Adam Cai

Founder and Chief Executive Officer | Virgo CX

Adam Cai has been serving as the CEO & Founder of Virgo Group since 2021, actively influencing compliance and regulatory developments within the Canadian cryptocurrency market. Some of the notable milestones include obtaining a restricted dealer license from the CSA, expanding the company’s global presence to include Australia and the U.S., and the acquisition of digital asset focused asset management company with a new brand Virgo Digital Asset Management. Adam holds a master’s degree from the Richard Ivey School of Business, Western University.

Ali Abou Daya

Chief Executive Officer | Transactix

As CEO, Ali Abou Daya brings more than 16 years of business and engineering to Transactix, a payments infrastructure company based in Calgary that is spearheading the transformation of the movement of value. Ali has been involved in blockchain development since 2016 and digital currency mining since 2011. His work focuses on striking the right balance between innovation and maintaining the regulatory, security, and consumer protection concerns that come with it. He has recently presented at the Canada House of Commons INDU committee pertaining to these concerns and the cost of money transfers. Prior to Transactix, Ali was COO of Gearlay, a Canadian technology developer focused on financial ledger systems, asset tokenization, and software for optimal processing of large volumes of transactions. Ali holds a degree and certification in business and computer engineering from Cornell University and the American University of Beirut

Alexander Vronces

Executive Director | Fintechs Canada

Aqsa Zubair

Assistant Director, Supervision (Financial Technology) | Bermuda Monetary Authority

Aqsa Zubair is an Assistant Director in the Supervision (Financial Technology) Department at the Bermuda Monetary Authority (Authority or BMA); she is responsible for leading the
regulatory authorisation and supervision efforts under the Digital Asset Business Act 2018 and licensing and authorisation under the Digital Asset Issuance Act 2020.

Alongside leading the BMA’s efforts with the Global Financial Innovation Network, Aqsa is responsible for instigating and advancing Financial Technology innovation and the digital asset regime in Bermuda, one of the world’s first and only jurisdictions with a regulatory framework for digital assets.

Blake Fikowski

Partner | TwelveSix Services Ltd.

TwelveSix Services Ltd.

Brianna Sims

Senior Legal Counsel,Trading & Markets | Ontario Securities Commission

Brianna Sims is senior legal counsel at the Ontario Securities Commission and works to regulate crypto trading platforms in Canada. She is the current chair of the Canadian Securities Administrators crypto trading platform taskforce.

Brad Mills

Founder | POW Media

Brad Mills is an entrepreneur, angel investor, and Bitcoin advocate. He’s the founder of POW Media, co-founder of the Bitcoin Coalition of Canada, and an active investor in dozens of Bitcoin startups. Through podcasts, viral content, and strategic advocacy, Brad champions sound money, freedom of speech, and financial sovereignty. He’s currently building his Bitcoin Citadel—a modern family office designed to protect and grow generational wealth.

Minister Dale Nally

Minister of Service and Red Tape Reduction | Government of Alberta

Darcy Daubaras

Chief Financial Officer, Corporate Director, Strategic Financial Leader | HIVE Digital

Darcy Daubaras is a seasoned financial executive with nearly 30 years of experience, including the past decade leading finance operations in the technology and digital asset sectors. Since 2018, he has served as Chief Financial Officer of HIVE Digital Technologies Ltd. (Nasdaq/TSX.V: HIVE), a publicly traded cryptocurrency mining company. In this role, he provides strategic financial leadership and is instrumental in corporate governance, investor relations, and long-term strategic planning.
Prior to joining HIVE, Darcy was a Senior Financial Consultant at a fintech firm specializing in valuation and risk analytics for financial derivatives and fixed income portfolios. During a pivotal leadership transition, he was responsible for financial forecasting, regulatory compliance, and global entity management.
Earlier in his career, Darcy held senior finance positions in the mining industry, where he led international finance teams, managed public listings, and oversaw complex mergers and acquisitions.
Darcy is a Canadian CPA, CA, with deep expertise in IFRS, U.S. GAAP, SOX compliance, and multi-jurisdictional financial reporting.

