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[...]
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Maximize Your Environmental Campaign’s Impact with FundRazr’s Spotlight Program (Until July 2023)
FundRazr | Daryl Hatton | May 28, 2023
Image: Fundrazr campaign
FundRazr, a well-known fundraising platform, has launched an Environmental Fundraising Spotlight (free of charge) until July 2023.
- This initiative aims to provide a special focus on campaigns that are raising funds for various environmental causes, such as wildlife and marine life protection, ocean and sea conservation, preservation of natural habitat and resources, biodiversity, and land and forestry.
See: FINTECH FRIDAY$ (EP24-Feb 8): Re-imagining Philanthropy with Daryl Hatton, Founder and CEO of ConnectionPoint/FundRazr
- Benefit: Participating organizations stand to benefit from increased visibility through FundRazr's paid social media promotions and advice from btheir digital fundraising strategists. These efforts are meant to attract more donors and ensure the campaign's success.
- This initiative is not only an opportunity to raise funds for the cause but also to gain a wider network and increase awareness for environmental protection.
- The Environmental Fundraising Spotlight is free of charge, with FundRazr investing in paid advertising to support the participating environmental movements. The only deductions from the raised money are standard third-party payment processing fees determined by the selected payment processor. To maintain the free usage of the platform, an optional tip is requested from supporters.
- FundRazr provides a range of tools for setting up and managing the campaigns, like mobile-friendly, ready-to-launch campaign pages, and deep social sharing capabilities. Organizations can also offer perks or create a wishlist to encourage contributions.
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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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Want to get insider access to some of the most innovative advances happening in #fintech. Join us May 31, 2023 in Toronto for an in-person 7th Summer Kickoff Networking! |
Beijing’s Digital Ambitions: A Deep Dive into the Web3 Innovation and Development White Paper
The Block | Yogita Khatri | May 27, 2023
Beijing has released a comprehensive white paper, titled "Web3 Innovation and Development White Paper (2023)," promoting the advancement of web3 technologies.
- China's Evolving Crypto Stance:
- Beijing's authorities view web3 as a pivotal trend in the internet industry's evolution.
- They're committing substantial resources, with Beijing's Chaoyang district pledging 100 million yuan (~$14 million) annually until 2025, to transform Beijing into a global digital economy innovation hub.
- Despite banning cryptocurrency use in 2021, China seems to be progressively warming up to the crypto industry. The white paper signals this shift, with Beijing actively promoting the development of web3, a technology intimately tied to blockchain and cryptocurrencies.
- This week's segment by China Central Television, featuring Bitcoin and NFTs - though subsequently removed - further corroborates the softening stance.
See: 10 Most Innovative Companies in 2023: Blockchain, Crypto, Metaverse, Web3
- Synchronized Timing:
- The release of Beijing's web3 white paper coincides interestingly with new crypto regulations in Hong Kong.
- Binance CEO Changpeng Zhao pointed out that Hong Kong's new crypto rules come into effect from June 1, indicating a broader shift in Asia's digital economy and regulatory landscape.
- This timing suggests a coordinated regional strategy towards the growing crypto and web3 sector.
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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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Want to get insider access to some of the most innovative advances happening in #fintech. Join us May 31, 2023 in Toronto for an in-person 7th Summer Kickoff Networking! |
Elon Musk’s Neuralink Announces FDA Approval for Human Trials of Its Brain Implant Technology
CBC News | May 26, 2023
Image: Freepik/jcomp
Brain implant company says U.S. regulator approval is 'important first step' to launching their technology
- FDA Greenlights Neuralink for Human Trials:
- Neuralink, the innovative brain-implant company led by serial entrepreneur Elon Musk, announced that it has secured approval from U.S. regulators to initiate testing its pioneering device in human subjects.
- This marks a significant milestone for the tech giant, opening up unprecedented possibilities in the realm of neurotechnology.
- Neuralink's Promise for Treating Brain Disorders and Injuries: The device, a revolutionary brain-computer interface about the size of a large coin, is designed to be implanted in the skull, potentially restoring vision and improving motor control in patients.
