Global fintech and funding innovation ecosystem

Category Archives: Digital Identity, Privacy, KYC, AML/ATF

Syngrafii Integrates Trulioo’s Advanced Identity Verification to Enhance eSignature Security

Digital Identity | Nov 28, 2023

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Syngrafii Announces Integration with Trulioo Identity Document Verification, Enhancing its iinked Sign™ and Video Signing Room™ (VSR) platforms.

Syngrafii's strategic integration helps secure electronic signatures, addressing the evolving needs of regulatory bodies and combating financial crimes like mortgage and auto loan fraud. The integration not only streamlines the identity verification process but also fortifies compliance with KYC, KYB, and AML protocols, setting a new standard in the digital signing realm.

See:  Digital Identity in the Age of Web3: Empowering Individuals, Transforming Organizations

Key Points:

  • The integration with Trulioo's Identity Document Verification brings a new level of assurance in signatory authentication, combining e-signature and IDV processes into a unified, more secure platform.
  • This integration is a response to the changing demands of regulatory agencies, law societies, and financial institutions, ensuring compliance and mitigating risks associated with financial crimes, and meets the standards of NIST and DIACC
  • Syngrafii's iinked Sign™ now includes a "Write to Sign" feature, allowing signatories to use their own handwriting, enhancing the authenticity and non-repudiation of electronic signatures.
  • This collaboration supports Syngrafii's expansion in core markets like Canada and the U.S., while enhancing global trust in digital transactions.
  • Syngrafii's suite, including the patented iinked Sign™, VSR™, and LongPen® technologies, offers a robust platform for compliant, secure, and versatile electronic signing experiences.

Why It Matters

See:  Mastercard is Navigating Global Trust Frameworks and Building a Global Digital Identity Network

By ensuring higher levels of security and compliance, Syngrafii and Trulioo are not only enhancing the trustworthiness of digital signatures but are also paving the way for safer, more reliable online transactions across various sectors.  This is a noteworthy milestone along the journey towards a safer digital future.


NCFA Jan 2018 resize - Syngrafii Integrates Trulioo's Advanced Identity Verification to Enhance eSignature SecurityThe 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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UK’s Digital Pound Initiative Sparks Privacy Discussions

Regulation | Nov 24, 2023

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UK's Approach to CBDCs and Privacy

On November 7, 2023, a question raised in the UK Parliament by Mr. David Davis, a Conservative MP, brought to light the critical issue of privacy in the context of a UK CBDC. The response from Andrew Griffith, also a Conservative MP, emphasized the UK Government's commitment to ensuring rigorous standards of privacy and data protection in the design of a digital pound.

Notably, the government assures that neither it nor the Bank of England would have access to personal data or insights into consumer spending habits.

A recent development in the UK Parliament highlights the growing concern and attention towards the privacy implications of these digital currencies. As Canada's fintech community closely monitors global trends, the discussion around the UK's potential digital pound offers valuable insights.

Implications for Fintechs and Canada

For fintech companies and stakeholders in Canada, the UK's stance on privacy in the realm of digital currencies is both a benchmark and a learning opportunity. It highlights the importance of balancing innovation with consumer rights, particularly in a domain as sensitive as financial transactions. The UK's consultative approach, involving feedback from February to June 2023, also highlights the role of stakeholder engagement in shaping fintech policies.

See:  Jon Conliffe Speech: A digital pound will be needed in this decade

As Canada explores the possibility of its own CBDC digital currency, the UK's model provides a framework for considering privacy and data protection. It is important for Canadian fintech innovators, regulators, and policymakers to prioritize user privacy and control while designing digital financial solutions.

The dialogue in the UK Parliament about the privacy aspects of a potential digital pound is a significant moment for the global fintech community.


NCFA Jan 2018 resize - UK's Digital Pound Initiative Sparks Privacy DiscussionsThe 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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The Convergence of Smart Grids and Smart Money

AI and Payment Innovation | Oct 10, 2023

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The emergence of a smart grid in payments coupled with artificial intelligence (AI) is a pivotal shift towards smart money and—where transactions are not merely exchanges but intelligent interactions.

