Brian McClennon, The Future of Employee Savings in Canada

Tyler Chisholm talks with Brian McLennan, CEO and co-founder of Link—a Calgary-based fintech platform revolutionizing how workplace savings plans are built and delivered across Canada. Rather than compete with financial institutions, Link enables them. The company provides a white-label infrastructure for banks, credit unions, and employers to deliver modern, digital-first retirement savings plans like RRSPs, TFSAs, and pensions. 

Brian shares how Link is helping close the access gap for the more than 50% of working Canadians who currently have no workplace savings plan—and why that's not just a market opportunity, but a national challenge. They discuss the shift from legacy administration models to flexible, advisor-friendly platforms; the ROI of employer matching; and how even the smallest businesses can now offer big-company benefits. Brian also unpacks Link’s early pivots, the power of partnerships, and why solving the infrastructure problem is the key to lasting impact.

In this episode:

• What Link is and how it works behind the scenes
• Why financial infrastructure is often the invisible unlock
• The benefits of employer matching and behavioral nudges
• Digital advice, fund selection, and user experience
• Retirement savings access across Canada’s workforce
• How Link balances tech scale with advisory partnerships
• Calgary’s emerging role in Canada’s fintech ecosystem
• The global future of workplace financial benefits

Top 3 Wisdom Bombs

“Ultimately what we're trying to accomplish is afford employees the ability to have a *dignified retirement*—to retire on their own terms.” - Brian McClennon

“Energy stocks can make 25-year-old millionaires—or cut portfolios in half. Diversify.” - Brian McClennon

“Australia’s superannuation system shows what happens when saving is mandated—assets in the trillions, people ready for retirement.” - Brian McClennon

This episode is brought to you by clearmotive marketing. When it comes to marketing that truly matters to your business, clearmotive is your go-to partner. With a proven track record of more than 15 years, they understand what makes your business tick. Learn more at https://www.clearmotive.ca and discover how clearmotive can help your marketing thrive.

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Host links:

Tyler’s website: https://www.tylerchisholm.com

Tyler’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tylerchisholm

Guest links:

Brian McClennon’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianmcclennon

Link Investment Management’s Website: https://www.link-plans.com

Link Investment Management’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/link-investment-management

Collisions YYC is a Tyler Chisholm original production // Brought to you by clearmotive marketing