March 5, 15:30 - 18:45
MTCC, Toronto
Women in Open Banking Canada Meetup
Women in Open Banking will host an in-person Canada chapter meetup at the MTCC in Toronto on March 5. Network with fellow members before hearing an inspiring presentation about the art of negotiating, followed by a timely panel debate on AI and how it is transforming the way we work.
Afterwards, there will be further opportunity to connect with your peers during a relaxed networking reception, where you can make new contacts, exchange ideas, and celebrate the women shaping the future of finance. Whether you’re here to share experiences, find inspiration, or expand your network, this is a space to engage, empower, and be inspired.
Speakers include
Bernice Cheung
Bernice Cheung
Vice President, Financial Services & Cultural Markets Research Environics ResearchBernice Cheung is Vice President of Financial Services & Cultural Markets at Environics Research, where she leads groundbreaking studies on fintech, open banking, and consumer trust in financial innovation. With nearly two decades of experience in market research and strategy consulting, she helps financial institutions, fintechs, and policymakers understand how Canadians think, feel, and act toward emerging financial technologies. A frequent industry speaker, Bernice is recognized for translating complex data into clear, actionable insight — guiding the future of consumer engagement, inclusion, and digital finance in Canada.
Carrie Forbes
Carrie Forbes
Founder & Chief Executive Officer Rockstar AdvisoryCarrie Forbes is a transformative leader with over 25 years of experience managing major organizational change in the technology and financial sectors. She has held CEO and senior executive roles, turning ambitious visions into practical realities while navigating complexity with clarity and purpose. As founder of Rockstar Advisory, she helps organizations and their leaders navigate transformational change. Recognized as International Woman of the Year at the 2024 Open Banking Expo Awards, Carrie’s recent work includes guiding organizations through post-pandemic cultural shifts, modernizing governance frameworks for the digital age, and helping leaders build resilience while driving ambitious change agendas.
Joyce Wong
Joyce Wong
Vice President Payments & Open Banking SymcorJoyce Wong is Vice President of Payments and Open Banking Products at Symcor, where she leads the strategic development of solutions that empower financial institutions to modernize infrastructure, enhance operational efficiency, and scale securely in a rapidly evolving ecosystem.
With deep expertise in payments and financial services, Joyce previously held progressive leadership roles at Visa Canada, spanning product strategy, commercialization, and enterprise transformation. In her most recent role as Senior Director, Global Sales Strategy & Transformation, she spearheaded initiatives that accelerated revenue growth, improved client enablement, and drove market adoption. Her career began at BMO, where she contributed to the advancement of digital and payments capabilities.
At Symcor, Joyce is passionate about unlocking value within established ecosystems and driving the evolution of trusted payment infrastructure to support the next wave of financial innovation.
Mariela McComb
Mariela McComb
Senior Manager, Wire Payments Product Scotiabank
Megha Sharma
Megha Sharma
Head of Fintech Lazer TechnologiesMegha Sharma is a fintech founder, engineering leader, and Board Advisor to the Open Finance Network Canada. She has led high-impact teams across banking, wealth management, and AI, most recently as Head of Fintech at Lazer Technologies and founder of an AI-native startup enabling secure, intelligent financial experiences. Previously Senior Director of Engineering at OneVest and Co-founder/CTO of Mydoh, Megha has launched complex integrations, scaled platforms to millions of users, and delivered industry-first banking innovations. With deep expertise in AI, open finance, and interoperability, she advises financial institutions on building future-ready, consumer-permissioned data ecosystems.
Agenda
Arrival & networking
PRESENTATION: The art of negotiating: Mastering the skills that move your career forward
Negotiation isn’t just a boardroom skill, it’s a vital career tool that can shape your professional trajectory, your earning potential, and your confidence. Whether you’re seeking a pay rise, positioning yourself for a promotion, or navigating everyday workplace conversations, the ability to negotiate effectively can make all the difference.
In this engaging fireside chat, our speaker will demystify what truly makes a great negotiator and break down the techniques that anyone can learn and apply. Discover how to prepare for high-stakes discussions, communicate with clarity and confidence, and advocate for yourself without hesitation.
You’ll explore:
- The key traits that define strong, effective negotiators
- Practical strategies for negotiating pay, promotions, and opportunities
- How to overcome self-doubt and approach negotiation with a winning mindset
POWERHOUSE DEBATE: AI: Threat or opportunity – friend or foe?
As artificial intelligence continues to transform the way we work, questions about its impact have never been more pressing. Research suggests that roles traditionally held by women may be among the most affected by AI-driven change, but that doesn’t mean the future is predetermined.
This session will explore:
- How AI is reshaping roles and what this means for the future of work
- Practical ways to adopt and leverage AI tools to enhance productivity, creativity, and career development
- Strategies for building the skills and confidence needed to thrive in an AI-driven workplace
- Why technological change may offer more opportunities than threats – and how to position yourself to benefit from it
Walk away with the insights, tools, and inspiration to make AI your ally, not your adversary.
Moderator: Mariela McComb, Senior Manager, Wire Payments Product, Scotiabank
Scotiabank
Mariela McComb
Senior Manager, Wire Payments Product Scotiabank
Environics Research
Bernice Cheung
Vice President, Financial Services & Cultural Markets Research Environics ResearchBernice Cheung is Vice President of Financial Services & Cultural Markets at Environics Research, where she leads groundbreaking studies on fintech, open banking, and consumer trust in financial innovation. With nearly two decades of experience in market research and strategy consulting, she helps financial institutions, fintechs, and policymakers understand how Canadians think, feel, and act toward emerging financial technologies. A frequent industry speaker, Bernice is recognized for translating complex data into clear, actionable insight — guiding the future of consumer engagement, inclusion, and digital finance in Canada.
Symcor
Joyce Wong
Vice President Payments & Open Banking SymcorJoyce Wong is Vice President of Payments and Open Banking Products at Symcor, where she leads the strategic development of solutions that empower financial institutions to modernize infrastructure, enhance operational efficiency, and scale securely in a rapidly evolving ecosystem.
With deep expertise in payments and financial services, Joyce previously held progressive leadership roles at Visa Canada, spanning product strategy, commercialization, and enterprise transformation. In her most recent role as Senior Director, Global Sales Strategy & Transformation, she spearheaded initiatives that accelerated revenue growth, improved client enablement, and drove market adoption. Her career began at BMO, where she contributed to the advancement of digital and payments capabilities.
At Symcor, Joyce is passionate about unlocking value within established ecosystems and driving the evolution of trusted payment infrastructure to support the next wave of financial innovation.
Lazer Technologies
Megha Sharma
Head of Fintech Lazer TechnologiesMegha Sharma is a fintech founder, engineering leader, and Board Advisor to the Open Finance Network Canada. She has led high-impact teams across banking, wealth management, and AI, most recently as Head of Fintech at Lazer Technologies and founder of an AI-native startup enabling secure, intelligent financial experiences. Previously Senior Director of Engineering at OneVest and Co-founder/CTO of Mydoh, Megha has launched complex integrations, scaled platforms to millions of users, and delivered industry-first banking innovations. With deep expertise in AI, open finance, and interoperability, she advises financial institutions on building future-ready, consumer-permissioned data ecosystems.