Invisible, ID-based Smart Grids

"The more invisible a payment is, the smarter it is," a notion that encapsulates the essence of the evolving payment grid. Largely unseen and innovating at an unprecedented speed, crafting a smart grid that intertwines with our digital interactions. The invisibility here is not an absence but a subtle, intelligent presence that facilitates, secures, and enhances every transaction.

See:  Mastercard is Navigating Global Trust Frameworks and Building a Global Digital Identity Network

A pivotal focus for the future of payments is the emphasis on proving identity. The shift from credential-based payments, such as card information, to identity-based validations, underscores a transition towards a more secure and personalized financial ecosystem. The digital ID doesn’t merely serve as a verification tool; it becomes an integral part of the user’s digital persona, ensuring transactions are not just secure but also inherently tied to the individual, not just the credentials.

The potential incorporation of blockchain technology could revolutionize the way financial institutions interact and share data securely amongst each other. Imagine a grid where banks and financial entities could validate details in a payment before it’s sent, ensuring absolute accuracy and significantly speeding up the process. This shift is a redefinition of trust and reliability in the digital finance domain.

Smart Money 'Talks Back'

Imagine payment data that doesn’t just validate but “talks back” through virtual assistants, providing real-time insights, suggestions, and even predictive analyses of spending patterns. This isn’t just smart; it’s intuitive, crafting a financial interaction that’s tailored, insightful, and inherently secure.

See:  LQWD’s AI Tech Achieves 4500% Lightning Network Surge

The irony isn’t lost when we consider AI being utilized to combat fraud, which is being perpetuated at an “industrial pace” by AI itself. It’s a synthetic battle, where AI systems are locked in a perpetual chess match, one trying to outwit the other, crafting a scenario where the technology becomes both the shield and the sword in the financial realm.

Things Are About To Get Personal

In the convergence of the smart grid and smart money, the future of finance is not just about transactions but about intelligent, secure, and personalized interactions. It’s a future where your identity is not just a validator but a two-way communicator, where AI facilitates, protects, and advises in your financial journey.


NCFA Jan 2018 resize - The Convergence of Smart Grids and Smart MoneyThe 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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BoC: Redefining Financial Inclusion for CBDCs

Report | Oct 4, 2023

BoC Report Redefining financial inclusion and Implications for a CBDC - BoC:  Redefining Financial Inclusion for CBDCs

Bank of Canada's Staff Release New Research on Implications for a Central Bank Digital Currency

Report Insights

1. Digitalization and Financial Inclusion

  • Canada experiencing a notable shift in consumer behavior and technology use, especially in how Canadians manage money and make payments.
  • The decline in the use of cash in favor of cards and digital payments has been significant, prompting broader considerations about digital money and its social implications.
  • Digitalization has permeated society, offering new opportunities but also creating and exacerbating existing inequities, especially in payments.

See:  Bank of Canada Seeks Your Input on Transaction Reports

  • The report applies the social model of disability to the Canadian payments landscape to identify opportunities to remove barriers that marginalize or hinder people.  The authors aim to build awareness of the inequities and challenges present in the current payments system and motivate fintech providers to offer more inclusive products and services.

2. Challenges in the Current System

  • The authors identify barriers faced by rural populations, Indigenous communities, Canadians with low incomes, and persons with disabilities in using financial products.
  • There is a noted deficiency in the current research and payment offerings for those with cognitive accessibility challenges.
  • Financial inclusion is often measured by access to bank accounts, with 98% of Canadian adults having a bank account and a debit card.
  • However, the remaining 2% who are unbanked, and the 13% without a credit card, may face limited options for online purchases and are at a higher risk of being excluded from the digital economy.

See:  McKinsey Global Payments On Cusp of ‘Decoupled Era’

  • The decline of cash as a payment method, from approximately 53% in 2009 to below 21% in 2021, also poses challenges for those who rely on banknotes.

3. Trust and Literacy in Financial Inclusion

  • Trust and literacy emerge as recurring themes across financial inclusion research.  Some people with low incomes have shown a preference for paper bills as assurance when transacting with banks and billing firms.
  • Discrimination experiences, especially in financial institutions and banks, have been reported by Black and Indigenous respondents, which may influence their engagement with traditional financial services.

