Karsten Wenzlaff, Advisor
August 26th, 2025
Karsten Wenzlaff is a Crowdfunding and Fintech Expert from Germany. He is Secretary-General of Digit[...]
Category Archives: Blockchain, Crypto, Digital Assets, Tokens, CBDCs, Stablecoins, Metaverse, NFTs
SEC Exploring Ethereum Standard for Tokenized Securities
Tokenization | July 21, 2025
Image: Freepik
SEC Meets Ethereum Groups on Tokenized Securities Standards
On July 16, 2025, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) held a private meeting with Ethereum-linked groups including ERC-3643 Association and Chainlink Labs to explore standards for compliant tokenized securities. At the same time, SEC Chair Paul Atkins confirmed that the agency is reviewing an innovation exemption that could allow programmable compliance frameworks to operate with targeted regulatory relief. It's a new development that confirms growing regulatory support for tokenized finance, further raising the bar for Canadian policymakers to respond.
Key Developments
- SEC meets with Ethereum-based organizations
- Programmable compliance and tokenized securities standard
- GENIUS Act signed into U.S. law, and SEC exploring innovation exemption
- Implications for Canadian fintech regulation
1. SEC Engages Ethereum Ecosystem About Compliant Tokenization
In a major development during Crypto Week, the SEC held a private session with Ethereum-aligned groups, such as the ERC‑3643 Association, Chainlink Labs, the Enterprise Ethereum Alliance, Etherealize, and LF Decentralized Trust to explore the use of public blockchain infrastructure for regulated securities.
See: Peirce: You Can Tokenize Securities but Not Skip the Rules
The meeting focused on how blockchain systems can follow existing rules for verifying identities, tracking ownership, and controlling who can buy or sell tokenized securities. The groups shared technical solutions that help meet these requirements while still using decentralized public blockchains.
Dennis O’Connell, president of the ERC‑3643 Association said the SEC showed a “noticeable shift in tone” and openness to openly source industry standards.
2. Programmable Compliance: ERC‑3643 and Chainlink ACE
Two frameworks were at the center of the meeting:
- ERC‑3643 — An Ethereum token standard designed to support compliant transfers of tokenized securities by embedding identity verification, issuer registry, and onchain control mechanisms
- Chainlink Automated Compliance Engine (ACE) — allows for smart contract-based enforcement of regulatory rules across jurisdictions. It integrates existing ID systems with onchain logic and supports public and permissioned chains
See: Robinhood Tokenizes Stocks and Launches Blockchain
Chainlink Labs in a statement:
“Only Chainlink provides the compliance, privacy, cross-chain, and data infrastructure needed to scale digital asset adoption in a single platform.”
In partnership with the Blockchain Association, Chainlink recently launched Tokenized in America, a national ranking of blockchain leadership across all 50 U.S. states.
3. Policy Momentum as GENIUS Act Becomes Law
The SEC meeting coincided with Crypto Week where rapid legislative developments were taking place in Washington. The GENIUS Act was signed into law, establishing a federal framework for stablecoin regulation, and recognizing the role of tokenized payment infrastructure. It was passed alongside the CLARITY Act, which defines treatment for digital assets, and the Anti-CBDC Surveillance State Act.
SEC Chair Paul Atkins spoke publicly about the Commission’s interest in creating an “innovation exemption” that would allow compliant tokenized securities to be piloted without full adherence to legacy rules, saying:
“If it can be tokenized, it will be tokenized.”
See: Is TikTok Going Blockchain? Impact on Creator Economy
Sergey Nazarov, Chainlink co-founder:
Excited to see our industry reaching new heights and getting global adoption from governments because of the fundamental value that our technology provides.
