Alberta’s finance sector is strong,
stable and on the rise

Alberta embraces digital transformation and is changing the way finance works

Driven by consumer demand, the technological revolution within the international financial services sector will only accelerate in the years to come. Alberta will be at the forefront of this dynamic change.

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.

Here you’ll find both world’s largest finance players intermixed with exciting fintech startups, all supported and driven by a skilled workforce.

As one of the most entrepreneurial provinces in Canada, Alberta is also connecting innovative fintech firms with the capital needed to grow — changing the way finance works.

Downtown Calgary and Bow River

Photo Credit: © Travel Alberta by Dave Lieske

Alberta Stories

Bitcoin Well

The concentration of capital-intensive industries has created strong demand for a robust, innovative financial services sector. As a result, the province has developed world-class expertise in niche sectors such as asset management, trading, mergers and acquisition, corporate banking and equity issuance.

Financial Services Concierge

Your single point of contact for navigating financial sector legislation and regulation in Alberta.

A global finance hub

Fuelled by high levels of investment in the energy sector, 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%.

Calgary is regarded as one of Canada’s four global finance centres, with a cluster of 1,400+ financial services companies that employ more than 20,000 people. It is also home to an emerging fintech hub.

The city’s strong corporate presence, high individual wealth and high-deal velocity makes it an attractive market for financial firms. Calgary is also well-integrated with global markets. Seventy-five percent of the top 20 global investment banks have branch offices in Alberta.

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.

Rapid growth in fintech

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.

The province’s fintech firms specialize in blockchain, cryptocurrency, insurtech, paytech, capital markets and investments, 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.

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. Banks headquartered in Alberta have invested in local research partners to leverage these technologies.

A sound banking system and low taxes make Alberta an ideal place to launch or relocate a financial firm.

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.

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.

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