Karia Samaroo
Karia Samaroo is the Co-Founder of BitMind, the world’s first decentralized deepfake detection system. He is best known as the Co-Founder and CEO of WonderFi, Canada's largest cryptocurrency firm. Under his leadership, WonderFi expanded into stocks, ETFs, staking, gaming and international markets, including the UK, Australia and the US. Samaroo is a technology entrepreneur with executive and advisory experience in private and public companies in fintech, blockchain and digital assets. He was the Co-Founder of First Coin Capital, a blockchain investment bank acquired by Galaxy Digital. He served as General Counsel and CCO at Galaxy Digital Canada and First Block Capital, a cryptocurrency fund manager acquired by 3iQ. Previously, he was a capital markets lawyer specializing in corporate securities.
Karia Samaroo Professional Experience / Academic History
Professional Experience
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Co-Founder
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Co-Founder and CEO
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General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer
Academic History
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J.D., Dean's List
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B.Comm., Business Economics and Law
MORE ABOUT KARIA
Formerly Ben Samaroo, he changed his name to Karia after a decade of reconnecting with his heritage.
His name Karia is a tribute to his grandfather and forefathers, who were cruelly subjected to barbaric practice of slavery.
He advocates for social justice and business accountability, emphasizing underrepresented communities.
He is one of the youngest persons to ever serve as CEO of a company listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange and one of the few people of colour in the role.
CURRENT AFFILIATIONS
Co-Founder, BitMind
Advisor, FINTRAC
FinTech Advisor, British Columbia Securities Commission
WONDERFI
Under his leadership, WonderFi grew to become the largest crypto platform in Canada with over 2 million users.
WonderFi owns, operates, incubates, and invests across the global digital asset ecosystem.
He assembled a diverse executive team with expertise in crypto and traditional finance, promoted female representation and positioned WonderFi as a compliant digital asset ecosystem.
CONSULTING
Samaroo has advised Netcoins, Hut 8, FINTRAC and the British Columbia Securities Commission on fintech matters.
He also served as an Advisor to the CEO at Through the Lens, the future of athlete empowerment that was founded by Carmelo Anthony and Alex Bazzell.
EARLY CAREER
Samaroo was the Co-Founder and General Counsel of Atlas One, an investment bank focused on digital securities.
He was the General Counsel for First Block Capital, one of the first regulated investment fund managers.
He was General Counsel and CCO of Galaxy Digital Canada, after its acquisition of First Coin Capital, a fintech company he founded.