The GENIUS Act is a huge step forward for stablecoins, forming the basis of on-chain payments for retail users in both… https://t.co/QlgtUgOHlu
— Sergey Nazarov (@SergeyNazarov) July 18, 2025
4. What this means for Canada
Canada is already evaluating stablecoins under its existing regulatory framework. The CSA classifies fiat-backed coins like USDC as “Value‑Referenced Crypto Assets” and recently allowed more time for issuers to comply. At the same time, OSFI, Department of Finance and the Bank of Canada are developing new federal rules to license stablecoin issuers to include reserve requirements, redemption, audits, and consumer protection.
See: Fintech Grows 3x Faster, 97% of Market Still Untapped
However, Canada currently lacks equivalent legal tools for programmable compliance mechanisms like ERC‑3643 or Chainlink ACE. If the SEC approves a standards-based tokenization model, Canadian fintechs will face increasing cross-border friction unless policymakers adapt quickly. NCFA previously highlighted this policy gap in its advocacy post, such as Coinbase Pushes for Tokenized Equities Approval commentary. Canadian regulators cannot fall further behind.
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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US House Pushes Crypto Reform Forward with Key Bills
Digital Asset Regulation | July 18, 2025
Image: Freepik/cookiestudio
Three US Crypto Bills Pass House Vote, One Heads to Trump's Desk
The US House of Representatives moved mountains yesterday and approve 3 major crypto bills during what lawmakers called 'Crypto Week', reflecting growing political support for crypto regulation. Some observers warn though that it could create another shadow banking system without sufficient oversight.
On Thursday, July 17, AP News reported the House passed the CLARITY Act in a 294–134 vote. The bill, which outlines crypto market structure reforms, will now move to the Senate for further debate. The GENIUS Act, focused on stablecoin rules, passed 308–122 and has already cleared the Senate. It now awaits President Donald Trump’s signature, with the White House expected to approve it. A third bill, the Anti-CBDC Surveillance State Act, passed by a narrower 219–210 margin and also heads to the Senate.
ICBA Reaction
The Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) released a statement opposing key provisions in both the GENIUS and CLARITY bills. ICBA President Rebeca Romero Rainey wrote:
"[The bills risk] establishing a parallel banking system that lacks the regulatory framework necessary to protect consumers and preserve financial stability, [if crypto firms are allowed to bypass traditional oversight]. [The proposed reforms could] allow crypto companies to offer products that resemble deposits or banking services without adhering to the same prudential standards."
The ICBA urged Congress to prohibit nonbanks from accessing Federal Reserve master accounts and to bar stablecoin issuers from offering yield-like products via affiliates or subsidiaries.
See: U.S. Crypto Week Will Impact Global Crypto Policy
Crypto markets responded with optimism with prices pushing all time highs, but not all stakeholders are convinced. Sen. Elizabeth Warren warned that the CLARITY Act could allow firms like Tesla or Meta to tokenize assets and sidestep SEC oversight.
Why It Matters
If President Trump signs the GENIUS Act, it will become the first U.S. federal law specifically regulating stablecoins, setting up a nationwide reserve, audit, and disclosure standards for issuers. The Senate’s upcoming hearings on the CLARITY and Anti‑CBDC bills will determine whether U.S. crypto markets receive cohesive federal oversight or remain subject to a fragmented mix of state rules and judicial rulings. With pressure mounting from banking groups, consumer advocates, and industry, the final outcome will determine if Washington will become a true global magnet for blockchain innovation, or a shadow financial system without full protections.
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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Bitcoin Treasury Corp Files Preliminary $300M Prospectus
Canadian Crypto | July 18, 2025
Image: Freepik
Bitcoin Treasury Prepares for $300M Raise as Canada's First Bitcoin-native Public Company
On July 17 2025, the Bitcoin Treasury Corporation (TSXV: BTCT) announced that they have filed a preliminary CAD $300 million base shelf prospectus, a sign that it intends to operate as a public company providing institutional Bitcoin services. The filing allows the company or certain shareholders to raise capital through securities such as common shares, debt, or warrants over the next 25 months, pending regulatory approval. While no offering is currently planned, the filing provides flexibility to act when strategic opportunities arise.
