Brexit is an opportunity for regulators to enable innovation while protecting wider society, says PA Consulting's Conrad Thompson.
Mahi Sall, Advisor, Fintech-Bank Partnerships, Payments and Financial Inclusivity
January 25th, 2023
Mahi Sall is the CEO & Founder of FinXpair, a Berlin-based strategic advisory boutique firm focu[...]
5 ways regulation can be a competitive advantage to British business
Management Today UK | by Conrad Thompson | Sep 21, 2018
Brexit is an opportunity for regulators to enable innovation while protecting wider society, says PA Consulting's Conrad Thompson.
The National Crowdfunding & Fintech Association (NCFA Canada) is a financial innovation ecosystem that provides education, market intelligence, industry stewardship, networking and funding opportunities and services to thousands of community members and works closely with industry, government, partners and affiliates to create a vibrant and innovative fintech and funding industry in Canada. Decentralized and distributed, NCFA is engaged with global stakeholders and helps incubate projects and investment in fintech, alternative finance, crowdfunding, peer-to-peer finance, payments, digital assets and tokens, blockchain, cryptocurrency, regtech, and insurtech sectors. Join Canada's Fintech & Funding Community today FREE! Or become a contributing member and get perks. For more information, please visit: www.ncfacanada.org
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Investing | Nov 29, 2023 Reflecting on Charles T. Munger who passed away yesterday at the age of 99 in Santa Barbara, California Charles Thomas Munger (January 1, 1924 – November 28, 2023) The recent passing of Charlie Munger, the esteemed vice-chairman of Berkshire Hathaway (and billionaire), marks the end of an era in the investment world. As reported by The New York Times, Munger's influence extended beyond investment strategies to shaping the very culture of Berkshire Hathaway. His emphasis on integrity, patience, and rational decision-making are principles that fintechs and investors can adopt for long-term success. Born in Omaha in 1924, Munger served in the Army Air Corps and later graduated from Harvard Law School. He practiced law before shifting to investing, where he made his first million dollars. Munger was also known for his philanthropic efforts, particularly in architecture, donating millions to university projects. He was active in Berkshire Hathaway into his 90s and served as chairman of Good Samaritan Hospital in Los Angeles. Despite being overshadowed by Warren Buffett, Munger's influence at Berkshire Hathaway was significant. He was known as the originator of the company's investing approach, shifting Buffett's strategy from buying undervalued companies to investing in ...
Canadian Digital Dollar | Nov 29, 2023 Bank of Canada Publishes Stakeholder Feedback on The Canadian Digital Dollar Initiative Since 2020, the Bank of Canada has actively engaged with Canadians and stakeholders to gather insights on the digital Canadian dollar. This has included diverse discussions with the financial sector, focus groups, civil society groups, and an online public questionnaire. The Bank of Canada's report, "A Digital Canadian Dollar: What we heard 2020–23 and what comes next", provides a feedback lens across several themes. Key Feedback Themes There's a shared interest in accessibility and financial inclusion ensuring that the digital dollar caters to underserved communities, with a focus on making it accessible without stringent identification requirements. This approach aims to bridge gaps in current digital payment offerings and promote universal access. Stakeholders emphasized the importance and concerns of privacy, advocating for a digital currency that offers the anonymity of banknotes. The public expressed strong reservations about sharing personal information and the potential overreach of privacy laws. See: Bank of Canada Publishes Staff Paper on ‘Unmet Payment Needs and CBDCs The importance of maintaining access to physical currency was highlighted, with suggestions to mandate merchant acceptance of banknotes to support marginalized communities ...
