Source: Harvey Zhu and Aqib Sami, Co-Presidents of the Ivey Fintech Club
When conversations turn to career paths at Ivey, consulting and banking often dominate the
spotlight. Yet, one of the fastest growing industries reshaping global finance receives much less
attention on campus: fintech. Fintech is short for “financial technology”, referring to how
technology is used to improve or even reinvent financial services–from digital banking to
accessible investing. Today, the fintech industry is expanding at a rapid pace, according to
McKinsey and Company, so for students preparing to enter finance, consulting, or other
technology-adjacent roles, understanding fintech is increasingly not optional, but a prerequisite.
This shift has not gone unnoticed by students at Ivey, particularly those interested in exploring
how finance is evolving beyond traditional roles. Harvey, a Co-President of the Ivey Fintech Club,
became involved as he was drawn by the club’s intersection of leadership, finance and
technology. Aqib, the club’s other Co-President, expressed similar sentiments, highlighting how
important technology is to financial decision-making. Harvey explained that the Ivey Fintech
Club helps students gain exposure to the fintech space by offering hands-on experience,
particularly through consulting work with fintech startups, which allows members to explore
how technology is applied in financial settings.
The club’s mission is to educate students about potential fintech career paths, through events
and educational sessions. Among the club’s standout offerings is its annual firm trip, where the
club takes members to Toronto, offering firsthand exposure to fintech organizations and their
work environments. In addition, the club runs a selective pro-bono consulting program that
matches student analysts with fintech startups, allowing members to contribute to real projects
and gain valuable experience that mirrors industry expectations. Finally, Aqib hinted at an
upcoming initiative still in development: a fintech-focused conference designed to introduce
students to the industry through conversations with professionals.
In terms of career preparation, the club welcomes students of all skill levels. The educational
sessions are open to general members and are structured to support beginners, making fintech
approachable even for students without strong technical backgrounds. The club also helps
students become career-ready through interview preparation, and by sharing relevant
opportunities as they arise. Importantly, the Ivey Fintech Club is designed for curiosity rather
than prior expertise. Harvey emphasized that students need only an interest in learning about
fintech to get involved, and that the club is especially well-suited for those who have heard
about the space and want to explore how technology is shaping the financial services industry.
By providing education, exposure and opportunities, the Ivey Fintech Club helps students stay
ahead of the curve of an increasingly digital financial world. For students looking to explore not
just where finance stands today, but where it’s headed next, the club offers an entry point into
the future of the industry.