Open Banking Expo Canada reveals Powerlist 2025 Standout Five

The curtain came down on Open Banking Expo Canada 2025 with the live reveal of the Standout Five, following a wave of industry voting on this year’s Powerlist — a list celebrating 42 individuals driving real change across Open Banking, Open Finance, and Smart Data in Canada.

Taking to the main stage to close the event, Open Banking Expo co-founders Kelly Stanley and Adam Cox announced the five individuals who had garnered the most votes from peers across the ecosystem, with more than 1,000 votes cast in just the first three days of voting.

“The market isn’t waiting around — it’s moving, with or without a formal roadmap,” said Stanley. “That progress is being driven by real people,” added Cox. “And that’s why we launched the Powerlist — to spotlight the individuals pushing the industry forward.”

The 2025 Standout Five:

Abraham Tachjian

Formerly Canada’s federal Open Banking lead, Abraham designed the framework now being implemented through legislation. He now heads PwC Canada’s Open Banking practice, building on a global career that spans Singapore, Hong Kong, and a deep intersection of law, technology, and financial innovation.

“I am honored and humbled to receive the recognition and to be among other luminaries in the Canadian Open Banking space,” said Tachjian.

Saba Shariff

As senior vice president and chief strategy, product & innovation officer at Symcor, Saba led the creation and national rollout of COR.CONNECT — a secure, interoperable data access platform. Named one of Canada’s top 50 women in fintech, she continues to shape the industry through public advocacy, mentorship, and strategic leadership.

“I’m deeply honoured to be named among the Standout Five of the Open Banking Expo Powerlist alongside such exceptional leaders driving innovation in our industry,” said Shariff.

“This recognition is a testament to the passion and incredible work of my talented team, and the growing momentum across Canada’s Open Banking ecosystem. Thank you to everyone who supported this journey — your support means so much. I’m proud of what we’ve achieved and energized by what lies ahead as we continue shaping the future of Open Banking in Canada.”

Shruti Awasthi

Director of Open Banking strategy at CIBC, Shruti brings international experience and a human-centred lens to scalable innovation. She’s also a passionate inclusion advocate, mentoring through Women in Open Banking and Microsoft Women in Tech, and hosting The Sunkissed Souls podcast to amplify untold stories.

“I’m incredibly honoured to be named one of the top 5 Standout professionals in Open Banking across Canada. Grateful to the community, my peers, and the Open Banking Expo for recognizing the work — the journey continues, and the best is yet to come,” Awasthi added.

Eyal Sivan

Known globally as Mr. Open Banking, Eyal is a vocal champion of the movement in Canada and beyond. His award-winning podcast has over 100,000 listeners, and he now leads North American growth for Ozone API, helping power some of the world’s most advanced data-sharing ecosystems.

“It is truly an honour to be recognized as one of the Powerlist Standout 5, amongst a selection of such committed and talented individuals who continue to champion Open Banking here in Canada, despite considerable ups and downs – thank you,” said Sivan.

Michelle Beyo

As chief executive officer of Finavator and president of the Open Finance Network of Canada, Michelle is a driving force behind the country’s push toward inclusive, collaborative innovation. A TEDx speaker and recognised leader, she continues to expand the national conversation — and action — beyond Open Banking to Open Finance.

“Humbled and honoured to be named a Standout 5 on the Open Banking Expo Powerlist—grateful to stand alongside fellow trailblazers working to bring Open Banking to life for Canadian consumers and business owners,” Beyo said.

Each of the Standout Five was invited to the stage to collect a trophy in front of a packed room of industry peers, closing out a day that featured keynote appearances from former CFPB director Rohit Chopra, Finance Canada’s Kïrsten Fraser, and FCAC commissioner Shereen Benzvy Miller.

Attendees then headed into the Powerlist Drinks Reception in the Expo Hall to celebrate the winners and raise a glass to the future of Open Banking in Canada.