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[...]
Canadian Insurtech Breathe Life Secures C$4.5 Million Through Latest Seed Funding Round Led By Diagram Ventures
Crowdfund Insider | By
Breathe Life
, a Canada-based insurtech startup, has recently secured C$4.5 million through its latest seed funding round, which was led by Diagram Ventures with participation from Real Ventures.
Founded in 2017, Breathe Life reports that its platform delivers a “modern customer-centric experience” with tools and analytics that are “reshaping’ the insurance industry and driving business growth. The company explained:
“By transforming the distribution of life insurance from pen and paper to digital, consumers can purchase products on their own from the comfort of their home, and financial advisors can move faster and reach new audiences by using our software solution. Our platform of both consumer and broker facing solutions is helping insurance experts communicate with, learn more about and distribute insurance products to a much broader audience in a faster and more efficient way.”
See: The state of Canadian FinTech in four charts
According to Verdict, Breathe Life Co-Founder and CEO Ian Jeffrey, stated that the life insurance industry faces distribution challenges as more customers are expecting more of a fast and seamless digital buying experience and that Breathe Life is helping distributors tap into vast and underserved markets with digital solutions that make it more efficient and cost-effective both to find and acquire new customers and nurture existing ones.
Continue to the full article --> here
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Funding | Sep 29, 2023 ZayZoon, a prominent Earned Wage Access scale-up for small and mid-sized businesses, and founded in Calgary, recently announced that they raised $34.5 million in debt and equity during its Series B financing round. Investors include Framework Venture Partners who led this round, with notable co-investment from Export Development Canada (EDC) and participation from ATB Financial and existing shareholders. ZayZoon is a financial empowerment platform specifically designed for small and mid-sized businesses. The company's primary mission is to provide employees with the ability to access their earned wages before the traditional payday, a service known as Earned Wage Access (EWA). This innovative approach aims to alleviate financial stress and break the paycheck-to-paycheck cycle that many individuals face. Catering to the varied needs of its users, ZayZoon offers multiple payout options, including bank deposits, debit cards, and fee-free alternatives like Instant Gift Cards and Gas Cards See: Redefining Payday: Earned Wage Access (EWA) Insights from Harvard Study ZayZoon emphasizes seamless integration with existing payroll and HR infrastructures. In 2023, the company was notably recognized as an ADP and PrismHR Marketplace Partner of the Year. Their trajectory is nothing short of remarkable, boasting a 400% increase in payouts ...
Capital | Sep 29, 2023 This week hails the launch of Capital Compass BC, a dynamic and collaborative platform by Innovate BC, InBC Investment Corp., PacifiCan, and New Ventures BC, designed to bolster and connect BC's thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem. British Columbia (B.C.) is a hub of innovation, with entrepreneurs and companies propelling it as a leading innovation center in North America. Capital Compass BC is not just a boon for businesses but also for investors, innovators, and ecosystem enablers. It's publicly accessible, free-to-use, and allows individuals to submit relevant information, making it searchable within the platform. Key Features of Capital Compass BC: Comprehensive Database: The platform provides detailed insights into startups, scaleups, investors, entrepreneurial resources, and the flow of investment capital within BC. There are currently 538 fintech startups and scale-ups based in BC listed on the platform. Advanced Filtering: Users can explore the vast database using filters like sector, company stage, funding round, and other pivotal characteristics. This facilitates the identification of trends, opportunities, and gaps in the regional innovation ecosystem. Support for Companies: Beyond just being a data repository, Capital Compass BC aids companies in navigating funding sources and amplifying their visibility in the market. Investor's Paradise: Investors ...
Sep 29, 2023 Funding Transfers Via PayID From Australia Gambling for real money is not complete without a reliable payment system. This is a guarantee that fraudsters won’t get your cash. And it will not magically disappear. Therefore, the transfer method choice is on par with the search for a casino. Security comes first, so let's take a look at how the system creators provide it. First of all, we'd like to point out that only your bank can see the personal data required to receive the code. The online casino does not see them. In addition, PayID uses SSL protection. Advantages And Disadvantages We highlight such pros: Speed. Online casino transfers are instant, so you can start betting right away. Withdrawals depend on the gambling platform due to additional checks. Security. Everything is as safe as transferring directly to a bank account, just more anonymous. You only need a code. Simplicity. Remembering a combination or just a login is easier than looking for a piece of paper with your account number every time. You can connect to the system in just a few clicks. Communication. PayID transfers allow short descriptions of up to 280 characters. You can specify the ...