- Musk's vision extends to bridging signals from the brain to Neuralink devices in the spinal cord, which could offer transformative treatment options for severe neurological conditions.
See: 16z: 2023 State of Crypto (and Index)
- The Beginning of a New Era in Neurotech:
- Despite the remarkable promise of this technology, it's still considered an "investigational device" and its safety and efficacy are yet to be fully established.
- The approval for clinical trials signifies the beginning of an exciting era in neurotechnology, promising unprecedented advancements in understanding and treating brain-related health conditions.
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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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Want to get insider access to some of the most innovative advances happening in #fintech. Join us May 31, 2023 in Toronto for an in-person 7th Summer Kickoff Networking! |
Emerging Investors: Gen Z Canadians Take the Lead in Global Investment Trends
Wealth Professional | Steve Randall | May 26, 2023
A recent international study conducted by the CFA Institute and the FINRA Foundation focused on the investment behaviors of Gen Z individuals (aged 18-34) in Canada, the US, UK, and China.
- The study emphasized the need for governments, regulators, and investment professionals to support Gen Z by providing them with the necessary knowledge and educational tools to make informed investment decisions. It also noted the impact of macroeconomic factors, the rise of cryptocurrency, and the influence of social media "finfluencers" on the investment habits of this cohort.
See: Early-stage Investing – The Public gets a Seat at the Table
- The study revealed several key findings:
- Gen Z Canadians exhibit the highest level of investing activity among the four countries surveyed, with 74% owning at least one investment product. This figure surpasses China (57%), the US (56%), and the UK (49%).
- The fear of missing out (FOMO) was identified as the primary motivator for 40% of Canadian Gen Z individuals to start investing.
- Access to financial advice through social media and the availability of investing apps and cryptocurrencies were identified as significant factors influencing investment decisions.
- Cryptocurrencies served as the starting point for 35% of young Canadian investors, the highest proportion compared to the other countries.
- The study highlighted that 79% of Gen Z Canadians began investing before the age of 21. However, 56% of non-investors cited a lack of knowledge as the main barrier to investing.
- While Gen Z Canadians lead in many aspects, their top investing goal aligns with their international peers, with 55% aiming to save for travel or vacations. Interestingly, an equal percentage also cited paying monthly bills as their top concern.
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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Want to get insider access to some of the most innovative advances happening in #fintech. Join us May 31, 2023 in Toronto for an in-person 7th Summer Kickoff Networking! |
Patentability In Software – Everything You Need To Know
May 26, 2023
Image: Unsplash/Danial Igdery
Technology and software are taking over the world, and there is software for almost anything you can imagine. As of 2022, the software industry was $474.61 billion and is projected to grow by 11.9% between now and 2030.
As you would expect in any high-value industry, software development attracts quite a crowd, but only the best stand out. It takes a lot to create software that stands out, and as a developer, you want to be sure you profit from your efforts.
This guide focuses on patent registration and can be an excellent read if you are in the software development industry.
What Are Patents
Patents are a form of IP protection extended by a government to innovators with groundbreaking ideas. For an idea to qualify for patent registration, it must be new, useful, and non-obvious.
New means the innovation must be the first in the world. Usefulness means that the invention must have a practical application. Lastly, non-obvious means the invention must not be something another person trained in the field can easily create.
The applicant must also provide detailed information on the subject of registration in such a way that another person skilled in the trade can replicate it following the provided information.
This guide on Canadian patentability essentials can help you answer all your questions about your idea's patentability before moving on with a plan for registration.
Software Patentability
In the early years of software development, software algorithms in computer programs were primarily viewed as lacking patentability. But as the industry evolves, so are the laws. Today all functional aspects of the software are patentable as long as they meet the eligibility criteria.
Other aspects, such as basic ideas like lines of code, may not be patentable because they may not qualify as inventions. But you can secure them with copyright protections. Different jurisdictions have different patent laws and guidelines, meaning that one aspect of the software can be patentable in one jurisdiction but be unpatentable in another.
