By: Ryan Mercer

From the trading floors of New York to the strategic boardrooms of Asia, Edric Yi Guo has built a career defined by cross-border vision, financial leadership, and a deep commitment to innovation. As the CEO of Univest Securities, he stands at the intersection of global finance, connecting companies from different regions with capital, opportunities, and growth.

Born with a dual passion for numbers and global markets, Mr. Guo pursued a double major in Finance and Real Estate at the University of British Columbia. “I’ve always believed that finance is more than just numbers,” he says. “It’s about building something—helping businesses grow, expand, and reach their potential.”

After graduating, he quickly advanced through roles in investment banking, developing deep expertise in IPOs, SPACs, PIPEs, and mergers and acquisitions. In time, he took the reins at Univest Securities, a firm that has served institutional and retail clients since 1994. Under his leadership, Univest has completed over $1.7 billion in transactions and built a strong track record in capital markets advisory.

A Global Perspective in Finance

What sets Mr. Guo apart is his ability to understand and operate within both Western and Asian financial ecosystems. His cross-cultural insight has helped countless international companies navigate complex U.S. regulatory environments and successfully list on the Nasdaq and NYSE.

“I see Univest as more than a financial services firm—we are bridge builders,” he says. “We help clients translate their growth into a global language.”

Mr. Guo’s ability to build these bridges is rooted in a career that spans both cultures and continents. With strong cultural and professional ties to both the U.S. and Asia, he has built a unique skill set that enables him to seamlessly navigate the intricacies of each region’s market conditions and regulatory landscapes. This insight allows him to offer companies in Asia a gateway to American financial markets, an essential advantage for firms looking to expand their presence globally. His work also supports U.S. businesses aiming to enter Asian markets, offering them strategic advice to better understand regional needs and challenges.

End-to-End Support: More Than Just Financial Advisory

He takes pride in Univest’s ability to deliver end-to-end support. From initial consulting to investor relations after a listing, the firm walks alongside its clients. “Our success lies in long-term relationships,” he emphasizes.

Innovation is a core theme in Mr. Guo’s leadership. He is deeply engaged in emerging areas like fintech and ESG investing. “To stay relevant in finance, we have to be adaptable. That means embracing technology, rethinking old systems, and always listening to what clients truly need.”

Mr. Guo’s story is also one of resilience and vision. Leading a firm through volatile markets, managing complex international deals, and balancing cultural differences all require not just financial skills but also emotional intelligence and strategic foresight.

Now, with Univest expanding its global reach, Mr. Guo’s mission remains clear: to continue building financial bridges across continents, enabling businesses to access new markets and achieve sustainable success. As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, the need for cross-border financial services is more important than ever. Mr. Guo’s commitment to expanding Univest’s global footprint reflects his dedication to helping companies grow and succeed in an ever-changing financial landscape.

 

Published by Liz SD.