Karsten Wenzlaff, Advisor
August 26th, 2025
Digital Asset Innovation | Aug 2, 2024

Image: Chainlink Digital Asset Sandbox, Tokenized Bonds
Last month Chainlink launched the Chainlink Digital Assets Sandbox (DAS), a pioneering platform that provides a controlled and configurable environment for generating and deploying digital assets. It's a turnkey solution for financial institutions and fintechs looking to implement digital asset solutions quickly and efficiently.
Traditional financial institutions and fintech companies are the primary users of DAS who want to experiment with digital assets, run on-chain trials, and hone their business strategy. Notable customers include large financial institutions that have experimented with tokenization and cross-chain transactions using DAS, including ANZ Bank, Swift, and the U.S. Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation (DTCC).
Chainlink's Digital Assets Sandbox (DAS) a robust, interoperable and customizable environment for financial institutions and fintechs who want to to rapidly develop and implement digital asset solutions with exceptional speed and efficiency.
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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Blockchain Innovation | Jul 31, 2024

Image: Freepik/teksomolika
The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is pioneering car title management by digitizing 42 million car titles using the Avalanche blockchain to improve security, reduce fraud, and streamline the title transfer process. It's also aligned with Governor Gavin Newsom's blockchain executive order to modernize state services through innovative technology. See the full order here.
Avalanche is a public blockchain for decentralized applications and custom blockchain networks by offering a scalable and fast platform for executing smart contracts. Being a public chain, anyone can participate in the network, validate transactions, and design/deploy apps that ensure transparency and security.
Andrew Smith, President of Oxhead Alpha:
“As consumers continue to demand more automation and expect the ability to transact life online, widespread adoption of secure systems is possible with blockchain infrastructure. These systems have historically been accessible by large financial institutions but have done little for regular citizens. We believe that ultimately, value transfer will be embedded within the system itself proving the technology works at scale and enables other jurisdictions to implement similar approaches.”
As governments around the globe try to keep place with tech advancements, California's DMV integration with Avalanche blockchain is great pilot towards modernizing government services. By reducing fraud and increasing efficiency, California is establishing a new standard for innovation in government. Definitely one to watch.
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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NFTs | Jul 30, 2024

Image from content shared on X, Johnathan Mann
The plaintiffs, Jonathan Mann and Brian L. Frye, are well-known names in the digital art and legal fields, respectively. In a 45 page PDF complaint to the SEC, the lawsuit challenges the current regulatory approach to NFTs, arguing the lack of clear guidelines, and that the current approach stifles artistic innovation and creates legal risks of creators.
The lawsuit specifically challenges recent SEC actions against NFT projects, such as Impact Theory and Stoner Cats, where the SEC determined that these NFTs are unregistered securities. Further, Mann and Frye argue that by applying the Howey test to NFTs, which are unique digital representations of art, is overreach by the SEC, and creates legal uncertainty for artists.
I've been writing a song a day for 16 years and 211 days.
Today, I’m suing the SEC.
(Yes, this is real) pic.twitter.com/QubAgbltr0
— 16 years of song a day (@songadaymann) July 29, 2024
There has been significant disagreement inside the SEC on how NFTs should be handled. Commissioners Hester Peirce and Mark Uyeda have opposed the broad application of securities laws to NFTs, stating that such proceedings may stifle artistic and technological innovation. Global Law Hub suggests a more sophisticated approach to NFTs, taking into account their particular qualities and importance in the digital economy.
Recent regulatory cases, including Impact Theory, Stoner Cats, and Dapper Labs' NBA Top Shot, demonstrate the SEC's position who believes certain NFTs might be considered securities, especially when sold with profit expectations. These cases highlight the complexities involved with the current regulatory approach for the NFT market, while emphasizing the need for clearer guidelines to distinguish between collectible art and investment security products.
A decision in favour of the artists could lead to more nuanced and supportive regulatory frameworks, encouraging NFT innovation in the digital art sector. Conversely, a decision that confirms NFTs' status as securities would cause a raft of issues for digital artists and producers.
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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Crypto Campaign | Jul 29, 2024

