Trust and the Future of Finance with Michelle Beyo

Ignite Critical Conversations
Where today's conversations shape tomorrow's innovation.

Join us for the inaugural Ignite Critical Conversations, a new quarterly series bringing nationally (and internationally) recognized innovators, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders to Red Wing for engaging conversations about the ideas shaping our future.

Our inaugural featured guest, Michelle Beyo, global fintech leader, CEO of Finavator, and author of Mastering the Future of Finance, will join Ignite's Entrepreneurial & Communications Director, Valerie Lockhart, for a live fireside conversation exploring Trust and the Future of Finance.

Drawing from her new book, Michelle will share how open data, digital identity, cybersecurity, trust, and Agentic AI are transforming the global economy and redefining the future of financial services. Rather than a traditional keynote, this dynamic conversation will explore what these changes mean for businesses, entrepreneurs, financial institutions, community leaders, and consumers alike.

Following the fireside conversation, Michelle will be joined by regional banking leaders for a live panel discussion connecting these global trends to opportunities and challenges facing our own communities.

Whether you're a business leader, entrepreneur, educator, student, investor, or simply curious about where technology and innovation are taking us, you'll leave with fresh perspectives, meaningful connections, and a deeper understanding of the forces shaping tomorrow.

More about the Author

Michelle Beyo is a Global Thought Leader dedicated to driving industry innovation and simplifying the complex world of finance. With over 20 years of expertise in payments, digital identity, and open data, she is the Founder of Finavator, an award-winning consultancy leading cross-industry modernization.

A TEDx speaker and Money20/20 RiseUp Alumni, Michelle is a prominent voice on global stages, moderating high-impact dialogues on agentic payments and fintech’s next act. She is the author of Mastering the Future of Finance (Wiley, Sept 2026) and host of the Step into the Future of Finance podcast, where she decodes trends redefining the industry.

As President of Open Finance Network Canada (OFNC) and a two-time Open Banking Expo Powerlist honoree (2025 & 2026), Michelle advocates for financial inclusion and consumer data rights. Through her Future of Finance Master Class, she mentors the next generation of leaders navigating the evolving open banking landscape.