Mahi Sall, Advisor, Fintech-Bank Partnerships, Payments and Financial Inclusivity
January 25th, 2023
Brookings | Sep 20, 2023
Image: Unsplash/Igal Ness
Date & Time: October 6, 2023, from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm EDT.
Location (In-person or Online): The Brookings Institution, Falk Auditorium, 1775 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, D.C. 20036.
Overview: America was once a leader in the adoption of new payment technologies, introducing innovations like credit cards and ATMs. However, in recent times, the country has fallen behind in terms of payment infrastructure. The current system is slow and often imposes costs on users.
With the rise of digitization and technological advancements, there's a significant opportunity to reform the payment system to benefit the economy, promote financial access, and facilitate commerce and trade. However, these innovations also bring regulatory challenges and questions about the role of government and central banks. The event will delve into the current state of U.S. payments and emerging digital asset technologies that could disrupt them. The event is a collaboration between Brookings, Cornell Law, and Vanderbilt Law.
Discussion topics topics include public and private real-time payment systems (FedNow and Real-Time Payments), cryptocurrencies, stablecoins, central bank digital currencies, and more.
Rohit Chopra: Director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
Christopher J. Waller: Federal Reserve Governor.
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 Regulation | Sep 19, 2023
Image: Unsplash/Shubham Dhage
While DFS continues to lead in digital asset supervision, the crypto world is witnessing varied regulatory approaches globally. From Solana Labs emphasizing robust U.S. regulations to Hong Kong's potential tightening after the JPEX probe, 2023 is shaping up to be a landmark year for crypto governance and regulation.
As the crypto industry continues to grow and evolve, regulatory bodies worldwide will likely introduce more stringent and detailed guidelines to protect investors and ensure market stability.
The recent actions by DFS and other global entities highlight the importance of a balanced approach to regulation, ensuring innovation while safeguarding investor interests.
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 | Sep 15, 2023
Image: Unsplash/Loic Leray
The regulatory challenges facing Binance.US are a microcosm of the broader issues affecting the cryptocurrency industry. As the SEC tightens its grip, the company is undergoing significant internal changes, including executive departures and layoffs.
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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Enforcement | Sep 15, 2023
Image: Unsplash/Wayne Low
Stoner Cats is a popular adult animated web series that has garnered significant attention in both the entertainment and crypto worlds. The concept of "Stoner Cats" involves house cats that gain sentience after being exposed to their owner's medical marijuana. This marijuana is used to alleviate the symptoms of early Alzheimer's disease. The series released six episodes from July 2021 to December 2022, and boasts a cast of well-known actors, including Jane Fonda, Mila Kunis, Ashton Kutcher, Seth MacFarlane, and Chris Rock.
The creators introduced a unique concept where the Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) provided holders with exclusive access to watch the series online. These NFTs were marketed as tickets, with the idea being that the more successful the show became, the more valuable the NFTs would be.
On July 27, 2021, SC2 offered and successfully sold over 10,000 NFTs at approximately $800 each, raising a staggering $8 million from investors. This sale was completed in a record 35 minutes. The NFTs were marketed as a ticket to the Stoner Cats web series, with the promise that the success of the show would directly correlate with the success of the NFTs.
The SEC has formally charged Stoner Cats 2 LLC (SC2) for conducting an unregistered offering of crypto asset securities in the guise of NFTs. This move by the SEC was aimed at ensuring that the creators of Stoner Cats adhered to the federal securities laws. Gurbir S. Grewal, Director of the SEC’s Division of Enforcement, emphasized that regardless -of the nature of the offering, it's the economic reality that determines its classification as an investment contract and, consequently, a security. The SEC's primary concern was that Stoner Cats marketed its expertise in crypto projects and led investors to believe they would profit from selling the NFTs in the secondary market.
Without admitting or denying the SEC’s findings, SC2 has agreed to a cease-and-desist order. They will also pay a civil penalty amounting to $1 million. As part of the settlement, SC2 has committed to destroying all NFTs in its possession and will publish a notice of the order on its official platforms.
This case underscores the SEC's increasing scrutiny of the rapidly evolving NFT space. The regulatory body aims to ensure that firms involved in the production or trading of digital assets adhere to the necessary securities laws. The Stoner Cats case serves as a reminder that while the world of NFTs offers immense potential, it is not exempt from regulatory oversight.
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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Regulatory Insights | Sep 13, 2023
Image: Unsplash/Harold Mendoza
Some key takeaways from the hearing:
"The breakneck pace you are pumping out regulations should not be applauded."
"..in [my] 44 years in financial markets, [I haven't] seen noncompliance to this extent in any other field, calling it "daunting."
The hearing highlighted the challenges and responsibilities faced by the SEC under Gensler's leadership. While some praised his efforts, others expressed concerns about the pace and direction of regulations, especially concerning climate disclosure rules and cryptocurrency oversight.
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
Support NCFA by Following us on Twitter!Follow @NCFACanada |
Crypto | Sep 12, 2023
Image: Unsplash/Kanchanara
In the wake of recent events surrounding the FTX exchange's collapse, the cryptocurrency market is facing renewed pressure. The once-prominent FTX, which imploded in November 2022, is gearing up to appear in Delaware Bankruptcy Court on September 13.
The exchange seeks approval to liquidate $3.4 billion in Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies.
This move follows the company's proposal to employ blockchain firm Galaxy Digital to supervise the sale and management of reclaimed user funds.
If sanctioned, FTX could unload up to $100 million of crypto tokens weekly, potentially ramping up to $200 million for specific assets.
As the crypto community awaits the court's verdict, there's growing apprehension that an FTX-driven fire sale might bear a negative impact on already-vulnerable cryptocurrencies, especially those in FTX's possession.
FTX has the following cryptocurrencies in its possession that may be sold:
This impending action has heightened concerns within the crypto community, as such a massive sell-off could further destabilize an already sensitive market. The situation underscores the volatility and unpredictability inherent in the cryptocurrency 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
Support NCFA by Following us on Twitter!Follow @NCFACanada |
Regulation | Sep 7, 2023
Image: Unsplash/Kelly Sikkema
Under the new rules, companies that invest in cryptocurrency will be required to report their holdings at fair value. This approach aims to capture the most current value of an asset, including any rebounds in value after price dips. This is a significant shift from the current practice where companies record their crypto at the historical price they paid.
Thescope of the FASB's focus remains narrow, covering assets based on blockchain technology and secured through cryptography. Notably, non-fungible tokens (NFTs), stablecoins, and wrapped tokens are not covered by these rules.
The new accounting rules are expected to be published by the end of the year and will go into effect for fiscal years starting after December 15, 2024. However, companies will have the option to apply them early.
Major companies like Tesla and MicroStrategy, which have invested heavily in Bitcoin, will benefit from these new rules. The fair-value approach will provide a more accurate representation of a company's financial position, allowing investors to make more informed decisions.
Michael Saylor, the founder and former CEO of MicroStrategy:
"..highlighted that these new rules eliminate a significant barrier to corporate adoption of Bitcoin as a treasury asset."
The introduction of these new accounting rules marks a significant step forward in the integration of cryptocurrency into mainstream financial practices.
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
Support NCFA by Following us on Twitter!Follow @NCFACanada |
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Craig Asano
CEO and Executive Director
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