# Som Seif

> Som Seif is a Toronto-based Canadian entrepreneur and founder and CEO of Purpose Unlimited. After studying industrial engineering at the University of Toronto and working at RBC Capital Markets, he built Claymore Investments in Canada, sold the business to BlackRock in 2012, and founded Purpose Investments in 2013. His work now spans investment management, advisor technology and small business financing; his community commitments include university fundraising, mentoring and water polo coaching.

- **Role:** Founder and CEO at Purpose Unlimited
- **Organizations:** Purpose Unlimited, Purpose Investments, Claymore Investments (former), RBC Capital Markets (former), Wealthsimple, NEXT Canada, Art Gallery of Ontario Foundation, University of Toronto
- **Nationality:** Canadian
- **Education:** Bachelor of Applied Science, Industrial Engineering, University of Toronto
- **Known for:** Led Claymore’s Canadian business to approximately C$8 billion in assets and 34 ETFs over seven years., Founded Purpose Investments in 2013., Purpose launched the world’s first direct-custody bitcoin ETF on the Toronto Stock Exchange in February 2021.

## Career timeline

- **1980** — Moved to Canada from Iran at age three, after being born in England.
- **1999** — Graduated from the University of Toronto and joined RBC Capital Markets.
- **2005** — Started Claymore Investments in Canada in January, serving as president and CEO.
- **2011** — Recognition in Canada’s Top 40 Under 40 was announced; the award organizer lists him in its 2010 class.
- **2012** — Claymore was acquired by BlackRock in March.
- **2013** — Founded Purpose Investments.
- **2014** — Became a Wealthsimple co-founder and board member, as described in his public biographies.
- **2017** — Established the broader Purpose financial services platform; Purpose Advisor Solutions launched.
- **2018** — Purpose acquired Thinking Capital, now Driven by Purpose.
- **2021** — Purpose Bitcoin ETF began trading on the TSX on February 18.
- **2022** — Served as co-chair of the University of Toronto’s Defy Gravity campaign; announced the Purpose Unlimited name.
- **2025** — Purpose acquired Steadyhand; the OSC commenced an enforcement proceeding against Purpose Investments and Seif over disputed ESG communications.
- **2026** — The enforcement merits hearing concluded September 25 with a decision reserved; Seif discussed financial planning and the Canadian Momentum Project in October.

## Achievements

- Led Claymore’s Canadian business to approximately C$8 billion in assets and 34 ETFs over seven years.
- Founded Purpose Investments in 2013.
- Purpose launched the world’s first direct-custody bitcoin ETF on the Toronto Stock Exchange in February 2021.
- Coached the University of Toronto’s men’s water polo team to four consecutive OUAA championships.
- Received a University of Toronto Arbor Award for volunteer coaching.
- Named to Canada’s Top 40 Under 40 (2010 cohort; announced in 2011).

## Latest updates

- **2026-10** — Discussed the Canadian Momentum Project and structural obstacles to answering financial planning questions in an October 7 Wealth Professional interview.
- **2026-09** — The OSC enforcement merits hearing against Purpose Investments and Seif concluded September 25; the tribunal reserved its decision. Purpose and Seif deny the allegations.
- **2026-07** — Appeared on Barry Ritholtz’s Masters in Business podcast on July 31 to discuss engineering, ETFs and building enduring businesses.
- **2026-05** — Appeared on the StartWell Podcast on May 11, discussing entrepreneurial risk, small business finance and artificial intelligence.

## Links

- Website: https://www.purpose.ca/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/som-seif-29bb66/
- Twitter/X: https://x.com/somseif

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Profile page: https://yespress.io/som-seif
Published by YesPress — https://yespress.io
Last updated: 2026-10-22