Didier Lavallee

Chief Executive Officer | Tetra Trust

CEO, Tetra Trust – Focused on driving innovation in financial services with the use of blockchain technology.

Fanny Philips

Director | Bitfarms

Fanny Philip was recently recognized as one of the Most Inspirational Women in Web3 & AI for 2024 by Forbes.

She serves as an independent director of Bitfarms, Chair of the Audit Committee and Compensation Committee, and member of the Governance and Nominating Committee, the Environmental and Social Responsibility Committee, and the Special Committee. Ms. Philip is a CPA auditor with over 10 years of assurance and accounting expertise mainly in audit and public issues. She is a recognized leader in digital assets and blockchain technology. As a former C-suite executive at a publicly traded company, she extensively engaged in education and industry representation, advocating for regulatory changes and fostering a deeper understanding of the sector’s complexities among stakeholders, particularly in reporting and financial matters. Her expertise in the North American and European energy sectors, mining, and AI further enhances her contributions. She is a member of the Infrastructure Committee of the Canadian Blockchain Consortium and the President of its Québec Chapter.

George Bordianu

Co-Founder & CEO | Balance

George is the co-founder and CEO of Balance, Canada’s oldest and largest digital asset custodian. He is a second-time founder with a strong technical background, holds an MSc. in Computer Science from McGill University, and prior to Balance worked in the digital media sector as 500px’s Director of Engineering.

Hon. Minister Hayward JP, MP

Minister of Labour and Economy, | Bermuda Government

The Hon. Jason Hayward is the Minister of Economy and Labour in the Bermuda Government, focusing on economic growth, job creation, and development. Elected as a Member of Parliament in 2019, he became Minister of Labour in 2020. His career began in the Bermuda Government Senate in 2017, where he served as Junior Minister of Education, Health, Labour, Community Affairs and Sports. He has held various leadership roles, including President of the Bermuda Public Services Union and the Bermuda Trade Union Congress and acted as Director and Treasurer of the Bermuda Credit Union. Minister Hayward’s portfolio includes immigration, workforce development, labour relations, f inancial assistance, international business, statistics and overall economic development. He previously chaired the National Training Board and led the Working Group that formulated Bermuda’s inaugural National Workforce Development Plan. An active participant in leadership development, Minister Hayward is an alumnus of the Canada Caribbean Emerging Leaders Dialogue, a Commonwealth leadership program and the U.S. Department of State’s International Visitor Leadership Program. He holds a Chartered Manager Designation from the Chartered Management Institute. His academic credentials include an MBA in Finance from Nova Southeastern University, a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Mount Saint Vincent University, and an Associate’s degree in Arts and Science from Bermuda College. In March 2025, Minister Hayward was celebrated as a distinguished Bermuda College Alumni for his contributions to Bermuda’s workforce and governance.

Jeff Booth

Author & General Partner at | ego death capital

Jeff Booth is a visionary leader, technology entrepreneur and best-selling author of The Price of Tomorrow – Why Deflation is Key to an Abundant Future, and a founding partner of ego death capital; a leading venture capital fund in the growing ecosystem building on the Bitcoin protocol. With his expertise in technology, system thinking and design, he is at the forefront of a transition from an economic system built for the past, and one built for the future. 

He is a Co-Founder of addy and NocNoc, has been a Young Presidents Organization member since 2004 and contributes time as a Founding Fellow at the Creative Destruction Lab.

Jeff currently sits on the boards of Core Scientific, Fedi and Breez.

Juan Carlos Reyes

President | National Commission of Digital Assets of El Salvador, (CNAD)

Since assuming leadership of El Salvador’s Digital Assets Commission in August 2023, Juan Carlos Reyes has transformed a bold vision into a global benchmark. Starting from the ground up, he built the world’s top digital asset regulatory framework—ranking #2 globally in the first year and ascending to #1 in 2025. Under his guidance, El Salvador has established a fair, transparent, and cutting-edge regulatory process, attracting some of the world’s leading digital asset companies to establish operations in the country. In under 18 months, he assembled an elite team of regulators—technology experts with over 60 years of combined experience in traditional financial supervision—proving that a well-crafted foundation attracts excellence. Now, Juan Carlos is sharing El Salvador’s success with the world, securing collaboration agreements across the Americas and launching the inaugural Digital Assets Symposium (DAS) on April 29, 2025, to showcase this pioneering model globally (das.sv).

