investing business over several years - leveraging technology to deliver end-to-end digital onboarding and trading experiences and new ETF products.

In his role at Neo Financial, he is responsible for the development and growth of new products and P&L Management of the Deposits and Investments products, ensuring technology and innovation drive customer value and business value for Neo.

Roy Kao is a recognized executive, advisor, and dot connector in Canadian financial services transformation and fintech innovation development with over 25 years of leadership, consulting, and entrepreneurial experience.

In addition to his client advisory work, Roy currently sits as a member on the boards of Fintech Cadence and Open Finance Network Canada (OFNC) and serves as an Advisory Board Member for the Open Banking Expo.