Fintech & Blockchain Business Opportunities in Alberta, Canada
The future of fintech companies starts in crypto-friendly cities.
Alberta is steadily advancing among global leaders when it comes to fintech and blockchain technology adoption. The province hosts over 150 fintech firms, with Calgary and Edmonton emerging as key centers for innovation in the financial services sector. Alberta, with the Financial Innovation Act, is the first province to establish a regulatory sandbox environment for innovative financial services and fintech development in Canada. The low cost of doing business and concentration of capital from corporate head offices makes Alberta one of the most welcoming places for financial firms.
As Canada’s largest blockchain initiative, the Canadian Blockchain Consortium facilitates collaboration among tech companies, educates stakeholders on blockchain technology, and advocates for regulatory frameworks conducive to innovation. With a focus on blockchain applications in financial transactions and digital currencies, this technological push is supported by the Alberta government’s support programs favouring tech innovation and a skilled workforce. Alberta’s financial industry, with new fintech platforms and adoption of blockchain technology to drive digital transformation, aim to make financial services more accessible and market efficient internationally.
Downtown Calgary and Bow River
Photo Credit: © Travel Alberta by Dave Lieske
Alberta Stories
Bitcoin Well
The concentration of capital-intensive industries has created a strong global demand for an innovative and efficient financial services sector. With pro-business policies, and a supportive government climate, Alberta has developed world-class expertise in the fastest-growing financial sectors internationally, such as blockchain technology, market trading, asset management, mergers and acquisitions, corporate banking, and equity issuance.
Financial Services Concierge
Your single point of contact for navigating financial sector legislation and regulation in Alberta.
A TOP 50 GLOBAL FINANCIAL CENTRES IN THE WORLD
Calgary, Alberta, well-integrated with global markets, is regarded as one of Canada’s four global finance centres, and one of the top 50 global financial centres in the world, with a cluster of 1,400+ financial services companies that employ more than 20,000 people. Alongside Calgary, Edmonton is one of Canada’s leading centres for asset management and banking entrepreneurship. Four of Western Canada’s largest financial institutions are headquartered in Edmonton, including one of the country’s largest institutional investment fund managers.
Alberta’s financial services have seen exceptional growth over the past decade. From 2011-2021, Alberta’s growth rate was 38.7% compared to the national growth rate of 35%. 75% of the top 20 global investment banks have branch offices in Alberta.
EMERGING GROWTH OF FINTECH COMPANIES
The strength of Alberta’s financial sector and the trend toward digitalization has spurred the growth of numerous fintech companies. Alberta will invest over $1.5 billion in digital transformation for financial services from 2021 to 2024.
Alberta’s fintech firms specialize in blockchain, cryptocurrency, insurtech, paytech, capital markets, wealthtech, software and more. Investors are taking note of Alberta’s emerging fintech sector. With three fintech unicorns, the province is not only developing innovative products but connecting with the capital needed to grow.
CRYPTOCURRENCY COMPANIES AND ACCELERATING BLOCKCHAIN ADOPTION
Alberta is rapidly becoming a top international supporter for the blockchain industry and crypto companies, with Canadian exchanges such as NDAX and popular bitcoin mining company, Hut 8, operating in the province. Popular globally known cryptocurrency exchange Kraken, had its major successful Canadian expansion through the 2016 acquisition of Calgary-based crypto trading platform, CaVirtEx. Notably, Coinbase Canada’s expanding international business strategy in Canadian markets is a significant historical moment in developing new crypto regulations in North America for stability, market accessibility, and worldwide blockchain industry growth.
The Canadian Blockchain Consortium, based in Calgary, is ardently pro-blockchain innovation, with their core mission to accelerate the adoption of blockchain technology in Canada. Strengthening Canada’s position as one of the most crypto-friendly countries worldwide. This advocacy has set the stage for Alberta to welcome international businesses and investors into the global decentralized network of blockchain technology.
Calgary has been named a top FinTech ecosystem to watch in North America
– Startup Genome
Calgary, Alberta
Photo Credit: © Travel Alberta by Brett Dietterle
ALBERTA’S FINANCIAL SECTOR ADVANTAGE
Alberta’s financial sector is supported by a talented, highly productive workforce. Home to two of Canada’s top 10 business schools, the province boasts expertise in areas including artificial intelligence (AI) and quantum computing.
