Karsten Wenzlaff, Advisor
August 26th, 2025
Karsten Wenzlaff is a Crowdfunding and Fintech Expert from Germany. He is Secretary-General of Digit[...]
Crypto Enters the Core of Canadian Payments
Payments | May 7 2025
Image from Shakepay joins Payments Canada
Shakepay is Canada's First Crypto-native Firm to Enter National Payments Infrastructure
Canadian fintech just took a significant step forward. On May 5, 2025, Shakepay Inc, a Montreal-based crypto platform and CIRO-regulated securities dealer announced that they are the first crypto-native company to officially join Payments Canada, an independent public-purpose organization that owns and operates Canada's core payment infrastructure under federal oversight including the systems that clear and settle over $120 trillion annually.
This move could open the door for deeper integration of digital assets into Canada's regulated financial system, which in turn could accelerate innovation, competition, and consumer access to key fintech services including crypto and digital assets more broadly.
Shakepay’s blog announcement:
"Not only are we joining an exclusive group of fintechs, but it marks a significant step towards bridging the gap between the crypto industry and traditional finance in Canada."
What it Means for Canadian Fintech
Shakepay’s access to the national payment infrastructure is about more than speed. It aligns with their vision to make 'bitcoin more accessible to Canadians', and as member they can work directly with banks, fintechs, and other financial institutions under the same rules and protections as traditional players. This includes faster and more reliable fiat payment options to its customers, and access to the Real-Time Rail system when it's expected to rollout in 2026.
See: Why Canadian Banks Are Fighting Open Banking
This is the same infrastructure that open banking will rely on, so it gives Shakepay critical access, aligning its services with evolving standards for instant payments, data access, and interoperability.
It also gives them a seat at the 'parents table', allowing them to participate in key discussions, collaborate with key industry leaders, and bridge the gap between digital assets and traditional finance, while setting the stage for future participation in Canada's open banking framework.
Closing Thoughts
It does raise several questions though, such as will this move make it easier for other fintechs to gain access to the same payments infrastructure? Will their ability to educate, advocate, and generate significant banking partnerships accelerate regulatory clarity for expanding crypto services in Canada? Will this lead to a direct crypto to fiat payment service via the national payments infrastructure?
See: UK Publishes Draft Rules for Crypto Regulation
While the answers will no doubt take time to emerge, the line between traditional financial institutions and digital asset platforms continues to blur. And this is the first time that a crypto-native firm is running through the heart of Canada's payment system.
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, artificial intelligence, 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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