See: What Bitcoin Pizza Day 2025 Still Teaches Us 15 Years Later
The company describes itself as Canada’s first Bitcoin-native public company, focused on creating value through Bitcoin-denominated financial services and strategic accumulation. CEO Elliot Johnson says the goal is to grow its Bitcoin per share (BPS) metric, which is central to their long-term strategy. In short, BTCT wants to be the Canadian MicroStrategy which has used corporate reserves to accumulate over 200,000 BTC.
Bitcoin Treasury is aiming to build a business around bitcoin as a treasury asset and institutional product. Its current services include Bitcoin loans, and its positioning in Canadian public markets makes it a pure play for those seeking exposure to Bitcoin in equity portfolios.
Unlike Bitcoin ETFs that passively hold BTC, such as CI Galaxy Bitcoin ETF (BTCC), Purpose Bitcoin ETF (BTCX) or 3iQ CoinShares Bitcoin ETF (BTCQ), Bitcoin Treasury has a business model and currently provides services like Bitcoin-denominated loans and is developing a scalable platform to monetize and deploy Bitcoin strategically. So it combines Bitcoin exposure with active financial operations that focuses on capital markets, treasury efficiency, and lending BTC itself.
Other Canadian public companies such as LQWD Technologies (TSXV: LQWD, just raised $2.3 million CAD to buy more Bitcoin) are active in the Bitcoin space but have distinct business models. LQWD focuses on payment routing and infrastructure for the Lightning Network.
Outlook
The prospectus is available through the company’s Sedar Plus profile and doesn't represent an offering but it positions the company to respond quickly if an opportunity arises. For institutional investors and fintechs tracking crypto adoption in Canada, Bitcoin Treasury’s approach could become a reference point.
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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Citi and BofA Plan Stablecoins as Regulation Advances
Stablecoins | July 18, 2025
Image: Freepik/gstudioimagen
Citigroup and Bank of America Enter Stablecoin Race as TradFi Accelerates Towards Digital Dollars
The dominoes are definitely starting to fall. Citigroup and Bank of America have confirmed they are developing or preparing to launch their own stablecoins. In back-to-back Q2 earnings calls this week, executives from both banks outlined their intentions to support stablecoin issuance for use cases like digital payments and tokenized deposits.
As reported by Reuters, Citigroup CEO Jane Fraser said on July 15 that the bank is “looking at the issuance of a Citi stablecoin” and that stablecoins would fit within the bank’s current initiatives in tokenized deposits, custody, and digital cash on/off-ramp services.
See: Ripple Seeks US Bank Charter for Stablecoin Expansion
Then just a day later, Bank of America CEO Brian Moynihan confirmed that Bank of America is actively preparing to issue a stablecoin of its own. He told analysts the bank “expects to launch” a stablecoin and is in conversations with regulators about what a compliant U.S. dollar-backed version would require. Moynihan also pointed to the advancement of the GENIUS Act in Congress as a key milestone for legal clarity.
JPMorgan Already Live in the Market
Note, JPMorgan Chase already has functional stablecoin infrastructure. JPM Coin, a wholesale payments vehicle used by institutional clients, currently moves over $1 billion in transactions daily. The bank is now expanding into tokenized deposit products for digital settlement use.
Tokenized deposits are regular bank deposits that have been turned into digital tokens. They still belong to the customer and are backed by the bank, but because they run on blockchain technology, they can move money faster and incorporate programmable rules.
See: BIS Stablecoin Warning Meets US Policy Momentum
Worth noting that while Morgan Stanley has not announced its own stablecoin it confirmed during its latest earnings call that it is “actively discussing” potential use cases. CFO Sharon Yeshaya said the firm is monitoring the regulatory landscape and evaluating client needs.
Consortium Stablecoin Being Explored
In a Reuters article May 23, 2025, mentioned that JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America, Citigroup, Wells Fargo, and other large commercial banks (including U.S. Bank via consortium channels) are “exploring whether to team up to issue a joint stablecoin,”, but there have been no commitments or formal statements issued yet.