A sound banking system and low taxes make Alberta an ideal place for international financial firms.
Areas of Focus
Fintech
-
Cryptocurrency and blockchain
-
InsurTech
-
PayTech
-
Personal finance / wealthtech
-
Regulatory tech
-
Crowdfunding
-
Software
As the most entrepreneurial province in Canada, Alberta is developing innovative solutions and changing how finance works.
ESG
-
Clean energy
-
Sustainable investing
-
ESG assets
Alberta’s history and expertise in energy financing positions the province to finance the energy transition.
Re-insurance
-
Insurance linked securities (ILS)
-
Debt and equity securities
Alberta is becoming a globally competitive insurance destination with improved legislation for captive and reinsurance markets. The province is a market for creating innovative uncorrelated financial products.
Talent & Productivity
Alberta’s financial sector is supported by a talented, highly productive workforce and top university programs
Robust Workforce
Alberta’s Finance, Insurance, Real Estate and Leasing industry employs 104,100 Albertans.
Two of Canada’s Top Business Schools
Home to the University of Alberta’s Alberta School of Business and the University of Calgary’s Haskayne School of Business.
Productive Workforce
Labour productivity in Calgary’s financial sector is 25% higher than the Canadian average.
Business Friendly
Alberta’s policies and incentives mirror its entrepreneurial mindset
Affordable Office Space
Calgary and Edmonton have the most affordable downtown Class A office space in the country.
Innovative Regulations
The Alberta Securities Commission expanded self-certified investors’ eligibility.
Entrepreneurial Spirit
Alberta has the highest entrepreneurial initiative in Canada.
Global Connectivity
Alberta’s financial services sector is strong, stable and well-connected
Prominent Global Players
Major firms with a presence in Alberta include JP Morgan Chase, Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley and Barclay’s.
Safe Place for Your Investment
Six major Canadian banks have been listed as the top 10 most secure in North America.
Sound Banking System
Canada’s banking system has consistently been ranked as one of the soundest in the world.
Alberta Stories
See All Alberta StoriesCatalyx offers the largest selection of cryptocurrencies in Canada
Following the exponential rise of cryptocurrencies, Caltalyx is providing Canadians with a secure cryptocurrency exchange. Using industry leading technology, Caltalyx is building trust between traders and those new to crypto markets. Caltalyx is an important contributor to the growing blockchain industry in Alberta, collaborating with key players to position the province as an emerging crypto…
Read MoreNeo Financial raises $50M during unprecedented year of VC inflow
Neo Financial is revolutionizing spending and rewards by leveraging technology and partnering with leading financial institutions. The Calgary-based startup, led by former SkipTheDishes co-founders, is making rewards more accessible to Canadians. In 2020, it raised one of the largest Series A rounds in Western Canada, during an unprecedented year of VC inflow to Alberta startups.
Read MoreBitcoin Well increases accessibility of cryptocurrencies
Based in Edmonton, Bitcoin Well not only offers a secure exchange for Canadians interested in cryptocurrencies, but also acts a source of information on the emerging industry. The company is working to increase the adoption of cryptocurrencies amongst Canadians and operates more than 100 crypto ATMs across the country. Bitcoin Well saw record growth in…
Read MoreSolium reaches unicorn status after acquisition by Morgan Stanley
Launched in 1999 as Solium Capital, the company helped establish the fintech ecosystem in Alberta. It developed an intuitive stock plan administration platform, which serves over 3,000 clients, with 1 million participants. In 2019, Solium was purchased by Morgan Stanley for over $1 billion, the 6th largest fintech deal in the Americas that year. The…
Read MoreKatipult simplifies equity transactions for both companies and investors
Based in Calgary, Katipult provides crowdfunding investment software infrastructure for private market companies and investors. Aligning with over 20 regulatory jurisdictions, Katipult uses blockchain technology to help grow and manage investment networks. The startup has brought international attention to Calgary’s tech scene and won RBC’s Emerging Enterprise of the Year Award in 2011.
Read More