BoC | Sep 28, 2023 The Bank of Canada has extended an invitation to members of the Retail Payment Advisory Committee (RPAC) and the broader payment service provider (PSP) community to share feedback on its supervisory approach to transaction reporting. The Bank is keen on understanding the current practices of payment service providers (PSPs) and aims to develop an effective strategy for transaction reporting. This initiative is not limited to RPAC members alone; the Bank is actively seeking diverse opinions from the entire PSP industry. See: Citi’s Top 10 Insights on Cross-Border Payments 2023 By sharing your feedback, you will help the Bank gain insights into the current practices of PSPs and also contribute to the development of a robust transaction reporting approach. Survey The Bank has launched a survey to better understand the information needs of PSPs. This will aid PSPs in understanding the Bank's expectations and preparing for upcoming retail payment supervision. The results of this survey will shape the Bank's communication strategy, ensuring PSPs are well-informed and ready to comply with forthcoming legislation. The survey is entirely voluntary, and the Bank guarantees that no personally identifiable information will be collected or shared. You can complete the survey ...
Crypto Regulation | Sep 28, 2023 EU's MiCA framework sets a new standard in crypto regulation, as the UK and US navigate their unique challenges and the global community calls for coordinated oversight. The European Union, with its groundbreaking MiCA framework has set a precedent. Meanwhile, the UK and the US are carving their unique paths. Drawing insights from a recent EU report, this article provides an update of the regulatory landscape across these jurisdictions, highlighting the challenges, opportunities, and global implications of their respective approaches to crypto-assets and stablecoins. EU's Regulatory Approach to Crypto-Assets In 2023, the European Union introduced the innovative Markets in Crypto-assets (MiCA) framework, a comprehensive regulatory measure designed to oversee the burgeoning crypto-asset markets. The primary focus of MiCA is on stablecoins, ensuring that their value remains consistent with official currencies. This framework combines stringent transparency and governance measures with prudential rules similar to those applied to traditional financial institutions. The overarching aim of MiCA is to ensure better protection for citizens, maintain financial stability, and foster both innovation and financial inclusion in the crypto space. UK and US The United Kingdom has charted its own path in the crypto realm. With comprehensive crypto legislation ...
Sep 28, 2023 Fintech is an ever-evolving world where every click counts and every lead may be game-changing; therefore mastering SEO has become essential. Welcome to Fintech SEO where competing for top search engine results pages (SERPs) rankings doesn't simply translate to visibility but rather leads to sales conversion. In this article, we'll uncover its immense power, discuss why high SERP rankings lead to conversions and traverse organic traffic that fuels fintech success. SERP Rankings in Fintech Imagine this: you need financial advice or are searching for investment options, where would you go? Chances are you would consult your search engine; the websites appearing at the top of those search results have built trust among both their users and search engines alike. ➡️ High Rankings Are an Indication of Trustworthiness Achieving high rankings on SERPs for your fintech website is like earning a gold star of trustworthiness from users; they know Google or Bing have already approved and reviewed your services - often leading to them opting for them over those offered by your competitors. When you enlist the expertise of a fintech SEO agency such as Sure Oak, you're essentially enlisting professionals who specialize in elevating your trustworthiness on ...
Cyber Security | Sep 27, 2023 The cyber landscape in 2023 has witnessed a significant surge in ransomware attacks, with small businesses becoming the primary targets. According to a report from Infosecurity Magazine, ransomware attackers are increasingly targeting smaller, less defended organizations. There was a 47% increase in new victims in the latter half of 2022, with many of these being small businesses with less mature cyber postures. Specifically, 57% of the victims of the LockBit gang, known for high-profile attacks on the Royal Mail and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), were small businesses. Many of these groups are moving away from traditional encryption-based attacks. Instead, they threaten to expose and publicize sensitive information, shifting from ransomware to pure extortion tactics. See: Small Businesses Incur Greatest Loss of Cyber Attacks | 67% Suffer Repeat Attacks Within 12 Months Ransomware by the Numbers In the first half of 2023, there was a 45.27% global increase in ransomware victim organizations, totaling 2,001. During the same period, the sectors most targeted by ransomware were banking, retail, and transportation. LockBit, a dominant ransomware since 2022, primarily targeted IT, finance, and professional services. Nearly 50% of all ransomware victims were US-based organizations, a significant increase ...