What Can Canada Learn About CBDCs in Other Jurisdictions?

GDPR and Data Privacy

  • The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) has been implemented by the European Union and is considered a gold standard in regulating how companies use and secure consumer data.
  • GDPR-like data privacy laws have been adopted by many countries around the world since 2018, affecting international enterprises with customers or employees in Europe as well as those serving as data processors in Europe or for European companies.
  • The implementation of GDPR has faced challenges such as insufficient funds, complex procedural labyrinths, and infighting on implementation among national enforcers.

See:  Can Privacy and Financial Regulation Co-exist?

  • The GDPR has led to many companies considering reducing their presence in Europe significantly, or even halt services in entire jurisdictions.

Best Practices in CBDCs and Privacy

  • Ensuring that users have control over their data and are aware of how it is being used is crucial. This involves clear communication about data usage policies and providing options for data control to the users.
  • Some CBDC models propose different levels of anonymity, such as "loose" anonymity, where the transaction data is visible to the central bank or "tight" anonymity, where the data is not visible to the bank.
  • Implementing data minimization practices that limit the collection of user data to what is strictly necessary for the transaction or service.
  • Employing robust security measures to protect user data from unauthorized access and breaches.
  • Establishing a clear legal framework that outlines the rights of the users and the obligations of the CBDC providers.

Country Model Examples

  • China's Digital Currency Electronic Payment (DCEP) model has been in pilot testing in various cities. The model is designed to replace cash in circulation and is not fully anonymous. The People’s Bank of China will be able to trace the DCEP to fight against money laundering, terrorist financing, and tax evasion.  See also:  Offline payments via super SIM cards
  • Sweden's e-Krona model by Sweden's central bank, Riksbank, is exploring to have an electronic currency that could ensure that the general public will retain access to a state-guaranteed means of payment in the future.
  • Bahamas' Sand Dollar is a digital version of the Bahamian dollar, launched by the Central Bank of The Bahamas. It provides for digital identity and maintains transaction privacy but is also compliant with AML/CFT regulations.

The Consumer's Voice is Critical

The insights derived from the report could serve as a foundational framework for policymakers, financial technology providers, and central banks in designing and implementing digital payment products and services that are not only technologically advanced but also universally accessible and equitable.  Beyond fintech innovators, traditional financial institutions, and policy-makers, the general public and consumer must be consulted and brought to the forefront of the discussion.


NCFA Jan 2018 resize - BoC:  Redefining Financial Inclusion for CBDCsThe 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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G20’s Vision for Financial Inclusion through Digital Public Infrastructure

Digital Public Infrastructure | Sep 11, 2023

G20 Policy Recommendations DPIs - G20's Vision for Financial Inclusion through Digital Public Infrastructure

In a recent report by the Global Partnership for Financial Inclusion (GPFI) under the G20 India Presidency, the world's major economies have set forth their vision for advancing financial inclusion and productivity through Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI).

The G20's philosophy, "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam," which translates to "One Earth, One Family, One Future," underscores a commitment to equitable growth and a shared destiny for all.

Despite the growth of digital financial services (DFS), approximately 1.4 billion adults worldwide still lack financial inclusion. A significant portion of this number resides in seven emerging markets and developing economies. Furthermore, there exists a vast financing gap for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). This gap is especially prominent for women-owned MSMEs, which account for an estimated $1.9 trillion of the unmet financing needs.

What are DPIs?

DPIs are essentially technological infrastructures that offer interoperable, open, and accessible digital platforms for public and private services. Examples include digital identification systems, payment platforms, and data exchange systems.

See:  The Trifecta of India’s Digital Transformation is Turning Heads Globally

These infrastructures play a critical role in enhancing financial inclusion, spurring private and public innovation, and driving productivity gains.