Regulation | Nov 29, 2023 Elon Musk and Mark Cuban Support Legal Challenge Against SEC's In-House Judges Elon Musk and Mark Cuban are backing hedge-fund manager George Jarkesy in a significant legal battle against the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). This case, now before the US Supreme Court, questions the SEC's use of in-house judges for imposing penalties. Jarkesy's argument, supported by Musk and Cuban, is centered on the constitutional right of defendants in SEC cases to have a jury trial. This challenge could reshape how the SEC and potentially other regulatory bodies like the Federal Trade Commission conduct their enforcement actions. The Problems with Conflicts and Power Imbalance The problem with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) using in-house judges primarily revolves around concerns of fairness, constitutional rights, and the balance of power in regulatory enforcement. Here are some key points of contention: The central issue is the SEC's ability to bring cases before its own administrative law judges (ALJs) instead of federal courts. Critics argue that this denies defendants the constitutional right to a jury trial, which is seen as a fundamental aspect of the American legal system. There's a perception that in-house judges may be biased in ...
Nov 29, 2023 Nowadays environmental concerns have reached critical levels, that’s why sustainable construction practices have emerged as a beacon of hope. These practices not only help protect our planet but also offer numerous advantages to homeowners and builders alike. In this article, we will dig into the methods and merits of sustainable construction. Methods of Sustainable Construction Here are some key principles and methods integral to sustainable construction: 1. Energy Efficiency One of the foundational pillars of sustainable construction is ensuring that homes are constructed with energy efficiency and environmental sustainability at their core. This is where the auditing platform for home renovation grants comes into play. Such platforms provide valuable resources and support to homeowners and builders who are committed to accessing grants and incentives for sustainable construction projects. Sustainable construction places a strong emphasis on optimizing energy usage. Lighting serves as a crucial component of any building, and the choice of lighting fixtures holds the potential to dramatically impact energy efficiency. LED lights have emerged as the go-to choice for sustainable construction due to their myriad of benefits. LED lights are remarkably energy-efficient, consuming significantly less electricity compared to traditional incandescent or fluorescent bulbs. This substantial reduction ...
AI | Nov 29, 2023 Amazon has recently unveiled 'Q', an innovative AI-powered chatbot designed for businesses operations offering tailored solutions and advice Q was announced at Amazon’s re:Invent conference in Las Vegas, emphasizing its potential to revolutionize how businesses interact with AI technology and is trained on 17 years of AWS knowledge, offering tailored solutions and advice for a wide range of business queries. It's priced at $20 per user per year and currently in public preview and can be integrated with various business-specific applications like Salesforce, Jira, Zendesk, and Gmail, allowing it to learn and adapt to a company's unique structure and needs. Highlights The chatbot has advanced analytical capabilities and can analyze business data to identify customer pain points and suggest improvements, drawing from its extensive database and business-specific information. Beyond answering questions, Q can generate content like blog posts and emails, and execute tasks such as creating service tickets and updating dashboards, enhancing business efficiency. See: Amazon’s Anthropic Investment Shaping Future Job Landscape Q is designed with a strong emphasis on security and privacy, ensuring that it only accesses and provides information that the user is authorized to see, addressing potential concerns about data privacy and ...
NCFA Member Innovation Spotlight | Nov 28, 2023 ReliablyME launches an AI-powered Accountability Coach GPT blending ancient philosophical wisdom and modern AI technology to offer a unique approach to personal and professional development. The ReliablyME Accountability Coach GPT is now accessible through ChatGPT Plus. The tool is designed for a wide range of users, including professionals, entrepreneurs, students, and anyone interested in disciplined goal-setting and ethical practices. It stands out as an accessible, flexible, and cost-effective coaching solution. Founded in 2018, ReliablyME has been committed to delivering innovative and effective coaching solutions. With its focus on ethical and balanced growth, the company continues to be a leader in developing tools and resources that empower individuals and organizations to reach their full potential. Example Use Cases 1. Setting and Achieving Personal Goals Users seek assistance in defining clear, achievable objectives using the SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) framework. This often involves exploring personal or professional goals, such as improving productivity, pursuing a new skill, or achieving a specific fitness target. Accountability Coach GPT guides users in formulating these goals in a manner that is aligned with Stoic principles of focusing on what is within their control and Taoist concepts of ...
