Michelle Beyo is the CEO and Founder of Finavator, an award-winning payments and future of finance consultancy. With over 20 years of expertise across Payments, Loyalty, Telco, Digital Identity, and Open Data, Michelle has driven innovation across retail and payments sectors, fostering strategic growth for numerous North American companies.

A recognized global thought leader and TEDx speaker, Michelle has presented at prominent events such as Money20/20, Fintech Meetup, and Open Banking Expo, passionately igniting discussions on the future of finance. She is a Money20/20 RiseUp alumna and mentor, serves as an Advisory Board Member to Tillo Rewards and VoPay, and is the President of Open Banking Network Canada (OFNC), championing data rights, transparency, and security in the financial landscape.

Michelle is also the creator and instructor of Finavator’s Future of Finance Master Class. Her accolades include being named one of the “Top 50 Women Leaders of Toronto” in 2023, a WXN CEDI (Canadian Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion) 2022 Award Winner, and a spot on the “Women in Fintech Global Power List” in 2021. She is a contributing author to the USA bestseller “Habits of Success” by Leaders Press.

Enabling the Future of Finance: From Agentic AI Payments to Digital DNA

With over a decade at the forefront of payments innovation, Michelle Beyo brings a human-first perspective to the fast-evolving world of financial technology. In this visionary keynote, Michelle explores the intersection of AI-driven payments and the need of digital DNA, uncovering how these technologies are reshaping consumer experiences and redefining trust in the digital economy. Grounded in her leadership experience and advocacy for inclusive finance, she shares insights into how agentic AI and programmable financial services can unlock smarter, fairer ecosystems. This session is ideal for fintech leaders, banks, and innovators ready to understand the next generation of financial infrastructure—and their role in shaping it responsibly.

The Importance of Open Banking and Open Data in the Era of AI

A recognized champion of open banking and innovation, Michelle Beyo offers a powerful case for why open data is essential to the future of finance. Drawing on her deep involvement in working groups and cross-sector initiatives, Michelle breaks down the critical link between data transparency, AI advancement, and financial innovation. With clarity and passion, she shares how open data can empower consumers, drive competition, and create space for more human-centric innovation. Perfect for financial institutions, fintechs, policymakers, and tech disruptors, this session offers a compelling roadmap to unlocking the full potential of open data in an AI-enabled world.

Grit, Guts & Gratitude: The Path to Living an Entrepreneurial Life

In this authentic and empowering keynote, Michelle Beyo shares her personal journey from corporate executive to award-winning fintech entrepreneur and advocate for open banking and financial inclusion. With honesty and heart, Michelle reflects on the grit it took to leave a stable career, the guts required to challenge industry norms, and the gratitude that fuels her mission to build a more inclusive financial future. Through stories of resilience, purpose, and bold leadership, she offers inspiration and practical takeaways for anyone looking to create impact through entrepreneurship. This session resonates deeply with changemakers, leadership, and anyone navigating the leap from comfort zone to calling.