A seasoned strategist, Juan Carlos brings decades of expertise in governance, emerging technology, and blockchain, refined over 15 years at the helm of a top consulting firm. He holds a BSc in Physics and Mathematics, a second BSc in Computer Science, and a Master’s in Management from Harvard. Furthering his credentials, he is an ACAMS Certified Cryptoasset Anti-Financial Crime Specialist and completed a postgraduate program in cryptocurrency at the University of CEMA in Argentina.
Born in El Salvador and raised in Canada, Juan Carlos is driven by a personal mission to support the President’s vision of transforming El Salvador into the best country in the world. His leadership bridges his global expertise with a deep commitment to his homeland, making El Salvador a beacon of innovation and opportunity.

Koleya Karringten

Executive Director | Canadian Blockchain Consortium

Koleya Karringten is a leading figure in Canada’s blockchain technology industry, serving as the Founder and Executive Director of the Canadian Blockchain Consortium. A proud Albertan and technology entrepreneur, she is also the founder of Blockchain Insurance Inc., pioneering innovative insurance solutions for the blockchain sector.

Beyond her work in blockchain, Koleya is deeply committed to fostering inclusion and leadership in technology and politics. She serves on the boards of Balance and Equal Voice, advocating for greater representation and equity. As a founding member of the North American Blockchain Association (NABA), she plays a key role in strengthening cross-border collaboration and industry development.

A sought-after public speaker, community advocate, blockchain leader, Koleya champions the unification of diverse voices to build a more sustainable and prosperous future. Her expertise in ecosystem building, policy advocacy, and innovation continues to shape Canada’s blockchain landscape and beyond.

Lucas Matheson

Country Director | Coinbase Canada

Lucas Matheson is the Country Director of Coinbase Canada, overseeing Coinbase’s strategic direction and growth within the Canadian market since January 2023.

In this role, Lucas is dedicated to making digital assets more accessible to Canadians, and expanding our regulatory framework to help upgrade the financial system in Canada.

Before his current position at Coinbase, Lucas led various operational and financial teams at Shopify as Senior Director of Operations and Director of Strategic Expansion. Lucas also co-founded Pinshape, a consumer marketplace for 3D printable models, where he served as CEO until its acquisition by Formlabs.

Lucas earned his MBA from the University of Alberta and holds a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation. Beyond his professional pursuits, Lucas serves on the board of The University of Ottawa Heart Institute Foundation.

Martin Toner

Managing Director, Institutional Equity Research | ATB Capital Markets | ATB Securities Inc.

Currently cover 12 North American Growth & Innovation companies as a sell side analyst. 15 years of capital markets experience on both the buy and sell side. A demonstrated track record of outperformance. Has worked on North American and U.S. equity core, income, hedge and ESG funds. Skilled in stock picking, fundamental analysis, risk management, financial modelling and macro-economic research. Has served on boards of directors, and acted as a partner and chief compliance officer. Registered advising portfolio manager 2010-2019.

Michael Nasser

Vice President & Co-Founder | Satstreet

Serving institutions, early crypto adopters and other high net worth individuals in Canada since 2017. Focused on growing ₿itcoin adoption.

Mostafa Al-Mashita

Co-founder. Director, Sales & Trading | Secure Digital Markets

Mohamed Zohiri

Legal Counsel and Fintech Advisor | Alberta Securities Commission

Mohamed is Legal Counsel and FinTech Adviser at the Alberta Securities Commission. He is an experienced FinTech/FinReg Adviser, and Capital Markets Lawyer. Recognized as an expert in the application of blockchain technology, decentralized finance, crypto-assets, and artificial intelligence within the financial sector. Exceptionally adept at providing critical advice on navigating the complex regulatory landscape tied to innovative financial technologies.

Mohamed is known for crafting robust regulatory strategies and frameworks that align with the evolving digital asset landscape. Demonstrated history of facilitating the integrations of FinTech innovations into traditional financial systems while ensuring investor protection and market integrity. Committed to leveraging expertise in these dynamic fields to promote transparency, fairness, and progressive growth in the financial markets.