Bitcoin Mining | Nov 28, 2023 Bitfarms Ltd., a Canadian-based and publicly traded on NASDAQ and TSX, a leading global bitcoin mining company, recently announced a significant upgrade to its mining operations to boost the company's operational capacity and efficiency. The upgrade involves the acquisition of 35,888 Bitmain T21 miners, with an option for an additional 28,000 units, potentially elevating Bitfarms' operational capacity to an impressive 17 EH/s and 391 MW by the second half of 2024. See: One of Biggest Bitcoin Mining Firms in Canada, Bitfarms, to Adjust HOLD Strategy Last week, Bitfarms announced a $60 million Canadian private placement with U.S. institutional investors with the net proceeds from this private placement earmarked for the acquisition of new miners, expansion of infrastructure, and enhancement of the company's working capital. Bitfarms' purchase of 35,888 Bitmain T21 miners, priced at $2,660 each, enables unparalleled efficiency and mining power. This upgrade aligns with the upcoming bitcoin halving in April 2024, an event that typically triggers increased market activity and valuation fluctuations. The new T21 miners boast a highly efficient 3 Phase 415v PSU and High Energy Mode, aligning with global shifts towards sustainable mining practices. Third Quarter 2023 Results Bitfarms Ltd.'s financial ...
Crypto | Nov 28, 2023 Ex-Binance CEO Changpeng Zhao Faces Up to 10 Years in Prison Amid Bank Secrecy Act Violations Changpeng Zhao, the former CEO of cryptocurrency exchange Binance, is currently facing a potential prison sentence of up to 10 years. This development follows his guilty plea for violating the Bank Secrecy Act. The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has expressed frustration over Zhao's permission to reside in the UAE until his sentencing, considering his billionaire status and the UAE's lack of an extradition treaty with the U.S. See: SEC Files Lawsuit and Accuses Kraken of Commingling Key Points Zhao has been charged by the DOJ for violating the Bank Secrecy Act, with the prosecution possibly arguing for a maximum 10-year term. This is a significant increase from the initially anticipated 12-18 month sentence. Binance has agreed to pay a massive $4.3 billion fine, marking one of the largest enforcement actions against a crypto platform. Zhao himself was personally fined $50 million. Attorneys for Zhao, a dual citizen of Canada and the UAE, submitted a motion last Thursday to the Western District of Washington in Seattle. They argued that Zhao is not a flight risk, emphasizing his voluntary appearance ...
Digital Identity | Nov 28, 2023 Syngrafii Announces Integration with Trulioo Identity Document Verification, Enhancing its iinked Sign™ and Video Signing Room™ (VSR) platforms. Syngrafii's strategic integration helps secure electronic signatures, addressing the evolving needs of regulatory bodies and combating financial crimes like mortgage and auto loan fraud. The integration not only streamlines the identity verification process but also fortifies compliance with KYC, KYB, and AML protocols, setting a new standard in the digital signing realm. See: Digital Identity in the Age of Web3: Empowering Individuals, Transforming Organizations Key Points: The integration with Trulioo's Identity Document Verification brings a new level of assurance in signatory authentication, combining e-signature and IDV processes into a unified, more secure platform. This integration is a response to the changing demands of regulatory agencies, law societies, and financial institutions, ensuring compliance and mitigating risks associated with financial crimes, and meets the standards of NIST and DIACC Syngrafii's iinked Sign™ now includes a "Write to Sign" feature, allowing signatories to use their own handwriting, enhancing the authenticity and non-repudiation of electronic signatures. This collaboration supports Syngrafii's expansion in core markets like Canada and the U.S., while enhancing global trust in digital transactions. Syngrafii's suite, including the ...