Implications for Traditional Finance
Traditional banks are positioning themselves to be regulated providers of digital dollars that can be used in fast, transparent, and low-cost transactions across modern financial systems.
Stablecoins issued by large banks could compete or potentially replace legacy payment systems for cross-border transfers, securities settlement, reserve management, and cash liquidity optimization. Eventually they may support consumer payments, although bank executives have stressed that the focus is on B2B use cases first.
Bank of England Governor Andrew Bailey recently warned that privately issued stablecoins could destabilize global financial systems if left unregulated, reinforcing the urgency for banks to operate within robust legal and supervisory frameworks.
See: Amazon and Walmart Exploring Merchant-Led Stablecoins
Traditional finance (TradFi) is gearing up to compete directly with crypto native infrastructure in the issuance and management of digital cash.
Outlook
The rapid entry of big banks like Citi and Bank of America into stablecoins confirm what fintech leaders have predicted for years. Programmable money will enter the banking mainstream, depending on regulatory approval and market demand.
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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Elliptic Report Shows Cross-Chain Crime Reaches $21.8B
Crypto Crime | July 16, 2025
Image: The State of Cross Chain Crime in 2025 (Elliptic Report Cover)
Crypto Laundering Across Chains Has Tripled Since 2023
Just in, according to Elliptic’s State of Cross-Chain Crime 2025 report, illegal activity involving decentralized exchanges, bridges, and swap services reached $21.8 billion in 2025 so far, more than 3x the figure in 2023 ($7 billion) and 5x in 2022 ($4 billion). This trend highlights how criminals are exploiting DEXs, cross-chain bridges, and coin swap services to hide money transfers across multiple blockchains.
Chain-Hopping Is Now Standard
Elliptic reports that 33% of complex crypto crime investigations use more than 3 blockchains. Another 27% involve over 5 blockchains, while 20% span more than 10. Chain-hopping is a technique that allows criminals, both big and small, to move assets quickly from one chain to another to confuse investigators.
See: Anatomy of Rising Deepfake Scams in Crypto and Fintech
In one confirmed case, a North Korean related wallet moved stolen funds through Bitcoin, Ethereum, Arbitrum, Base, and Tron, all in succession with that single operation using a total of 48 coordinated swaps.
Coin Swap Services Fuel Ransomware, Gambling, and Sanctions Evasion
Coin swap platforms have become a preferred laundering tool for ransomware groups, darknet markets, and offshore gambling operations. Unlike DEXs or bridges, these services are centralized, often use privacy-focused Telegram chat service, and allow anonymous swaps between chains with no KYC.
Some operate in regions under sanctions, including Crimea. Elliptic also confirmed that North Korean hackers laundered $200 million of the $1.46 billion Bybit theft through a service called eXch. The platform refused to cooperate with law enforcement and was later shut down by German and Dutch authorities.
Compliance Must Match the Speed of Crime
Many of the methods used by criminals involve a mix of asset swaps, bridges, gas fee financing, and privacy coins. Elliptic's report confirms that over 300 bridge combinations are being traced automatically using virtual value transfer events (VVTEs), a forensic analytics method developed by Elliptic to automatically trace the source and destination of cross-chain transactions, especially those that pass through bridges.
See: The Role of Shell Companies in Money Laundering & How to Combat Them
This automation is a lifeline to investigations and allows regulators, compliance teams, and law enforcement to trace cross-chain fund flows in seconds instead of hours. Elliptic now supports more than 50 blockchains, making it one of the most comprehensive tools available for risk detection.
Conclusion
The scale and speed of illicit activity are outpacing traditional compliance methods. Without updated tools and policies, Canadian fintechs and financial institutions face rising legal, reputational, and regulatory risk. It feels like we've been saying this for a while now, but the use of advanced tracking, wallet screening, and automated compliance solutions are no longer optional, and in fact essential for protecting the integrity of Canada's growing digital finance sector.