Mohamed holds the only advanced degree in law in Canada on stablecoins. His #LLM from the Faculty of Law at the University of Ottawa concentrated on #Law and #Technology with a particular focus on – #crypto, #blockchain, #CBDCs, #tech, and #AI – supervised by Michael Geist and Florian Martin-Bariteau. The thesis component, of his graduate studies at the University of Ottawa, was on the risks and challenges posed by #fiat-backed #stablecoins in the context of Canadian regulatory regimes.

He has a burning entrepreneurial spirit. Who has been part of numerous traditional start-ups as a founder and team member. Coming from a proud immigrant family he learned the value of hard work, integrity and empathy. These along with his grit and leadership skills have been at the helm or part of many successful, and unsuccessful, businesses. Gaining the experience of bootstrapping a business allowed him to learn many practical skills and develop cost-effective innovative solutions to address unique challenges.

Independently he is passionate about the intersection of human rights with the fast moving space of technology and innovation. This led him to curate a university radio show “Maia’s Voice”, named after his daughter, to discuss the legal and socio-economic impacts that crypto/blockchain has on everyday people, specifically the global south.

Mohamed holds the unconventional view that Batman would beat Superman in a fight!

Michelle Rempel Garner

Member of Parliament. Calgary Nose Hill | House of Commons

Michelle is the Member of Parliament for Calgary Nose Hill and was first elected in 2011. In government, Michelle held the positions of Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of the Environment. In opposition, Michelle previously served as the Shadow Minister for Natural Resources, Shadow Minister for Health, Shadow Minister for Industry and Economic Development and the Shadow Minister for Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship and was the Vice-Chair of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration. She is a member of the King’s Privy Council for Canada.

Previously, Michelle built a strong reputation for successfully promoting innovative academic and business research partnerships, serving in a senior managerial capacity at the University of Calgary. She also worked in the technology commercialization division of the University of Manitoba, where she assisted in administering commercialization strategies for a portfolio of over 200 emerging technologies.

Prior to this, she was engaged as a managerial consultant in Calgary, applying her knowledge of intellectual property management within a professional service framework in the areas of strategic planning, project management, process reengineering, and marketing where she gained insight in the health and educational sectors.

Michelle holds a degree in economics. Highlights of her many honours include being named one of Canada’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women by the Women’s Executive Network, Calgary’s “Top 40 under 40”, and being named twice by Maclean’s Magazine as their Parliamentarian of the Year – Rising Star calling her “one of the government’s most impressive performers.” Rempel was also named one of “Alberta’s 50 Most Influential People”.

Michelle is considered to be one of the Conservative Party of Canada’s top performing MPs. She has accomplished much for Canada as a policy maker, both in government and in opposition. Michelle is also sought after writer, speaker, and commentator, and has one of the most prominent social media presences of any Canadian politician.

Michelle’s volunteer work has made a difference in Calgary. She has planned events, raised tens of thousands of dollars, and acted a volunteer leader for numerous local not-for-profit organizations including the Children’s Wish Foundation and the Northern Hills Community Association.

Authorized by the Official Agent for Michelle Rempel Garner

Naveen Maher

Chief Compliance Officer | WonderFi

Philippe Fortier

Executive Vice President Corporate Development | Bitfarms

Pascal St-Jean

President and Chief Executive Officer, 3iQ | 3iQ

I believe in helping create opportunities to help businesses unleash their true potential and as such, I work with founders & entrepreneurs, who recognize the value of investing in personal and professional growth, not only for their own benefit, but also for that of their employees and customers. My focus is helping companies grow faster, easier, with less risk.

As a serial entrepreneur, I understand the importance of leadership development, team culture building, strategic thinking, and clear operational processes. My long-term vision is simple, yet ambitious – to lead and inspire businesses and their teams so they can reach their full potential. I have done so over the past 20 years, largely by facilitating the understanding and development of the kind of strategic thinking, planning, and execution that helps businesses to succeed.