ESG | Nov 28, 2023 The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) has recently launched 'Project Greenprint' (Gprnt), an innovative digital platform to streamline the collection and access of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) data View release This initiative, part of Project Greenprint, aims to simplify sustainability reporting and decision-making processes for both large corporations and small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Gprnt integrates four key utilities: a disclosure portal, a data registry, a solutions marketplace, and data orchestration capabilities, offering a comprehensive solution for ESG data management. See: ‘Lazy’ ESG Fund Managers Are Caught Swimming Naked as SVB Exposes Scheduled for a progressive rollout starting from Q1 2024, Gprnt promises to automate ESG reporting, providing timely insights and enhanced data access for the ESG community. Gprnt enables businesses to automatically convert economic data into sustainability-related information. This includes integrations with various digital systems like utilities, payroll solutions, and AIoT sensors. The platform will collect data through APIs and compute ESG-related outputs. It will also use AI tools for data extraction from documents and a GPT4-powered chatbot for crafting sustainability disclosures. Gprnt's data registry and marketplace functions, launching next year, will facilitate access to aggregated data and connect solution providers with investors ...
Investing | Nov 29, 2023 Reflecting on Charles T. Munger who passed away yesterday at the age of 99 in Santa Barbara, California Charles Thomas Munger (January 1, 1924 – November 28, 2023) The recent passing of Charlie Munger, the esteemed vice-chairman of Berkshire Hathaway (and billionaire), marks the end of an era in the investment world. As reported by The New York Times, Munger's influence extended beyond investment strategies to shaping the very culture of Berkshire Hathaway. His emphasis on integrity, patience, and rational decision-making are principles that fintechs and investors can adopt for long-term success. Born in Omaha in 1924, Munger served in the Army Air Corps and later graduated from Harvard Law School. He practiced law before shifting to investing, where he made his first million dollars. Munger was also known for his philanthropic efforts, particularly in architecture, donating millions to university projects. He was active in Berkshire Hathaway into his 90s and served as chairman of Good Samaritan Hospital in Los Angeles. Despite being overshadowed by Warren Buffett, Munger's influence at Berkshire Hathaway was significant. He was known as the originator of the company's investing approach, shifting Buffett's strategy from buying undervalued companies to investing in ...
Canadian Digital Dollar | Nov 29, 2023 Bank of Canada Publishes Stakeholder Feedback on The Canadian Digital Dollar Initiative Since 2020, the Bank of Canada has actively engaged with Canadians and stakeholders to gather insights on the digital Canadian dollar. This has included diverse discussions with the financial sector, focus groups, civil society groups, and an online public questionnaire. The Bank of Canada's report, "A Digital Canadian Dollar: What we heard 2020–23 and what comes next", provides a feedback lens across several themes. Key Feedback Themes There's a shared interest in accessibility and financial inclusion ensuring that the digital dollar caters to underserved communities, with a focus on making it accessible without stringent identification requirements. This approach aims to bridge gaps in current digital payment offerings and promote universal access. Stakeholders emphasized the importance and concerns of privacy, advocating for a digital currency that offers the anonymity of banknotes. The public expressed strong reservations about sharing personal information and the potential overreach of privacy laws. See: Bank of Canada Publishes Staff Paper on ‘Unmet Payment Needs and CBDCs The importance of maintaining access to physical currency was highlighted, with suggestions to mandate merchant acceptance of banknotes to support marginalized communities ...
Regulation | Nov 29, 2023 Elon Musk and Mark Cuban Support Legal Challenge Against SEC's In-House Judges Elon Musk and Mark Cuban are backing hedge-fund manager George Jarkesy in a significant legal battle against the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). This case, now before the US Supreme Court, questions the SEC's use of in-house judges for imposing penalties. Jarkesy's argument, supported by Musk and Cuban, is centered on the constitutional right of defendants in SEC cases to have a jury trial. This challenge could reshape how the SEC and potentially other regulatory bodies like the Federal Trade Commission conduct their enforcement actions. The Problems with Conflicts and Power Imbalance The problem with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) using in-house judges primarily revolves around concerns of fairness, constitutional rights, and the balance of power in regulatory enforcement. Here are some key points of contention: The central issue is the SEC's ability to bring cases before its own administrative law judges (ALJs) instead of federal courts. Critics argue that this denies defendants the constitutional right to a jury trial, which is seen as a fundamental aspect of the American legal system. There's a perception that in-house judges may be biased in ...
