Karsten Wenzlaff, Advisor
August 26th, 2025
Embedded Finance Research | Nov 6, 2023

Courtesy of Visa Consulting & Analytics
The Visa Consulting and Analytics Team (VCA) has published a report titled 'Embedded Finance - What are the emerging opportunities in this new value chain' covering key players, trends, and various examples where financial services are seamlessly integrated into non-financial digital platforms.
Embedded finance is the integration of financial functions into environments where they were previously unavailable. Imagine buying a car from an online retailer and getting loan approval on the spot, or a gig worker receiving payments on a virtual card without ever having to visit a bank. This is the power of embedded finance – it brings banking to the customer, rather than bringing the customer to the bank.
According to Visa Consulting & Analytics, the embedded finance market is poised for explosive growth, with a projected compound annual growth rate of 23.9%, reaching a staggering US$776 billion by 2029. This growth is fueled by three emerging trends:
These examples showcase how embedded finance is being utilized across different sectors to provide value-added services, often leading to enhanced customer experiences and new revenue streams for businesses.
For traditional financial institutions, embedded finance represents both a challenge and an opportunity. Banks and credit unions must adapt to this new paradigm by becoming more agile, embracing API-driven architectures, and forging strategic partnerships with non-financial platforms. By doing so, they can tap into new customer segments and create alternative revenue streams.
Regulatory frameworks like open banking have catalyzed the growth of embedded finance by mandating the sharing of financial data in a secure and standardized manner. Meanwhile, advancements in technology, particularly in API infrastructure, have lowered the barriers to entry, allowing even small players to offer sophisticated financial services.
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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Regulation and Competition | Sep 11, 2023

Image: Unsplash/Rahul Chakraborty
Tap-to-pay usage in the U.S. has seen substantial growth, nearing an estimated $300 billion across Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, and Google Pay. It's predicted that digital wallet tap-to-pay transactions will grow by over 150% by 2028.
Apple and google are dominant in U.S. mobile: As of the second quarter of 2023, Apple's iOS was on 55% of smartphones shipped in the U.S., while Google's Android was on 45%.
Regulating access: Apple's iOS devices do not allow third-party payment apps to access NFC technology, making Apple Pay the only option for tap-to-pay on iOS devices. Google's Android, on the other hand, does not restrict third-party payment apps from accessing the NFC chip, but this could change.
Restrictions on tap-to-pay can limit consumer choice and hinder the move towards a more open banking ecosystem. For instance, Apple's NFC policy does not allow direct integration of tap-to-pay into existing banking apps and other payment apps like PayPal, Venmo, and Cash App.
The spotlight is part of CFPB's broader initiative to monitor the transition to open banking in the U.S., including trends in consumer payments and the introduction of multi-service super apps.
The CFPB is working on a rulemaking required by Section 1033 of the Consumer Financial Protection Act to clarify consumers' personal financial data rights. This could speed up the shift towards open banking in the U.S., emphasizing interoperability across consumer financial products and services.
The evolving landscape of mobile payments, driven by the policies and practices of tech giants like Apple and Google, underscores the intricate balance between innovation, consumer choice, and market dominance. As tap-to-pay transactions surge in popularity, the regulations set by these leading mobile operating systems play a pivotal role in shaping the future of retail payments.
While these regulations can offer streamlined and secure payment solutions, they also raise concerns about reduced consumer choice and potential stifling of innovation. It's imperative for stakeholders, from policymakers to consumers, to stay informed and engaged in this rapidly changing domain to ensure a fair and competitive mobile payments ecosystem.
1. How might the restrictions imposed by Apple on tap-to-pay functionality impact the competitive landscape of mobile payments?
Answer: Apple's restrictions on tap-to-pay functionality, particularly its decision to limit access to NFC technology to only Apple Pay on iOS devices, can create a competitive advantage for Apple Pay in the mobile payments market. Given that Apple's iOS holds a significant market share, this can lead to reduced choices for consumers who use iOS devices. Additionally, third-party payment apps and banks might find it challenging to compete on an even playing field, potentially stifling innovation and competition in the mobile payments sector.
2. How does the growth of tap-to-pay transactions correlate with the increasing dominance of mobile operating systems like iOS and Android in the U.S.?
Answer: The dominant market shares of iOS and Android, combined with the rapid growth of tap-to-pay transactions, highlight the pivotal role these operating systems play in shaping the retail payments landscape. As more consumers adopt smartphones with these operating systems, the policies and practices set by Apple and Google directly influence how consumers make payments. The increasing shift towards mobile device payments underscores the importance of their policies, especially as they can either promote or hinder the adoption of tap-to-pay solutions, impacting consumer behavior and the overall growth trajectory of the mobile payments industry.
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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Payments | Sep 1, 2023

Image: Unsplash/Dan LeFebvre
As devices become smarter and more interconnected, the need for seamless, real-time transactions becomes paramount. Enter micropayments, the unsung hero of the digital age, ready to facilitate these instantaneous exchanges. Let's embark on a journey to explore the future of autonomous transactions through the lens of IoT and micropayments.
IoT, at its core, represents a vast network of devices, from your refrigerator to your car, all communicating and sharing data. By 2025, it's estimated that there will be over 41 billion IoT devices worldwide. This digital symphony offers a plethora of opportunities, especially in the realm of transactions. Imagine a world where your car pays for its fuel, or your refrigerator restocks itself, all without human intervention.
Yes, yes. We've heard it all before since the concept of home automation first appeared in the mid-70s but given the explosion of technologies, interoperability and connected networks, growing number of use cases and adoption, but the opportunity seems different in 2023.
Traditional payment systems, with their cumbersome processes and fees, are ill-suited for the rapid, low-value transactions that IoT promises. Micropayments, with their ability to handle small amounts efficiently, emerge as the perfect solution. They promise minimal transaction fees, instant processing, and a level of flexibility that's music to the ears of the IoT ecosystem.
While the convergence of IoT and micropayments paints a rosy picture, it's not without challenges. Security remains a paramount concern. With billions of devices transacting autonomously, the threat landscape expands. Scalability is another hurdle. As the number of IoT devices burgeons, can our current micropayment infrastructure keep up?
Moreover, there's the challenge of standardization. For a truly seamless experience, devices from different manufacturers need to "speak the same language." This calls for industry-wide collaboration and perhaps the creation of universal standards.
The fusion of IoT and micropayments is more than just a trend; it's the future of transactions. As we stand on the cusp of this revolution, it's essential to embrace innovation while being cognizant of the challenges. In the words of futurist R. Buckminster Fuller:
We are called to be architects of the future, not its victims." The fusion of IoT and micropayments is our chance to architect a future where transactions are not just seamless but also autonomous, efficient, and intelligent.
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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Press Release | July 20, 2023

