Alberta Champions Group is dedicated to empowering and Elevating the Fintech Ecosystem across the province.

Calgary, AB, March 18th, 2025

Fintech Cadence is thrilled to share a new initiative aimed at nurturing the growth and long-term success of Alberta’s fintech community. The Alberta Champions Group is a coalition of individuals with a long track record of supporting the sector. The efforts of the Group are focused on supporting startups, encouraging collaboration, and helping to establish Alberta as a top fintech hub in Canada.

Fintech in Alberta is exploding. It is attracting as much start-up capital in Alberta as energy and health. We all know the entrepreneurial spirit that exists here that will turn that capital into high-growth, scalable businesses. There has never been a more exciting time for Fintech in Alberta.
Eric Dillon
President | General Bank of Canada

The objective of the Group, led by Fintech Cadence, is to build a robust and inclusive fintech ecosystem in Alberta. It will aim to engage with all stakeholders within the industry by uniting various players (Financial Institutions, Credit Unions, Regulators, Fintechs, Government, etc.) across this ecosystem. The group will guide Fintech Cadence on how best to foster collaboration and innovation that drives growth in the sector. Additionally, through this support, the organization will be best positioned to offer on-demand support to founders and will ensure they receive timely and relevant assistance as they navigate their entrepreneurial journeys. Ultimately, these efforts will champion Alberta’s efforts as a leading global fintech hub, highlighting its potential on the international stage.

Members of the Alberta Champions Group include:

  • ‘Biyi Adeniran, ISSEC INC
  • Milanne Desfosses, Alberta Enterprise Corporation
  • Eric Dillon, General Bank of Canada
  • Chelsea Gillett, Luge Capital
  • Chelsea Hallick, Calgary Economic Development
  • Christy Lane, Flora and IA Capital Group
  • Jil Macdonald, Walnut Insurance
  • Sandi MacGregor, Independent Advisor
  • Joanna Wynn, Helcim

If you are a fintech based in Alberta and looking for support, reach out to Fintech Cadence and leverage the programs and services they have available for founders. All information can be found on the website www.FintechCadence.com.

I’m thrilled to join the Alberta Champions Group to help support the growth of our thriving fintech sector. Alberta is home to over 150 Fintech firms, with Calgary and Edmonton emerging as primary hubs for innovation in this sector. The province has seen a remarkable increase in investment, surpassing B.C. in 2024 by attracting $383 million across 41 deals, with Fintech leading the charge. I believe that a rising tide lifts all boats, and I’m excited to contribute to making Alberta the premiere destination for building world-class businesses.
Joanna Wynn
Head of Channel Partnerships | Helcim
Alberta is showcasing its growing impact on the national fintech ecosystem, with new companies emerging every month. It's exciting to see Fintech Cadence expanding out West, and now, more than ever, we have the opportunity to accelerate growth across the sector, regardless of regional boundaries. This signals Alberta’s ongoing contribution to our economy across multiple sectors. The diversity and growth of existing fintech companies here reflect the strong investment landscape, and I’m thrilled to continue demonstrating Alberta's ability to transform fintech across North America."
Jil Macdonald
Chief Operating Officer | Walnut Insurance
I am very excited about Fintech Cadence’s expansion to Alberta and the impact it will have on our already dynamic fintech ecosystem. Alberta punches above its weight in fostering innovation, and this initiative will play a critical role in supporting entrepreneurs and new businesses. I’m personally looking forward to the opportunity to support new ventures, ensuring they have the tools to succeed and thrive in our vibrant economy.
Sandi MacGregor
Independent Advisor
Organizations like Fintech Cadence catalyze growth of Calgary's fintech sector and will solidify our position as a leading fintech hub in North America, ensuring financial services remain a cornerstone of diversification for Calgary's economy. I look forward to continuing to work within our vibrant fintech ecosystem and witnessing some of the nation’s most innovative companies scale from Calgary.
Chelsea Hallick
Director, Business Development | Calgary Economic Development
Fintech Cadence launching a Champions Group in Alberta is a game-changer for innovation, collaboration, and growth in fintech. By fostering connections between startups, investors, and industry experts, this initiative will drive financial technology forward, creating new opportunities and strengthening Alberta’s position as a fintech hub. As both a fintech investor and founder, I am so excited to see this movement in Alberta!
Christy Lane
Venture Partner | IA Capital Group and Co-Founder | Flora
I'm excited to join the Alberta Champions Group and be part of the effort to bolster our local fintech hub. Fintech companies in our province have seen incredible momentum, and I look forward to working alongside this group and supporting Fintech Cadence in advancing the sector.
Milanne Desfosses
Manager Industry Development | AEC
I am honored to be part of the Alberta Champions Group with Fintech Cadence. I firmly believe in the power of collaboration and innovation to drive growth. Together, we can position Alberta as a global leader in fintech, fostering an environment where businesses thrive and new ideas flourish.
Chelsea Gillett
Venture Investor | Luge Capital

Media Contact:
Darren Liao, Alberta Lead
E. [email protected]

Learn More:

Fintech Cadence is a non-profit organization established in 2017 that is dedicated to the Canadian fintech community by providing multiple initiatives from coast to coast. Their mission is to advance the financial system for the better through a three-tier mandate of educating fintech talent, supporting early-stage startups, and fostering collaboration amongst Canada’s fintech ecosystem of financial institutions, VCs, incubators, accelerators and universities. Learn more here