Nov 29, 2023 Nowadays environmental concerns have reached critical levels, that’s why sustainable construction practices have emerged as a beacon of hope. These practices not only help protect our planet but also offer numerous advantages to homeowners and builders alike. In this article, we will dig into the methods and merits of sustainable construction. Methods of Sustainable Construction Here are some key principles and methods integral to sustainable construction: 1. Energy Efficiency One of the foundational pillars of sustainable construction is ensuring that homes are constructed with energy efficiency and environmental sustainability at their core. This is where the auditing platform for home renovation grants comes into play. Such platforms provide valuable resources and support to homeowners and builders who are committed to accessing grants and incentives for sustainable construction projects. Sustainable construction places a strong emphasis on optimizing energy usage. Lighting serves as a crucial component of any building, and the choice of lighting fixtures holds the potential to dramatically impact energy efficiency. LED lights have emerged as the go-to choice for sustainable construction due to their myriad of benefits. LED lights are remarkably energy-efficient, consuming significantly less electricity compared to traditional incandescent or fluorescent bulbs. This substantial reduction ...
AI | Nov 29, 2023 Amazon has recently unveiled 'Q', an innovative AI-powered chatbot designed for businesses operations offering tailored solutions and advice Q was announced at Amazon’s re:Invent conference in Las Vegas, emphasizing its potential to revolutionize how businesses interact with AI technology and is trained on 17 years of AWS knowledge, offering tailored solutions and advice for a wide range of business queries. It's priced at $20 per user per year and currently in public preview and can be integrated with various business-specific applications like Salesforce, Jira, Zendesk, and Gmail, allowing it to learn and adapt to a company's unique structure and needs. Highlights The chatbot has advanced analytical capabilities and can analyze business data to identify customer pain points and suggest improvements, drawing from its extensive database and business-specific information. Beyond answering questions, Q can generate content like blog posts and emails, and execute tasks such as creating service tickets and updating dashboards, enhancing business efficiency. See: Amazon’s Anthropic Investment Shaping Future Job Landscape Q is designed with a strong emphasis on security and privacy, ensuring that it only accesses and provides information that the user is authorized to see, addressing potential concerns about data privacy and ...
NCFA Member Innovation Spotlight | Nov 28, 2023 ReliablyME launches an AI-powered Accountability Coach GPT blending ancient philosophical wisdom and modern AI technology to offer a unique approach to personal and professional development. The ReliablyME Accountability Coach GPT is now accessible through ChatGPT Plus. The tool is designed for a wide range of users, including professionals, entrepreneurs, students, and anyone interested in disciplined goal-setting and ethical practices. It stands out as an accessible, flexible, and cost-effective coaching solution. Founded in 2018, ReliablyME has been committed to delivering innovative and effective coaching solutions. With its focus on ethical and balanced growth, the company continues to be a leader in developing tools and resources that empower individuals and organizations to reach their full potential. Example Use Cases 1. Setting and Achieving Personal Goals Users seek assistance in defining clear, achievable objectives using the SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) framework. This often involves exploring personal or professional goals, such as improving productivity, pursuing a new skill, or achieving a specific fitness target. Accountability Coach GPT guides users in formulating these goals in a manner that is aligned with Stoic principles of focusing on what is within their control and Taoist concepts of ...
Bitcoin Mining | Nov 28, 2023 Bitfarms Ltd., a Canadian-based and publicly traded on NASDAQ and TSX, a leading global bitcoin mining company, recently announced a significant upgrade to its mining operations to boost the company's operational capacity and efficiency. The upgrade involves the acquisition of 35,888 Bitmain T21 miners, with an option for an additional 28,000 units, potentially elevating Bitfarms' operational capacity to an impressive 17 EH/s and 391 MW by the second half of 2024. See: One of Biggest Bitcoin Mining Firms in Canada, Bitfarms, to Adjust HOLD Strategy Last week, Bitfarms announced a $60 million Canadian private placement with U.S. institutional investors with the net proceeds from this private placement earmarked for the acquisition of new miners, expansion of infrastructure, and enhancement of the company's working capital. Bitfarms' purchase of 35,888 Bitmain T21 miners, priced at $2,660 each, enables unparalleled efficiency and mining power. This upgrade aligns with the upcoming bitcoin halving in April 2024, an event that typically triggers increased market activity and valuation fluctuations. The new T21 miners boast a highly efficient 3 Phase 415v PSU and High Energy Mode, aligning with global shifts towards sustainable mining practices. Third Quarter 2023 Results Bitfarms Ltd.'s financial ...