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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U.S. Crypto Week Will Impact Global Crypto Policy
Crypto Policy | July 15, 2025
Image: Freepik
Congress Debates Key Crypto Bills as Bitcoin Records Another All-Time-High
This week, the U.S. House of Representatives is organizing a series of votes on three major cryptocurrency bills. American lawmakers are calling this “Crypto Week” because the outcome of debated decisions will likely impact digital assets and the future of crypto for years to come.
See: Ripple Seeks US Bank Charter for Stablecoin Expansion
Included this week is how crypto and stablecoins are regulated,= and whether the U.S. government can issue its own central bank digital currency (CBDC). The outcome of course may influence how other countries including Canada approach regulation and innovation in the crypto-driven fintech sector.
Bitcoin Reaches Another High
Despite some chop in markets at these prices, Bitcoin rose to over US$123,000 on Monday, recording another new all time high as investors were drawn to the crypto policy news and congressional process taking place in the U.S., after years of regulation by enforcement. Investors see these bills as a clear sign that the U.S. will finally bring clarity to crypto regulation. There's also been steady growing demand and support from institutions, including companies like BlackRock, MicroStrategy and the list goes on.
Lawmakers Debating 3 Different Proposals
1. The Digital Asset Market Clarity Act (CLARITY Act)
This bill aims to define the roles of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). It would also allow some crypto projects to operate without registering as securities, if they meet certain technical standards.
2. The GENIUS Act (Guiding and Establishing National Innovation for US Stablecoins)
This bill sets clear rules for companies that want to issue stablecoins. It requires 1:1 reserves in U.S. dollars or similarly defined safe assets, and also expands financial reporting and compliance rules for issuers.
3. The Anti-CBDC Surveillance State Act
This bill would block the U.S. Federal Reserve from launching a digital dollar. It says only Congress can approve a U.S. CBDC and aims to stop the central bank from using it to monitor or influence spending.
Votes are scheduled throughout the week, with final decisions on the CLARITY and Anti-CBDC bills expected by Thursday, and the GENIUS Act vote likely on Friday.
Why This Matters to Canadian Fintech
The U.S. is Canada’s closest financial partner. If Congress passes new laws that support crypto innovation while protecting consumers, it could set a standard for others to follow. A stablecoin framework in the U.S. could push Canadian regulators to accelerate efforts of their own.
See: SEC Policy Reversals and Crypto Case Dismissals
Cross border and global fintech companies will benefit from clearer rules in the U.S., opening doors for new investment and partnerships. And as more large players move into crypto under a stable legal framework, Canada’s own financial institutions will face increasing pressure to compete.
Outlook
The momentum is real. If these bills pass, the U.S. will take a significant leap towards a national digital policy. Canadian fintech leaders, investors and regulators must pay attention.
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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Bitcoin Breaks ATH as Global Momentum Builds
Crypto | July 11, 2025
Image: BTCUSD Tradingview
Bitcoin High Fuelled by Record ETF Inflows, Tight Supply, and Rising Institutional Demand
Bitcoin just printed a massive green candle, BTC reaching a new all-time-high (ATH) of USD $118,000, boosted by institutional inflows, constrained supply, and regulatory momentum in global markets. At the same time, Canada is working to finalize long awaited rules to bring clarity to crypto exposure for funds and federally regulated financial institutions. Collectively, it's a rare convergence of events that are pushing up price. It's a timely opportunity for Canadian fintechs, fund managers, and policymakers to assess their positioning and prepare for what's next.
What Is Driving Bitcoin’s Breakout?
Global capital flows into Bitcoin are accelerating, as international financial markets interact with the asset.
1. ETF Inflows Unlock Institutional Demand
U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs have attracted over $51 billion USD in net inflows since January 2025. These products are managed by firms like BlackRock and Fidelity, are offering institutional investors direct and regulated access to Bitcoin at scale. On July 9 alone, daily flows exceeded USD $1.18 billion.