My specialties include:
– Hyper-growth strategy execution;
– Advisory;
– Growth strategies;
– Management and leadership development;
– Team building;
– Organizational culture & structure

Dr. Ryan Clements

Director of Advanced Research and Knowledge Management | Alberta Securities Commission (ASC)

Dr. Ryan Clements is the Director of Advanced Research and Knowledge Management at the Alberta Securities Commission (ASC) and is the current Chair of the Financial Innovation Hub with the Canadian Securities Administrators (CSA). He is also an adjunct professor at the University of Calgary Faculty of Law, where he teaches Fintech and Developments in Financial Market Regulation. He received his Doctorate in Juridical Science (SJD) at Duke University Law School, where his dissertation focused on post-crisis financial product innovation. He obtained a Master of Laws (LLM), Magna Cum Laude, from Duke University Law School, an LLB (with Distinction), and a BA Economics (Honors, First Class) from the University of Alberta.  Prior to his current appointment with the ASC, he was an Assistant Professor, Chair Business Law and Regulation at the University of Calgary Faculty of Law, and Managing General Editor, and special fintech co-editor, of the Banking and Finance Law Review. He was previously a Senior Policy Advisor at the ASC, a member of the crypto-asset working group of the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada (IIROC, now CIRO), the New Economy Advisory Committee at the ASC, and the inaugural CSA Investor Advisory Panel. He has advised various levels of government, and numerous companies, on fintech, crypto and securities matters. He has practiced corporate and securities law at both large and boutique firms in Calgary and Toronto, and is a member of both the Law Society of Alberta and Ontario.  He has published and spoken extensively on various topics in fintech, crypto, securities and derivatives regulation and law in Canadian, international, U.S. peer-reviewed law reviews, chapters and anthologies. In 2022 he was commissioned to write an expert report on Canadian cryptocurrency governance for the federal government’s Public Order Emergency Commission.

Samantha Robertson

Director, Global Energy Strategy | Bitdeer

Samantha leads energy procurement strategy and asset optimization for 895 MW of data center portfolio across three continents, with emphasis on cost optimization in ERCOT, PJM, NordPool, and IEX (India). She has executed over $100M in energy transactions over the past two years. Samantha previously sourced and led negotiations for a 570-MW data center project in Ohio and works on evaluating strategic transactions and partnerships for Bitdeer. She previously lived in Mainland China for 5-years, working in sales and product management. She is fluent in Mandarin Chinese.

Sheereen Khan

Founder, Chief Executive Officer | Regulativity Inc.

With over two decades of unwavering dedication to the field of compliance, Sheereen Khan stands as a seasoned expert in the realm of regulatory adherence and risk management. As a Senior Compliance Executive, her illustrious career is marked by a relentless pursuit of excellence, steadfast commitment to ethical standards, and an unyielding passion for ensuring organizations operate within the bounds of the law.

Sheereen’s journey into the world of compliance began with a Bachelor’s degree in Business and Economics, a solid foundation upon which she would build an illustrious career. Her drive and thirst for knowledge led her to earn a Masters in Accounting (CPA) with a specialization in Risk Management, propelling her to the forefront of the industry.

Throughout her professional trajectory, Sheereen has honed her expertise by serving in key roles at prominent organizations across various sectors. Her career highlights include leading compliance teams at renowned financial institutions and global corporations. She is known for steering these organizations through complex regulatory landscapes, ensuring they not only meet but exceed industry standards.

Sheereen’s two decades of hands-on experience have seen her tackle multifaceted challenges with an astute understanding of the ever-evolving compliance landscape. She has successfully implemented robust compliance programs, overseen thorough risk assessments, and crafted comprehensive strategies to mitigate vulnerabilities. Her ability to seamlessly integrate emerging technologies into compliance frameworks has garnered recognition within the industry.

Beyond her professional achievements, Sheereen is an advocate for ethical business practices, actively promoting a culture of integrity and transparency. She has mentored numerous compliance professionals, nurturing the next generation of experts who will continue to champion ethical conduct and regulatory compliance.

