Finastra Marks 150 Years of Cheques Business with Celebratory Event in Canada
On July 23, 2025, Finastra, a leading global provider of financial services software, commemorated a remarkable 150 years in its Cheques business with a grand event held at its Markham facility in Canada. This milestone celebration gathered generations of employees, company leaders, and honored guests who gathered to reflect on the rich legacy and significant contributions of the Cheques division to Canada's financial infrastructure.
The affair, hosted by Richard Clark, the Vice President and Head of Cheques, emphasized the company’s historical journey characterized by trust, resilience, and a commitment to innovation. In his address, Clark remarked, "This milestone isn't solely about celebrating our past; it's a salute to the ingenuity and determination of our teams across generations. From our origins in hand-bound cheques to today's state-of-the-art automation, we've continuously evolved to meet the demands of our partners and customers."
The event featured a tour of the cheque plant, taking guests through its evolution over the decades. A specially curated exhibit showcased historical artifacts, allowing attendees to experience tangible pieces of the company's past — from antique printing presses to rare financial documents. One notable display included insurance records from the 1904 Great Fire of Toronto, a pivotal moment in the company’s history.
Highlighting the breadth of the occasion, the event also paid tribute to the legacy of the Henderson family, the founders of the original Davis and Henderson company. Additionally, a commendation was given to a dedicated employee celebrating five decades of service at Finastra, representing the long-standing commitment of the workforce.
Carissa Kell, Chief Financial Officer at Finastra, took the stage to underline the relevance of the Cheques business in today’s digital-centric environment. Her remarks served as inspiration, emphasizing stories of survival and reinvention, including the company's remarkable recovery following the Great Fire of Toronto, and the 1961 implementation of Magnetic Character Recognition technology – a first in Canada that revolutionized cheque processing.
Finastra's roots trace back to 1875 when it began as Davis and Henderson, a modest bookbinding and general printing firm. The Cheques division quickly emerged as a cornerstone of the business, establishing a reputation for reliability and security by forming early partnerships with leading Canadian banks. The company secured its position as the national leader in cheque supply services through strategic acquisitions in the 1980s, showcasing the importance of adaptability and foresight in its business strategy.
In her reflection, Kell stated, "The vision, expertise, and dedication of our Cheques team over the past century and a half have forged an incredible legacy for Finastra. This legacy fuels our innovation efforts and inspires us to continuously find ways to deliver value for our customers, partners, and the communities in which we operate."
As Finastra looks ahead, the company remains committed to unlocking the potential of people and businesses alike, focusing on accelerating the future of finance through technology and collaboration. Today, it represents around 8,100 financial institutions worldwide, including 45 of the top 50 global banks, bolstered by a pioneering approach that keeps it at the forefront of the financial services industry. For further insights into Finastra's offerings and its ongoing commitment to innovation, visit finastra.com.
The affair, hosted by Richard Clark, the Vice President and Head of Cheques, emphasized the company’s historical journey characterized by trust, resilience, and a commitment to innovation. In his address, Clark remarked, "This milestone isn't solely about celebrating our past; it's a salute to the ingenuity and determination of our teams across generations. From our origins in hand-bound cheques to today's state-of-the-art automation, we've continuously evolved to meet the demands of our partners and customers."
The event featured a tour of the cheque plant, taking guests through its evolution over the decades. A specially curated exhibit showcased historical artifacts, allowing attendees to experience tangible pieces of the company's past — from antique printing presses to rare financial documents. One notable display included insurance records from the 1904 Great Fire of Toronto, a pivotal moment in the company’s history.
Highlighting the breadth of the occasion, the event also paid tribute to the legacy of the Henderson family, the founders of the original Davis and Henderson company. Additionally, a commendation was given to a dedicated employee celebrating five decades of service at Finastra, representing the long-standing commitment of the workforce.
Carissa Kell, Chief Financial Officer at Finastra, took the stage to underline the relevance of the Cheques business in today’s digital-centric environment. Her remarks served as inspiration, emphasizing stories of survival and reinvention, including the company's remarkable recovery following the Great Fire of Toronto, and the 1961 implementation of Magnetic Character Recognition technology – a first in Canada that revolutionized cheque processing.
Finastra's roots trace back to 1875 when it began as Davis and Henderson, a modest bookbinding and general printing firm. The Cheques division quickly emerged as a cornerstone of the business, establishing a reputation for reliability and security by forming early partnerships with leading Canadian banks. The company secured its position as the national leader in cheque supply services through strategic acquisitions in the 1980s, showcasing the importance of adaptability and foresight in its business strategy.
In her reflection, Kell stated, "The vision, expertise, and dedication of our Cheques team over the past century and a half have forged an incredible legacy for Finastra. This legacy fuels our innovation efforts and inspires us to continuously find ways to deliver value for our customers, partners, and the communities in which we operate."
As Finastra looks ahead, the company remains committed to unlocking the potential of people and businesses alike, focusing on accelerating the future of finance through technology and collaboration. Today, it represents around 8,100 financial institutions worldwide, including 45 of the top 50 global banks, bolstered by a pioneering approach that keeps it at the forefront of the financial services industry. For further insights into Finastra's offerings and its ongoing commitment to innovation, visit finastra.com.
Topics Financial Services & Investing）
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