Image: Shakepay inflated tour, Vancouver
The Shakepay Inflated Tour is a Canadian fintech initiative (campaign contest) that aims to educate the public about digital money from coast to coast. The purpose of this trip is to inform people about cryptocurrencies and have a conversation about how they are handling the rising expense of life. They hope to foster a community around digital finance and strengthen the financial resilience of participants.
With its headquarters in Montreal, Quebec, Shakepay was established in 2015 by Jean Amiouny and Roy Breidi. Shakepay offers Canadians a marketplace where they can purchase, trade, and spend cryptocurrencies like Ethereum and Bitcoin. Shakepay is dedicated to ensuring that financial services are safe and easily available, and it actively promotes updated payment methods across Canada.
The Shakemobile is the focal point of community outreach and educational events at each city where the Shakepay Inflated Tour stops. Every week, you may enter to win prizes, merchandise, and more by following the #InflatedTour. Winners will receive rewards worth up to $1,000.
To enter the contest, participants must do the following steps:
For more information and the full schedule, visit Shakepay's Inflated Tour page.
The Shakemobile will be in Vancouver this weekend! 🚐💨
Who's down for a meetup? Free merch? 👀
Shakepay's #InflatedTour is going coast to coast, meeting Canadians at every stop to understand how you're adapting to the rising costs of living. pic.twitter.com/68BNQNyP6B
— Shakepay — Buy Bitcoin 🇨🇦 (@shakepay) November 23, 2023
This is a great chance for curious and enthusiasts to connect with Shakepay and learn about digital finance and crypto while engaging in meaningful discussions about financial resilience and inclusion, as well as learn about the rapidly changing world of digital finance.
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 | Jul 29, 2024

Image: Freepik/diana.grytsku
The Bitcoin 2024 Conference, which was held in Nashville on July 25–27, was a mix of creativity and energy with the enthusiasm of almost 20,000 people coalescing, including tech aficionados, business titans, and newbies filling the venue. Passionate conversations permeated the air against the backdrop of the newest blockchain tech and companies on display and neon lights.
This year was infused with anticipation as prominent speakers like Senator Cynthia Lummis and Donald Trump espoused their version of a crypto future. It was an event honouring the digital revolution, where innovative concepts collided with the enthusiasm of a society poised to revolutionize the world of finance.
Drawing parallels to China's advances in digital assets, former President Donald Trump suggested establishing a "strategic national bitcoin reserve" in the United States. He said, "If Bitcoin is going to the Moon, I want America to send it there." This represented a substantial departure from his earlier pessimism and was consistent with his larger goal of establishing the United States as a global leader in crypto.
Trump speech recap:
- US to become crypto capital of the world
- To create strategic Bitcoin reserve for US
- To fire Gary Gensler on day 1
- Views stablecoins as pro dollar
- To end Operation Chokepoint 2.0
- To bring Bitcoin mining to the US— Will (@WClementeIII) July 27, 2024
Senator Cynthia Lummis announced plans to introduce legislation for the U.S. Treasury to purchase 1 million bitcoins, equivalent to 5% of the world's supply, over five years. The goal is to establish a strategic Bitcoin reserve to counter inflation and protect against dollar depreciation. Lummis emphasized the need to hold these assets for at least 20 years.
Trump warned of possible harsh restrictions and attacked Vice President Kamala Harris and the Democratic position on cryptocurrencies. On the other hand, more than a dozen Democratic lawmakers—among them Ro Khanna and Ritchie Torres—called for a more crypto-friendly stance, pushing the DNC to incorporate financial inclusion and innovation into their agenda.
The conference brought attention to the increasing interest in Bitcoin ETFs, which are being led by large institutions like BlackRock. Strong institutional demand is seen in BlackRock's iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT), which has made a 20-25% of the company's revenue flow this year. This pattern suggests that Bitcoin is becoming a more widely accepted financial asset.
Integrating renewable energy sources and sustainability were the main topics of discussion when it came to Bitcoin mining. Marathon Digital Holdings declared that it has purchased and will full HODL more than 20,000 Bitcoin, worth $1.3 billion.
This action fits in with the industry's broader trend toward strategic asset management and sustainability.
With strong political and institutional support, the future of Bitcoin and digital assets looks promising. However, regulatory developments will be crucial in shaping the industry's trajectory. Bitcoin magazine is hosting the talks on it's youtube channel here.
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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Innovation | July 29, 2024