  1. Foundational and Cross-cutting: Unlike traditional financial infrastructures that cater only to the financial sector, DPIs serve multiple sectors, acting as a base layer for various transactions.
  2. Modular: DPIs promote interoperability, enabling rapid integration and deployment of customizable offerings. They provide the backbone for innovative solutions without the need for individual sectors to start from scratch.
  3. Public Benefit: DPIs are designed with a public-first approach. They ensure equal access, drive public policy objectives, and promote financial inclusion, competition, and innovation.
  4. Digital Services: DPIs are tailored for the digital age, promoting the adoption of digital services and aiding the digitization of the economy. Their services are usually accessed through digital channels, yet they can also enhance non-digitalized services, for instance, through agent networks.

G20 Push for Digital Public Infrastructure

These systems provide critical public and private services that can drive significant societal impact. From Brazil's Open Finance framework, which aids in data sharing and product offerings, to India's Account Aggregator Framework that strengthens data infrastructure through electronic consent, DPIs are redefining the way financial services operate. Other countries like the Philippines and the UAE have also initiated strategies to integrate open finance systems and collaborate on data-driven innovations.

See:  Canada to Launch ‘Digital Ambition 2022’ Public Consultation For Digital ID Framework of Federal Public Services

DPIs can accelerate the DFS landscape, bridging existing financial inclusion gaps. By fostering innovation, lowering transaction costs, and enhancing user experiences, DPIs can catalyze rapid advancements in financial inclusion and productivity. The report highlights use cases in areas like account opening, government-to-person payments, international remittances, and MSME finance to demonstrate DPI's potential.

Challenges

However, while DPIs hold transformative power, they also introduce new challenges and risks, such as operational, regulatory, and financial consumer protection risks. Effective governance and management are vital to ensure that DPIs bring about the intended benefits without exacerbating these potential risks.

  • Achieving an effective DPI system can be complex.
  • Different country contexts mean DPI models are not one-size-fits-all.
  • New risks emerge, including operational, legal, regulatory, and insolvency risks. There's also the challenge of data and privacy risks, risks to competition, and technological obsolescence.

Policy Recommendations

See:  So what is financial exclusion in the era of Open Finance?

The G20's policy recommendations revolve around five key dimensions:

  1. Harnessing DPIs to expedite financial inclusion.
  2. Promoting well-designed DPIs and a conducive environment.
  3. Implementing effective regulation, supervision, and oversight.
  4. Establishing robust institutional and governance structures.
  5. Prioritizing customer protection and inclusivity.

These guidelines provide a roadmap for authorities worldwide, urging them to leverage DPIs to achieve broader financial inclusion tailored to their unique national contexts.

A Balancing Act

The transformative potential of DPIs in reshaping the financial sector is undeniable. They can bridge gaps, enhance efficiency, and pave the way for a more inclusive financial future. Yet, careful consideration and mitigation of associated risks are crucial to harness their full benefits.


NCFA Jan 2018 resize - G20's Vision for Financial Inclusion through Digital Public InfrastructureThe 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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Can Privacy and Financial Regulation Co-exist?

Research | Sep 7, 2023

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As businesses and consumers alike grapple with the implications of a transparent digital world, the question arises: Can privacy and financial regulation truly co-exist? Recent developments in the blockchain sphere suggest a promising answer.

Blockchain, the technology underpinning cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum, is inherently transparent. Every transaction is recorded on a public ledger, accessible to anyone. While this transparency is lauded for its ability to reduce fraud and increase trust, it poses significant privacy concerns. Imagine making a purchase and having the entire world privy to it. Not ideal, right?

Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin, along with a team of researchers, recently introduced a concept called "Privacy Pools" in a research paper. This novel protocol aims to enhance transactional privacy on the blockchain while ensuring regulatory compliance.

See:  Tornado Cash Founders Charged in Billion-Dollar Cryptocurrency Laundering Scheme

The core idea? Allow users to publish a zero-knowledge proof that showcases the origin (or lack thereof) of their funds from specific sources without revealing their entire transaction history. In simpler terms, it's like proving you have a $100 bill in your wallet without showing every other item inside.

It's On The Horizon

The co-existence of privacy and financial regulation is not just a possibility; it's on the horizon. Innovations like Privacy Pools are paving the way for a future where businesses can offer consumers the privacy they desire while operating within regulatory frameworks

Download the 10 page PDF paper --> Now


NCFA Jan 2018 resize - Can Privacy and Financial Regulation Co-exist?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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Are Your Mobile Transactions Secure?