Release | Sep 27, 2023 Elevate's Acquisition of CIX is A Testament to Canada's Flourishing Startup Ecosystem Canada's startup landscape has always been a vibrant tapestry of innovation, ambition, and collaboration. At the heart of this ecosystem, organizations like the Canadian Innovation Exchange (CIX) have played pivotal roles in spotlighting the nation's most promising startups and bridging the gap between innovators and investors. As a long-time community partner and admirer of CIX, the National Crowdfunding & Fintech Association of Canada (NCFA) is thrilled about this acquisition announcement. NCFA & CIX: A Journey Together Over the years, NCFA has had the privilege of walking alongside CIX, celebrating its successes, and learning from its vast experiences. Our partnership has been rooted in mutual respect and a shared passion for fostering innovation in Canada. We've watched CIX grow, evolve, and transform into Canada's largest startup awards program and investment conference. Their annual curation program has consistently showcased the crème de la crème of Canadian startups, attracting attention from North American VCs, corporates, and private equity investors. See: Clay Financial Closes $1.7 Million Pre-Seed to Offer Home Equity Sharing AltFi Product in Canada Both Elevate and CIX have been champions of innovation, tirelessly working ...
AI | Sep 27, 2023 Amazon agrees to invest up to $4 billion in Anthropic to compete against other tech giants like Microsoft, Meta, Google, and Nvidia who are heavily invested in the space. The initial investment will see Amazon infuse $1.25 billion for a minority stake in Anthropic. Furthermore, Amazon retains the option to increase its investment to a total of $4 billion. Anthropic, backed by notable investors including Google, Spark Capital, Salesforce, Sound Ventures, Menlo Ventures, and Zoom, has amassed a total funding of $2.7 billion so far, and has ambitious plans. In May of this year, the startup achieved a valuation of approximately $5 billion following a $450 million funding round. The valuation set by Amazon in their recent investment in Anthropic has not been disclosed. For context, OpenAI has already secured more than $11 billion in funding, with a significant portion coming from Microsoft. See: OSFI’s Evolving Focus on Integrity & Security Anthropic aims to raise as much as $5 billion over the next two years and has recently launched its consumer-facing premium subscription plan of chatbot Claude 2 and has plans to develop a "frontier model" named "Claude-Next." This model is projected to be ten ...
Sep 27, 2023 Citi's groundbreaking partnership with BondbloX underscores the rising prominence of fractional bonds in reshaping the global investment landscape. What are Fractional Bonds? Fractional bonds (see Digital bonds), as the name suggests, allow investors to own a fraction of a bond rather than the entire bond. This concept is similar to buying shares in a company. Instead of purchasing an entire bond, which might be cost-prohibitive for many retail investors, they can buy a fraction of it. This democratizes bond trading, making it accessible to a broader audience. See: Catastrophe Bonds: Killer Use Case for Digital Asset Adoption? The concept of fractional bonds is still relatively new, but it's gaining traction rapidly. Platforms like BondbloX are at the forefront of this movement. BondbloX, which started as BondEvalue, has made significant strides in simplifying bond investing. Their platform allows investors to track and trade bonds electronically, much like stocks. This approach not only makes bond trading more accessible but also integrates the advantages of equities trading into the bond market. Citi and BondbloX's IRL Partnership One of the most notable partnerships in the fractional bond space is between BondbloX and Citi. As we've seen from the recent announcement, Citi ...
Funding | Sep 29, 2023 ZayZoon, a prominent Earned Wage Access scale-up for small and mid-sized businesses, and founded in Calgary, recently announced that they raised $34.5 million in debt and equity during its Series B financing round. Investors include Framework Venture Partners who led this round, with notable co-investment from Export Development Canada (EDC) and participation from ATB Financial and existing shareholders. ZayZoon is a financial empowerment platform specifically designed for small and mid-sized businesses. The company's primary mission is to provide employees with the ability to access their earned wages before the traditional payday, a service known as Earned Wage Access (EWA). This innovative approach aims to alleviate financial stress and break the paycheck-to-paycheck cycle that many individuals face. Catering to the varied needs of its users, ZayZoon offers multiple payout options, including bank deposits, debit cards, and fee-free alternatives like Instant Gift Cards and Gas Cards See: Redefining Payday: Earned Wage Access (EWA) Insights from Harvard Study ZayZoon emphasizes seamless integration with existing payroll and HR infrastructures. In 2023, the company was notably recognized as an ADP and PrismHR Marketplace Partner of the Year. Their trajectory is nothing short of remarkable, boasting a 400% increase in payouts ...
