BC B U S I N E SS NOVEM B ER/ D ECEM B ER 2025 | 31
FINALIST
THE KICKOFF:
In this digital (and economically fraught) age, we're all
destined to ask the big questions, like what the heck is
cryptocurrency, and how can I make it work for me? What sets
Phil Sham apart is that he was one of the first to wonder—
and to take action. Before crypto became popular in the
late 2010s, the Vancouverite traded equities at CIBC and
launched one of Canada's first algorithmic trading systems.
"I've always been at the intersection of technology and
trading," Sham notes. As buzz built around digital currency
in 2018, Sham was already thinking a few functional steps
ahead. "The traditional infrastructure that we see in banks
didn't exist in crypto," he explains, "so I thought, there's a
place to get involved."
ACTION PLAN:
Sham quit his job and founded Aquanow, an institutional
digital asset platform that helps banks and other financial
systems set up the infrastructure they need to manage
cryptocurrency. The actual work depends on the market
and the use case—for example, a bank wanting to offer
customers the ability to trade crypto via their banking app.
Aquanow provides the required technology and processes,
enabling the institution (and its clients) to buy and sell
crypto within a familiar platform.
Sham explains that, in North America, most people use
crypto as an investment, but in other parts of the world
(Africa, Latin America and parts of Asia), there's a broader
use of crypto as a transactional medium, intended to meet
everyday financial needs where traditional services fall
short. So while Aquanow operates in 55 countries, each
project is unique: "Crypto is global, but a lot of the solutions
that we create are quite localized."
CLOSING STATEMENT:
Over the past seven years, Vancouver-based Aqua-
now has grown to employ 125 people and support over
300 clients worldwide. Hiring talent from diverse back-
grounds empowers the business to offer more regional
and language-specific expertise. Accolades like making
the Deloitte Technology Fast 50 list for Canada are rolling
in, and Sham notes how fulfilling his work is: "It's more
than just paying a bill—we're enabling the new generation
of financial services."–A.H.
Phil Sham
C EO, AQ UA N OW
Describe your
dream employee in
three words.
Curious. Accountable.
Adaptable.
What's the best
leadership advice
you've ever received?
Don't lead by having all the
answers—lead by creating
the conditions for others
to do their best work.
After work, we
can find you...
Walking my dog
somewhere along the
Vancouver seawall.
RAPID
FIRE