The Registration Process
The registration process can vary with jurisdiction, but some similarities may exist. The first step in all jurisdictions is always determining if your subject of registration is eligible for registration by conducting a patent search to determine your software's novelty.
Once you are sure about the patentability of your software idea, you then apply for registration with the relevant authority. In Canada, IP registrations are handled by the Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO) is responsible for IP registration. In the US, IP registration is handled by the United States Patents and Trademarks Office (USPTO).
You must accompany your application with a detailed description of your software, such as its functionality, technical aspects, and any unique algorithms involved. The registering authority then publicizes this information after the expiry of the patent, 20 years from the filing date.
Patent Registration and Innovation In The Software Industry
With patent protections, software developers are sure that the effort they put into innovating new products is worthwhile since they have a 20-year head start in profiting from the innovation, allowing them to recoup their investment and turn a profit.
With the assurance of making a profit, developers and software development companies are more willing to put in significant investments in innovation, which has, in turn, accelerated technological invention.
Geographical Limitations For Software Patents
Like other IP rights, patent software protections apply within the geographical boundaries of the country of registration. So if you have registered your software idea buttons in Canada, your protections only go beyond the Canadian borders.
See: Bringing Good Ideas to Life: 13 Modern Ways to Innovate
To enjoy similar protections globally, you must register your patterns with the World Intellectual Property Organization, a subsidiary of the United Nations that offers protections in over 190 countries.
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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Want to get insider access to some of the most innovative advances happening in #fintech. Join us May 31, 2023 in Toronto for an in-person 7th Summer Kickoff Networking! |
Solana Introduces AI Capabilities to Enhance User Experience and Adoption
The Defiant | Samuel Haig | May 24, 2023
In a push to revive its downtrend and amplify adoption, Solana, a Layer 1 blockchain noted for quick, low-cost transactions, launched a ChatGPT plugin that enhances its user interface.
- Solana AI ChatGPT plugin:
- The plugin facilitates various actions including NFT purchasing, token transfers, and on-chain data analysis, making it a powerful tool for those developing consumer-oriented applications.
- Future iterations are expected to enable the writing and deployment of smart contracts on-chain, making the Solana blockchain more accessible and user-friendly.
See: Solana DeFi Is Starting Over — OpenBook
- Signs of Live Despite Market Challenges:
- Despite a significant 92% drop from its 2021 highs, Solana has started to recover, showing an 80% increase in the SOL token this year.
- However, the project faced various challenges including outages, criticisms regarding decentralization, and significant market share loss to other low-cost Layer 1s. The downfall of FTX and Alameda Research, significant Solana investors, also dealt a blow to the ecosystem.
- Solana persists and looks to AI as a means to regain momentum and foster growth.
- Boost for AI Grant Accelerator Program:
- In a bid to nurture the development of machine learning models interacting with Solana-based protocols, the blockchain announced a ten-fold funding increase for its AI accelerator grants program.
- The program, which has already attracted over 50 applications, will provide between $5,000 and $25,000 to successful applicants.
- The ecosystem is home to several AI-focused projects, demonstrating the potential for AI to revolutionize the functionality and usability of the blockchain.
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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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Want to get insider access to some of the most innovative advances happening in #fintech. Join us May 31, 2023 in Toronto for an in-person 7th Summer Kickoff Networking! |
CanadaHelps: Great Canadian Giving Challenge June 1-30
CanadaHelps | May 26, 2023
It’s easy to join the Great Canadian Giving Challenge June 1-30, 2023! Enter to win $20,000 for any Charity*:
1. Search: Find your favourite charity that you want to help win.
2. Donate: Every $1 donated this June on CanadaHelps.org is a chance to win!*
3. Celebrate: Feel good knowing the impact your donation made and wait to see if your gift is the winning donation when the grand prize winner is drawn on July 1st, 2022!
Learn more --> Now
Also accepting crypto donations!
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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Want to get insider access to some of the most innovative advances happening in #fintech. Join us May 31, 2023 in Toronto for an in-person 7th Summer Kickoff Networking! |