Capital | Sep 29, 2023 This week hails the launch of Capital Compass BC, a dynamic and collaborative platform by Innovate BC, InBC Investment Corp., PacifiCan, and New Ventures BC, designed to bolster and connect BC's thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem. British Columbia (B.C.) is a hub of innovation, with entrepreneurs and companies propelling it as a leading innovation center in North America. Capital Compass BC is not just a boon for businesses but also for investors, innovators, and ecosystem enablers. It's publicly accessible, free-to-use, and allows individuals to submit relevant information, making it searchable within the platform. Key Features of Capital Compass BC: Comprehensive Database: The platform provides detailed insights into startups, scaleups, investors, entrepreneurial resources, and the flow of investment capital within BC. There are currently 538 fintech startups and scale-ups based in BC listed on the platform. Advanced Filtering: Users can explore the vast database using filters like sector, company stage, funding round, and other pivotal characteristics. This facilitates the identification of trends, opportunities, and gaps in the regional innovation ecosystem. Support for Companies: Beyond just being a data repository, Capital Compass BC aids companies in navigating funding sources and amplifying their visibility in the market. Investor's Paradise: Investors ...
Sep 29, 2023 Funding Transfers Via PayID From Australia Gambling for real money is not complete without a reliable payment system. This is a guarantee that fraudsters won’t get your cash. And it will not magically disappear. Therefore, the transfer method choice is on par with the search for a casino. Security comes first, so let's take a look at how the system creators provide it. First of all, we'd like to point out that only your bank can see the personal data required to receive the code. The online casino does not see them. In addition, PayID uses SSL protection. Advantages And Disadvantages We highlight such pros: Speed. Online casino transfers are instant, so you can start betting right away. Withdrawals depend on the gambling platform due to additional checks. Security. Everything is as safe as transferring directly to a bank account, just more anonymous. You only need a code. Simplicity. Remembering a combination or just a login is easier than looking for a piece of paper with your account number every time. You can connect to the system in just a few clicks. Communication. PayID transfers allow short descriptions of up to 280 characters. You can specify the ...
BoC | Sep 28, 2023 The Bank of Canada has extended an invitation to members of the Retail Payment Advisory Committee (RPAC) and the broader payment service provider (PSP) community to share feedback on its supervisory approach to transaction reporting. The Bank is keen on understanding the current practices of payment service providers (PSPs) and aims to develop an effective strategy for transaction reporting. This initiative is not limited to RPAC members alone; the Bank is actively seeking diverse opinions from the entire PSP industry. See: Citi’s Top 10 Insights on Cross-Border Payments 2023 By sharing your feedback, you will help the Bank gain insights into the current practices of PSPs and also contribute to the development of a robust transaction reporting approach. Survey The Bank has launched a survey to better understand the information needs of PSPs. This will aid PSPs in understanding the Bank's expectations and preparing for upcoming retail payment supervision. The results of this survey will shape the Bank's communication strategy, ensuring PSPs are well-informed and ready to comply with forthcoming legislation. The survey is entirely voluntary, and the Bank guarantees that no personally identifiable information will be collected or shared. You can complete the survey ...
Crypto Regulation | Sep 28, 2023 EU's MiCA framework sets a new standard in crypto regulation, as the UK and US navigate their unique challenges and the global community calls for coordinated oversight. The European Union, with its groundbreaking MiCA framework has set a precedent. Meanwhile, the UK and the US are carving their unique paths. Drawing insights from a recent EU report, this article provides an update of the regulatory landscape across these jurisdictions, highlighting the challenges, opportunities, and global implications of their respective approaches to crypto-assets and stablecoins. EU's Regulatory Approach to Crypto-Assets In 2023, the European Union introduced the innovative Markets in Crypto-assets (MiCA) framework, a comprehensive regulatory measure designed to oversee the burgeoning crypto-asset markets. The primary focus of MiCA is on stablecoins, ensuring that their value remains consistent with official currencies. This framework combines stringent transparency and governance measures with prudential rules similar to those applied to traditional financial institutions. The overarching aim of MiCA is to ensure better protection for citizens, maintain financial stability, and foster both innovation and financial inclusion in the crypto space. UK and US The United Kingdom has charted its own path in the crypto realm. With comprehensive crypto legislation ...
Sep 28, 2023 Fintech is an ever-evolving world where every click counts and every lead may be game-changing; therefore mastering SEO has become essential. Welcome to Fintech SEO where competing for top search engine results pages (SERPs) rankings doesn't simply translate to visibility but rather leads to sales conversion. In this article, we'll uncover its immense power, discuss why high SERP rankings lead to conversions and traverse organic traffic that fuels fintech success. SERP Rankings in Fintech Imagine this: you need financial advice or are searching for investment options, where would you go? Chances are you would consult your search engine; the websites appearing at the top of those search results have built trust among both their users and search engines alike. ➡️ High Rankings Are an Indication of Trustworthiness Achieving high rankings on SERPs for your fintech website is like earning a gold star of trustworthiness from users; they know Google or Bing have already approved and reviewed your services - often leading to them opting for them over those offered by your competitors. When you enlist the expertise of a fintech SEO agency such as Sure Oak, you're essentially enlisting professionals who specialize in elevating your trustworthiness on ...