Image: Mobility 3.0, Toyota Blockchain lab
Blockchain's potential to transform the auto industry has come along way. This article shines a light on various Blockchain initiatives that are improving the efficiency, security, and transparency (the trifecta) of the automobile sector that will produce financial benefits for companies, consumers, and the sector as a whole.
Blockchain technology provides a more transparent and secure way for documenting the history of vehicle ownership details, maintenance records and accident information, which reduces fraud and fosters trust in used or pre-owned car markets. Companies like carVertical are providing blockchain solutions for car histories that allow potential buyers to authenticate the vehicles background and condition. This verification process assists both buyers and sellers in ensuring the accuracy of details such as mileage and previous ownership ultimately reducing the risk associated with purchasing cars that come with manipulated records. As a result this system boosts consumer confidence, in the marketplace. Compared to traditional methods, blockchain offers significant benefits:
Blockchain technology is used by Toyota Blockchain Lab's Mobility-Oriented Account (MOA) to protect data and oversee transactions for driverless cars. Through the provision of real-time updates, efficient data sharing, and secure vehicle-to-vehicle connection, this technology improves the operations of autonomous fleets. Blockchain is improving the dependability and safety of autonomous driving.
Blockchain technology offers safe and open platforms for transactions, streamlining payment processes and ensuring that user identities are managed securely, reducing the risk of fraud. Leading the charge on these advancements is the Mobility Open Blockchain Initiative (MOBI), which is composed of prominent tech and automakers like BMW, Ford, GM, Hyundai, and Honda.
MOBI is developing industry standards for blockchain applications—including those that facilitate car-sharing services. These programs go beyond just transaction efficiency and security. They also cover more expansive features like big data, machine learning, and blockchain integration with the Internet of Things (IoT). This integration makes it easier for fleet tracking and management systems, automation of transaction processing, and improve user experience in general for car-sharing businesses.
Customers, companies, and the automobile sector as a whole stand to gain economically from the use of blockchain technology. Blockchain lowers the risks involved in buying secondhand cars by giving buyers more transparency and confidence. Simplified procedures, less fraud, and less transaction costs are advantageous to businesses because they can result in more competitive pricing and better customer service.
Blockchain's prospects in the automobile sector appear bright, as the market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 31.19%, from USD 0.35 billion in 2020 to USD 5.29 billion by 2030. This growth will likely be driven by increased adoption in areas such as autonomous vehicle data management, secure transactions, and supply chain transparency. For example, blockchain can ensure the ethical sourcing of materials and improve the tracking and management of vehicle components, enhancing overall industry sustainability.
On a sustainability note, Mercedes-Benz is working to demonstrate how blockchain technology can help environmental sustainability in the automobile industry by implementing a pilot project that uses blockchain technology to provide transparency in CO2 emissions data across its supply chain.
Blockchain tech offers a significant use case for establishing a more transparent, safe, and efficient automobile sector. As these projects evolve, they promise to minimize fraud, streamline operations, and increase consumer trust, resulting in considerable economic benefits for consumers, businesses, and the automotive sector as a whole.
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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Research | Jul 26, 2024

Image: CBDC and Transmission of Monetary Policy (BoC Jul 2024)
Although there has been much discussion about how digital currencies might affect monetary policy, the Bank of Canada's latest staff working paper, "Central Bank Digital Currency and Transmission of Monetary Policy", looks in detail how a digital dollar might specifically increase or decrease traditional monetary policy shocks. In short, the impact of monetary policy can be significantly altered by the design and implementation of a CBDC, including whether or not it is interest-bearing and to what extent it can be substituted for bank deposits.
July 3, 2024 - An update on the Digital Canadian Dollar program. Advises for a safe and inclusive CBDC design and includes stakeholder discussions and implementation technologies. Read more: BoC Update on The Digital Canadian Dollar Initiative
February 20, 2024 - Impact of a potential CBDC on Canadian banking choices. The report looks at how CBDCs would influence consumer behaviour and competition in the financial sector. Read more: CBDCs in Canada and Impact Drivers on Banking Choices
January 26, 2024 - CBDC's role in financial stability and government-backed digital payment options. Read more: Bank of Canada’s Latest on CBDC Implementation
October 4, 2023 - CBDCs and financial inclusion (addressing current financial inequities) along with the declining use of cash. Read more: BoC: Redefining Financial Inclusion for CBDCs
August 10, 2023 - CBDCs could improve financial inclusion and help serve underserved groups with secure digital payment options. Read more: Bank of Canada Publishes Staff Paper on ‘Unmet Payment Needs and CBDCs
April 12, 2022 - The Bank for International Settlements and the Bank of Canada partner to launch the BIS Toronto Innovation Centre to explore fintech innovations including CBDCs. Read more: BIS and Bank of Canada Launch BIS Toronto Innovation Centre
March 16, 2022 - The Bank of Canada and MIT collaborate on a research project to study advanced digital currency technologies and economic impacts CBDCs. Read more: BoC and MIT announce joint CBDC collaboration
While the likelihood of a CBDC in Canada is still years away, studying design and options to reduce risks is an important exercise along with the general education and research to remain competitive. For fintechs and financial institutions, it's important to stay informed and remain adaptable.
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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NCFA Canada
Craig Asano
CEO and Executive Director
casano@ncfacanada.org
ncfacanada.org


