As the Open Banking and Blockchain Leader, Abhishek leads EY Canada’s Banking Technology Consulting practice.

Abhishek focuses on the transformative impact technology has on the banking industry.

He works with clients to strategize and operationalize major transformative initiatives within Core Banking Operations, Retail & Commercial Banking, Finance & Treasury and Payments. Abhishek’s current focus includes Digital Adoption, Innovation, Open Banking, Open APIs, Enterprise Architecture, Data Management, Analytics and IT Strategy.

Abhishek also leads EY’s Blockchain practice in Canada across all sectors, working with clients as they understand the fundamental impact blockchain has to their operating & business models.

Abhishek significant international experience with top-tier consulting firms and within the banking industry. He has played significant roles in setting up de-novo banks in different jurisdictions and has held various management positions in established global banks.

Ben is a Partner and the Head of Partnerships and Policy at Portage Ventures. Prior to joining Portage in 2018, he spent more than 15 years at Canada Life in senior level strategy, product development and marketing roles across the organization, including the Head of Innovation for Canada.

As Head of Partnerships, Ben’s team works with those investors to help them execute on their strategic objectives through a combination of commercial partnerships with the fund’s portfolio companies and relevant and differentiated insights into the trends shaping the fintech sector.

Ben also leads Portage’s government affairs mandate and has helped to position the organization as a leading voice for pro competition and innovation policy developments. He sits on the board of the Paytechs of Canada and is a member of the Digital Identity Laboratories advisory panel.

Ben is a graduate of the Business Administration program (BBA) from Wilfrid Laurier University.