Cyber Security | Sep 27, 2023 The cyber landscape in 2023 has witnessed a significant surge in ransomware attacks, with small businesses becoming the primary targets. According to a report from Infosecurity Magazine, ransomware attackers are increasingly targeting smaller, less defended organizations. There was a 47% increase in new victims in the latter half of 2022, with many of these being small businesses with less mature cyber postures. Specifically, 57% of the victims of the LockBit gang, known for high-profile attacks on the Royal Mail and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), were small businesses. Many of these groups are moving away from traditional encryption-based attacks. Instead, they threaten to expose and publicize sensitive information, shifting from ransomware to pure extortion tactics. See: Small Businesses Incur Greatest Loss of Cyber Attacks | 67% Suffer Repeat Attacks Within 12 Months Ransomware by the Numbers In the first half of 2023, there was a 45.27% global increase in ransomware victim organizations, totaling 2,001. During the same period, the sectors most targeted by ransomware were banking, retail, and transportation. LockBit, a dominant ransomware since 2022, primarily targeted IT, finance, and professional services. Nearly 50% of all ransomware victims were US-based organizations, a significant increase ...
Release | Sep 27, 2023 Elevate's Acquisition of CIX is A Testament to Canada's Flourishing Startup Ecosystem Canada's startup landscape has always been a vibrant tapestry of innovation, ambition, and collaboration. At the heart of this ecosystem, organizations like the Canadian Innovation Exchange (CIX) have played pivotal roles in spotlighting the nation's most promising startups and bridging the gap between innovators and investors. As a long-time community partner and admirer of CIX, the National Crowdfunding & Fintech Association of Canada (NCFA) is thrilled about this acquisition announcement. NCFA & CIX: A Journey Together Over the years, NCFA has had the privilege of walking alongside CIX, celebrating its successes, and learning from its vast experiences. Our partnership has been rooted in mutual respect and a shared passion for fostering innovation in Canada. We've watched CIX grow, evolve, and transform into Canada's largest startup awards program and investment conference. Their annual curation program has consistently showcased the crème de la crème of Canadian startups, attracting attention from North American VCs, corporates, and private equity investors. See: Clay Financial Closes $1.7 Million Pre-Seed to Offer Home Equity Sharing AltFi Product in Canada Both Elevate and CIX have been champions of innovation, tirelessly working ...
AI | Sep 27, 2023 Amazon agrees to invest up to $4 billion in Anthropic to compete against other tech giants like Microsoft, Meta, Google, and Nvidia who are heavily invested in the space. The initial investment will see Amazon infuse $1.25 billion for a minority stake in Anthropic. Furthermore, Amazon retains the option to increase its investment to a total of $4 billion. Anthropic, backed by notable investors including Google, Spark Capital, Salesforce, Sound Ventures, Menlo Ventures, and Zoom, has amassed a total funding of $2.7 billion so far, and has ambitious plans. In May of this year, the startup achieved a valuation of approximately $5 billion following a $450 million funding round. The valuation set by Amazon in their recent investment in Anthropic has not been disclosed. For context, OpenAI has already secured more than $11 billion in funding, with a significant portion coming from Microsoft. See: OSFI’s Evolving Focus on Integrity & Security Anthropic aims to raise as much as $5 billion over the next two years and has recently launched its consumer-facing premium subscription plan of chatbot Claude 2 and has plans to develop a "frontier model" named "Claude-Next." This model is projected to be ten ...
Sep 27, 2023 Citi's groundbreaking partnership with BondbloX underscores the rising prominence of fractional bonds in reshaping the global investment landscape. What are Fractional Bonds? Fractional bonds (see Digital bonds), as the name suggests, allow investors to own a fraction of a bond rather than the entire bond. This concept is similar to buying shares in a company. Instead of purchasing an entire bond, which might be cost-prohibitive for many retail investors, they can buy a fraction of it. This democratizes bond trading, making it accessible to a broader audience. See: Catastrophe Bonds: Killer Use Case for Digital Asset Adoption? The concept of fractional bonds is still relatively new, but it's gaining traction rapidly. Platforms like BondbloX are at the forefront of this movement. BondbloX, which started as BondEvalue, has made significant strides in simplifying bond investing. Their platform allows investors to track and trade bonds electronically, much like stocks. This approach not only makes bond trading more accessible but also integrates the advantages of equities trading into the bond market. Citi and BondbloX's IRL Partnership One of the most notable partnerships in the fractional bond space is between BondbloX and Citi. As we've seen from the recent announcement, Citi ...
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