Crypto | Nov 28, 2023 Ex-Binance CEO Changpeng Zhao Faces Up to 10 Years in Prison Amid Bank Secrecy Act Violations Changpeng Zhao, the former CEO of cryptocurrency exchange Binance, is currently facing a potential prison sentence of up to 10 years. This development follows his guilty plea for violating the Bank Secrecy Act. The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has expressed frustration over Zhao's permission to reside in the UAE until his sentencing, considering his billionaire status and the UAE's lack of an extradition treaty with the U.S. See: SEC Files Lawsuit and Accuses Kraken of Commingling Key Points Zhao has been charged by the DOJ for violating the Bank Secrecy Act, with the prosecution possibly arguing for a maximum 10-year term. This is a significant increase from the initially anticipated 12-18 month sentence. Binance has agreed to pay a massive $4.3 billion fine, marking one of the largest enforcement actions against a crypto platform. Zhao himself was personally fined $50 million. Attorneys for Zhao, a dual citizen of Canada and the UAE, submitted a motion last Thursday to the Western District of Washington in Seattle. They argued that Zhao is not a flight risk, emphasizing his voluntary appearance ...
Digital Identity | Nov 28, 2023 Syngrafii Announces Integration with Trulioo Identity Document Verification, Enhancing its iinked Sign™ and Video Signing Room™ (VSR) platforms. Syngrafii's strategic integration helps secure electronic signatures, addressing the evolving needs of regulatory bodies and combating financial crimes like mortgage and auto loan fraud. The integration not only streamlines the identity verification process but also fortifies compliance with KYC, KYB, and AML protocols, setting a new standard in the digital signing realm. See: Digital Identity in the Age of Web3: Empowering Individuals, Transforming Organizations Key Points: The integration with Trulioo's Identity Document Verification brings a new level of assurance in signatory authentication, combining e-signature and IDV processes into a unified, more secure platform. This integration is a response to the changing demands of regulatory agencies, law societies, and financial institutions, ensuring compliance and mitigating risks associated with financial crimes, and meets the standards of NIST and DIACC Syngrafii's iinked Sign™ now includes a "Write to Sign" feature, allowing signatories to use their own handwriting, enhancing the authenticity and non-repudiation of electronic signatures. This collaboration supports Syngrafii's expansion in core markets like Canada and the U.S., while enhancing global trust in digital transactions. Syngrafii's suite, including the ...
ESG | Nov 28, 2023 The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) has recently launched 'Project Greenprint' (Gprnt), an innovative digital platform to streamline the collection and access of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) data View release This initiative, part of Project Greenprint, aims to simplify sustainability reporting and decision-making processes for both large corporations and small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Gprnt integrates four key utilities: a disclosure portal, a data registry, a solutions marketplace, and data orchestration capabilities, offering a comprehensive solution for ESG data management. See: ‘Lazy’ ESG Fund Managers Are Caught Swimming Naked as SVB Exposes Scheduled for a progressive rollout starting from Q1 2024, Gprnt promises to automate ESG reporting, providing timely insights and enhanced data access for the ESG community. Gprnt enables businesses to automatically convert economic data into sustainability-related information. This includes integrations with various digital systems like utilities, payroll solutions, and AIoT sensors. The platform will collect data through APIs and compute ESG-related outputs. It will also use AI tools for data extraction from documents and a GPT4-powered chatbot for crafting sustainability disclosures. Gprnt's data registry and marketplace functions, launching next year, will facilitate access to aggregated data and connect solution providers with investors ...
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