Image: Freepik/Storyset
In a significant move for the insurance industry, Duuo by Co-operators has launched its first embedded insurance API for partners, designed to enhance the customer experience by integrating the insurance purchase journey directly into their website, app, or platform. The first product to be launched in this new format is Duuo Event Insurance, offering event hosts a seamless experience of booking a venue and securing event coverage.
The implications of this launch are far-reaching. By embedding insurance directly into platforms, Duuo by Co-operators is simplifying the insurance process, making it more accessible and convenient for customers. This could potentially revolutionize the way insurance is purchased and consumed, setting a new standard for the industry.
Following the event insurance, Duuo by Co-operators plans to launch their tenant insurance API, further expanding their embedded insurance offerings. This move signifies the company's commitment to innovation and customer-centric solutions, positioning them as a leader in the insurance industry.
Steve Phillips, Executive Vice-President of Emerging Business Models at Co-operators:
"This new journey we’re embarking on rapidly expands our ability to allow our partners to grow and differentiate themselves in their own market, on their own terms."
This statement highlights the company's commitment to providing flexible, adaptable solutions that benefit both their partners and customers.
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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Digital Banking | Jul 16, 2023
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An AI-powered Neobank is a licensed digital-only bank that leverages artificial intelligence to deliver customer-centric, operationally efficient, and profitable services at scale. These banks differentiate themselves by embedding data and AI capabilities extensively across all aspects of their operations. This allows them to deepen customer relationships, improve financial performance, and deliver hyper-personalized services. They operate with lower cost structures and disruptive pricing practices compared to traditional banks.
Please note that while these companies are innovating in the financial sector, the specific use of AI in their banking services isn't explicitly confirmed in the search results. For detailed information, it would be best to visit the companies' websites or contact them directly.
AI-powered Neobanks can have several advantages over traditional banks. They operate with lower cost structures and offer more transparent pricing terms with fewer hidden fees. They leverage AI to deliver hyper-personalized services, maximize customer lifetime value, dramatically lower the cost to serve through automation, and adopt superior data-driven risk management practices.
They also have the ability to launch products at high velocity, focus on customer engagement, hyper-personalize experiences, adopt conversational design, integrate open-banking features seamlessly, leverage partner ecosystems to scale, and use customer-lifetime-value (LTV) to guide actions.
Like all fintechs, Neobanks, or digital-only banks, have been disrupting the traditional banking industry with their innovative, customer-centric approach. However, they face several obstacles and opportunities that will shape their future in the financial services industry.
As digital platforms, neobanks are attractive targets for cybercriminals. Ensuring robust security measures to protect customer data and transactions is crucial. They need to invest in advanced security technologies and protocols to prevent data breaches and fraud, which can be a significant challenge given the evolving nature of cyber threats. Neobanks often face complex and varying regulatory environments across different regions. Compliance with these regulations, including those related to data security and privacy, can be costly and time-consuming.
Many neobanks are still striving to achieve profitability. They often offer free or low-cost services to attract customers, which can make revenue generation challenging. Despite their innovative offerings, they still need to earn the trust of potential customers, especially those who are accustomed to traditional banking. This trust extends to the security of their platform and the protection of customer data.
As more people become comfortable with digital banking, the adoption of neobanks is expected to increase. This is particularly true among younger generations who are digital natives and prefer online services. Many neobanks are looking to expand their services globally. This includes entering emerging markets where a large portion of the population is unbanked or underbanked.
As digital-only banks, neobanks already have a lower carbon footprint than traditional banks. They can further this by investing in environmentally friendly practices such as renewable energy for their data centers, promoting paperless banking, and offering products that support environmentally friendly practices, such as green loans or investments in sustainable businesses. Socially Responsible Products that support social welfare, such as microloans or greenloans for low-income individuals or businesses, or investment options that prioritize companies with strong social responsibility records. Operators must commit to ethical practices such as fair pricing, transparency in their terms and conditions, and avoiding investments in industries that are harmful to society or the environment.
In conclusion, the future of neobanking is bright, promising a revolution in the financial services industry. As they overcome obstacles such as regulatory challenges, security concerns, and the quest for profitability, neobanks are poised to redefine banking with their customer-centric, digital-first approach. Innovations in AI, machine learning, open banking, and blockchain are set to drive this transformation, offering personalized, integrated, and efficient financial services.
Furthermore, by prioritizing financial inclusion and ethical, sustainable banking practices, neobanks have the potential to not only disrupt the banking industry but also contribute to a more inclusive and sustainable financial ecosystem. As we look ahead, it's clear that neobanks will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of banking.
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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Citi | Jun 16, 2023

Image: Citi
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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Tearsheet | Sara Khairi | Jul 5, 2023

Image: Marqueta - 2023 State of Payments Report
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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