2. Supply Constraints Are Driving Scarcity
Bitcoin balances held on exchanges have fallen to their lowest levels since 2017, according to Glassnode data. It means long term hodlers are accumulating and there are fewer sellers which tightens liquidity and pushes prices upwards during surges.
3. Short Liquidations Are Accelerating Gains
Roughly $1 billion USD in short positions were liquidated in early July, forcing traders to buy back positions at higher prices, creating momentum that further boosts demand and additional institutional entry.
4. US Policy Developments Are Building Confidence
The GENIUS Act cleared the Senate with a bipartisan 68–30 vote on June 17, 2025, establishing the first federal framework for stablecoins (see SEC Issues Covered Stablecoin Statement, Risks Remain), including issuer registration, reserve and audit rules, and oversight. Next up is a House vote during “Crypto Week” starting July 14. In March, the White House issued an executive order creating a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve stocked with seized BTC and a broader digital assets stockpile, which aims to treat Bitcoin as a national reserve asset.
5. Institutions Are Treating Bitcoin as Core Infrastructure
Major asset managers like Fidelity and BlackRock are incorporating Bitcoin as a foundational allocation. In May, U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs saw a net inflow of $9.209 billion USD in just one week led by BlackRock’s IBIT and Fidelity’s FBTC. While global forces are transforming financial markets, what matters for Canadian fintechs and financial institutions is how Canada is responding.
Canada Working to Define Rules
OSFI Guidelines for Banks and Insurers
In February 2025, the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI) published its final guideline on crypto-asset exposures. Taking effect later this year, the new framework applies to all federally regulated banks and insurers. According to Norton Rose Fulbright, it establishes:
See: SEC Clears Crypto Staking. What It Means for Canada
- A requirement to fully deduct most crypto exposures from Tier 1 capital
- A 2% cap on Group 2 asset exposure (which includes Bitcoin) with enhanced supervision at 1%
- Formal expectations for reporting, governance, and risk measurement of crypto holdings
These rules are an important step in integrating crypto within Canada’s prudential regulatory system, and they provide institutions with clearer guardrails to support innovation while managing systemic risk.
CSA Investment Fund Amendments
On April 17, 2025, the Canadian Securities Administrators (CSA) finalized amendments to NI 81-102, the national rule governing mutual funds and investment products. These changes come into force on July 16, 2025.
As detailed by McMillan and McCarthy Tétrault, the new rules say that:
- Only alternative mutual funds and non-redeemable funds may directly hold Bitcoin or other eligible crypto assets
- Other fund types may gain exposure via crypto derivatives up to 10% of NAV
See: Russia’s State Bank Launches Bitcoin-Linked Bond
- Custodians must use cold wallets, carry insurance, and undergo third-party operational audits
- Pricing must use regulated, reliable, and independent valuation sources
What This Means for Canadian Fintechs and Fund Managers
The OSFI and CSA frameworks are opening clearer paths for new crypto products and more diversified portfolios. Fund managers can now launch Bitcoin-focused vehicles with defined rules around eligibility, custody, and risk.
Banks and insurers must begin planning for capital and governance policies that align with OSFI’s exposure thresholds.
Fintech platforms have more certainty when adding Bitcoin related features, with legal and compliance expectations now taking shape.
These changes also raise the bar for investor protection, requiring firms to strengthen disclosures, improve internal oversight, and adopt secure custody practices.
Closing Thought
Another Bitcoin ATH is worth celebrating but the deeper trend is about normalization. Not too long ago, crypto assets were speculative but they are now moving to regulated infrastructure.
See: Tariff Revenue Hits Record as Canada nears U.S. Trade Deadline
Canada is positioning itself to participate in a more stable and credible digital crypto future, and there's growing alignment between global investment flows and domestic regulatory action, providing fintechs and capital providers with greater clarity and confidence than ever before.
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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