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.

We’re on social media! Follow us for episodes you might have missed and key insights on Western Canada directly on your feeds.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collisionsyyc

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/collisions-yyc

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@collisionsyyc

Website: https://www.collisionsyyc.com

Thank you for tuning into Collisions YYC!

Remember to subscribe and follow us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts so you never miss an episode.

If you loved the episode, please leave us a 5-star review and share the show with your friends! These things really help us reach more potential fans and share everything that’s amazing about Western Canada.

We sincerely appreciate your support of our local podcast.

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