Security | Sep 7, 2023

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With more Canadians, especially the Gen Z demographic, opting for smartphone payments over traditional credit cards, the need for robust security measures has never been more paramount.

Mobile payments are not just a fleeting trend; they're here to stay. Recent survey results by Interac indicates a staggering 53% increase in debit mobile transactions in just one year. Furthermore, predictions suggest that in the near future, two-thirds of Canadians will find it commonplace to leave their homes without a physical wallet.

Crypto wallets and payments are on the rise too.  There are a plethora of choices to suit varied needs from Trustwallet to MetaMask (Ethereum), or Coinbase Wallet (good for beginners) to crypto.com's wallet for connecting to the decentralized finance ecosystem.

Top Ways Hackers Try to Access Your Data

Here's a breakdown of the top 5 ways hackers can access your data and how you can shield yourself:

  1. Near Field Communication (NFC) Interception:
    • How Hackers Access: Many mobile wallets use NFC and tokenization to exchange information between your phone and the payment terminal. A hacker needs to be in close proximity to intercept this data.
    • Protection: Ensure your mobile wallet uses strong encryption. Only use wallets that generate a randomized sequence of numbers for each transaction, making it useless for hackers even if intercepted.
  2. Malicious Apps and Malware:
    • How Hackers Access: Downloading malicious apps can introduce malware that exploits vulnerabilities on your phone and steals your payment information.
    • Protection: Be judicious about the apps you install. Stick to trusted sources and avoid downloading unnecessary apps. Regularly update your phone's software to patch any security vulnerabilities.
  3. Unsecured Wi-Fi Networks:
    • How Hackers Access: Conducting transactions over unsecured Wi-Fi networks can expose your data to hackers lurking on the same network.
    • Protection: Always disconnect from unsecured Wi-Fi networks when making transactions. Use your mobile data or a trusted, secured network. Consider using a VPN service on iPhone or Android for an added layer of security.
  4. Phishing and Social Engineering Schemes:
    • How Hackers Access: Cybercriminals often use deceptive tactics to trick individuals into revealing sensitive information, such as passwords or credit card details.
    • Protection: Be wary of unsolicited messages or emails asking for personal information. Always verify the source before clicking on any links or downloading attachments. Educate yourself about common phishing tactics.
  5. Physical Access and Screen Snooping:
    • How Hackers Access: If your phone is stolen or lost without proper security measures, it can be a goldmine for hackers. Additionally, prying eyes can steal your password or pin as you enter it.
    • Protection: Always lock your phone with a strong password or biometric authentication. Be mindful of your surroundings and shield your screen when entering sensitive information.

See:  Amazon’s Biometric ‘Pay-by-Palm’ Technology (Amazon One) is Rolling Out to All Whole Foods Stores by End of Year

Best Practices and Precautions

For Fintech Innovators:

  • Digital Hygiene: Ensure that your mobile payment apps emphasize the importance of strong passwords and multifactor authentication.
  • Educate Users: Regularly update users about potential threats and how to avoid them. This could be in the form of in-app notifications or emails.
  • Continuous Monitoring: Implement real-time monitoring of transactions to detect and prevent any suspicious activities.

For Users:

  • Avoid Public Charging Stations: These can sometimes be used to upload malware onto your phone. Always use personal chargers or invest in secure cables that only allow power to enter your device.
  • Secure Wi-Fi Connections: Always ensure that your transactions are conducted over a secure network. If in doubt, switch to your wireless carrier's data.
  • Monitor Your Transactions: Regularly check your transaction history for any discrepancies. Many digital wallets offer real-time notifications for every transaction, enabling users to spot unauthorized activities instantly.

See:  Autonomous IoT Transactions and Micropayments

In closing, never forget the mantra 'Not your keys, not your crypto'.   While the shift towards mobile transactions offers unparalleled convenience, it also brings forth new security challenges. By staying informed and adopting best practices, both fintech innovators and users can ensure that their transactions remain secure in this digital age.


NCFA Jan 2018 resize - Are Your Mobile Transactions Secure?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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