A dynamic and forward-thinking individual, Sheereen’s leadership has not only resulted in substantial growth and success for the organizations she has served but has also established her as a thought leader in the compliance arena. Her unwavering commitment to excellence and ethical principles is a beacon for others in the industry, and her legacy of compliance innovation continues to shape the future of regulatory adherence.

Suzanne Lasrado

Vice-President, Member Services and Innovation | Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization (CIRO)

Suzanne Lasrado is Vice-President of Member Services and Innovation at the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization (CIRO). She is responsible for member engagement and education, and helping support innovation and transformation in the investment industry. She leads and coordinates the crypto-asset regulatory initiatives at CIRO.

Tanim Rasul

Chief Operating Officer | NDAX

Tanim Rasul has been the Chief Operating Officer at NDAX.IO since February 2018, playing a pivotal role in the company’s rapid growth and success. As a key member of the founding team, Mr. Rasul has led the organization from a small startup to a major player in the cryptocurrency industry, achieving impressive revenue growth and employing over 65 professionals within just five years.

In his role, Mr. Rasul directs the day-to-day operations of the firm, ensuring efficiency, productivity, and alignment with the company’s mission and objectives. He has been instrumental in enhancing operational systems, processes, and policies to improve management reporting, information flow, business processes, and organizational planning.

Mr. Rasul plays a significant role in long-term strategic planning, with a focus on initiatives aimed at achieving operational excellence and sustainable growth. Additionally, he develops, manages, and monitors the annual budget, ensuring financial targets are met and resources are allocated effectively.

Recognized as a subject matter expert in the cryptocurrency industry, Mr. Rasul has been quoted in numerous news articles and publications, sharing his insights and expertise. He has also delivered keynote speeches at prestigious industry events, further solidifying his reputation as a knowledgeable and influential figure in the field.

Adept at fostering a culture of continuous improvement and innovation, Mr. Rasul collaborates closely with cross-functional teams within the organization. He drives initiatives to scale operations, including enhancing customer support, establishing strategic partnerships, and managing key aspects of treasury and liquidity management.

Under his leadership, NDAX successfully completed a rigorous SOC 2 Type 2 audit, demonstrating the organization’s commitment to security, privacy, and operational excellence, which has further elevated its standing in the cryptocurrency exchange industry.

Toufic Adlouni

Managing Partner | Renno & Co

From the first week of practicing law, I hated everything about the profession. It’s hierarchy, inefficiencies, and its never-ending search for status and money.

There must be more to the legal profession.

I started Renno & Co. because I was a reject. No law firm wanted to hire me, and to be frank, I did not want to work for them either.

Renno & Co has become a modern and innovative environment where lawyers help bring revolutionary Web3 projects to life in a practical and client-focused manner. We have thrown dogmas in the trash and worked to build a modern working environment for lawyers.

Growing up, I saw firsthand the flaws in Lebanon’s financial system, sparking his interest in transformative solutions. Enter Bitcoin. Once I read about it in 2014, I was all in.

Now, I concentrate my efforts on attempting to, however small, bring a paradigm shift in human organization and interaction, with the DAO at its core.

Specifically, I work on building legal and governance frameworks based on the principles of decentralization to ensure AI benefits are accessible and aligned with all of humanity.

I have become a key player in Canada’s crypto-regulatory landscape, winning the Young Bar Association’s Lawyer of the Year Award for my Web3 contributions. I have shared my expertise as a Blockchain law instructor, as a contributing author in a leading blockchain law textbook, and have spoken at major Web3 conferences and podcasts all around the world.

In the process, I have worked on every type of Web3-related deal imaginable. To date, I have done over $500 million in token financing deals.

Yves La Rose

Vaulta Foundation | Founder and Chief Executive Officer

Yves La Rose, Founder of Vaulta Foundation and exSat Network, has a diverse and dynamic background. He displayed an early interest in information technology, building his first computer and writing his first program at the age of seven. Yves began mining Bitcoin in 2010, which sparked his exploration of decentralized networks. Before diving into entrepreneurship, Yves worked for the Canadian Government and the Assembly of First Nations. He also spent several years in Japan, where he immersed himself in Eastern culture and developed a strong network of business and technology leaders. These experiences enable him to navigate the complexities of leadership with political savvy and cultural awareness.