Mahi Sall, Advisor, Fintech-Bank Partnerships, Payments and Financial Inclusivity
January 25th, 2023
Digital Banking | Sep 18, 2023
Image: Unsplash/Susan Q Yin
Mike Cagney's leadership at Figure (and Co-founder of SoFi) has always been characterized by forward-thinking and innovation. His decision for Figure not to become a bank wasn't a reflection of the company's inability to do so, but rather a strategic choice rooted in a broader vision for the fintech industry. Cagney's perspective offers valuable insights for other fintech leaders grappling with similar decisions.
When my startup, Figure, recently withdrew our OCC bank application, many in the media took it as a sign that fintechs like us need to become a bank to survive—but that the process is simply too hard. They got it wrong.
Having said that, there are numerous pros of becoming a bank that we shouldn't overlook!
For many fintechs, the decision to become a bank is not just about regulatory and capital considerations. It's about identity. Fintechs, at their core, are disruptors. They challenge traditional financial models, introduce innovations, and often operate at the cutting edge of technology.
The real question is: Can fintechs maintain their innovative edge within the confines of a traditional banking model? Or do they risk losing their unique value proposition by becoming too enmeshed in the very system they set out to disrupt?
As more fintechs reach the crossroads that Figure encountered, they would do well to consider not just the immediate benefits of becoming a bank, but the long-term implications for their brand, their innovation potential, and their role in reshaping the financial landscape.
While the allure of becoming a bank is undeniable, as Mike Cagney's leadership at Figure illustrates, sometimes the boldest move is to chart a course that aligns with the company's core values and vision for the future of 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
Support NCFA by Following us on Twitter!Follow @NCFACanada |
Funding | Sep 11, 2023
Image: Unsplash/Colin Watts
Zopa, the pioneering UK neobank, faces competition from several financial institutions and platforms in the UK. Here are their main competitors:
Zopa's impressive journey from its inception as the UK's first peer-to-peer lender to its current status as a leading neobank underscores the transformative power of fintech. With a robust customer base and significant funding, Zopa is poised to redefine digital banking in the UK. As the neobank continues to innovate and expand its offerings, it sets a benchmark for others in the industry, highlighting the potential of digital-first financial solutions in today's interconnected world.
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 |
Digital Banking | Aug 30, 2023
Source: Totem website
In the vast landscape of fintech, where innovation is the norm, few stories resonate as deeply as that of Amber Buker and her groundbreaking venture, Totem. As financial institutions and investors scour the market for the next big thing, Totem stands out not just for its technological prowess but for its mission: bridging the financial divide for Native Americans.
Amber Buker, a proud member of the Choctaw Nation, knows firsthand the challenges faced by Native Americans in accessing financial services. From personal hurdles in buying a home to witnessing the broader community's struggles, Amber's journey is one of resilience and determination. Her experiences sowed the seeds for Totem, a neobank with a heart and a purpose.
Founded in 2022, Totem quickly made waves in the fintech world, raising over $2.4 million in venture funding. But for Amber, the numbers were just one side of the story. The real victory lay in launching the Totem app, a beacon of financial empowerment for Native Americans. With features like a debit card, mobile wallet, and direct deposit system, the app is more than just a banking platform; it's a statement that financial inclusivity is a right, not a privilege.
Recognizing the power of partnerships, the neobank has forged ties with various tribal nations where tribes benefit from a share of Totem’s revenues, and Totem gains invaluable insights into the unique financial needs of the Native American community.
One of Totem's standout initiatives is its discussions about a payments proof of concept. This would allow ACH payments to be sent directly into Totem accounts, ensuring seamless and fee-free transactions for users. In a world where big banks often overlook the underserved, Totem's commitment to providing FDIC-insured accounts without hidden fees is a breath of fresh air.
Amber and her team at Totem are challenging the status quo by addressing issues like the digital divide and the vast distances many Native Americans have to travel to access financial services, Totem is redefining what it means to be a community-based neobank. Their outreach extends beyond reservations, catering to the 70% of Native Americans living off them. In doing so, Totem is sending a clear message: financial empowerment should know no boundaries.
For financial institutions and investors, the story of Amber Buker and Totem is a clarion call. It's an invitation to look beyond profit margins and recognize the transformative potential of fintechs that prioritize social impact. As the fintech landscape evolves, stories like Totem's will undoubtedly shape its future. Amber Buker's vision, rooted in personal experience and fueled by a passion for change, serves as a beacon for all those looking to make a difference in the world of 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, 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 |
OpEd Analysis | Aug 23, 2023
Image: Unsplash/Parker Johnson
Highlighting the inefficiencies and delays faced by consumers, they emphasize the urgent need for modernization. Drawing comparisons with other nations that have successfully implemented real-time payment systems, the article underscores the potential benefits for both consumers and businesses in Canada. Amidst the backdrop of high transaction fees and a rapidly evolving digital economy, the authors call for a comprehensive overhaul of the country's financial infrastructure.
There is no shortage of comments on the piece. Summarized below are some key takeaways this far, which provides a more diverse range of perspectives:
The overarching theme is that while technological solutions exist to modernize payment systems and make them more efficient and consumer-friendly, there are various hurdles—be it legacy systems, vested interests, or regulatory challenges—that need to be overcome.
The National Crowdfunding & Fintech Association (NCFA Canada) is a financial innovation ecosystem that provides education, market intelligence, industry stewardship, networking and funding opportunities and services to thousands of community members and works closely with industry, government, partners and affiliates to create a vibrant and innovative fintech and funding industry in Canada. Decentralized and distributed, NCFA is engaged with global stakeholders and helps incubate projects and investment in fintech, alternative finance, crowdfunding, peer-to-peer finance, payments, digital assets and tokens, blockchain, cryptocurrency, regtech, and insurtech sectors. Join Canada's Fintech & Funding Community today FREE! Or become a contributing member and get perks. For more information, please visit: www.ncfacanada.org
Support NCFA by Following us on Twitter!Follow @NCFACanada |
Podcast | Jul 31, 2023
Image: Bank on loop
"The Hard Part" podcast with host, Evan McCann sits down with Cato Pastoll, the CEO and Co-Founder of Loop, for this discussion.
Loop is a company that offers tailor-made products including CAD/USD corporate cards, interest-free spending, corporate-level purchasing power, no-fee global payments, accessible growth capital, and real US dollar accounts to help businesses grow.
They delve into the journey of Loop, starting from its pivot from Lending Loop to what it is today. They explore why word of mouth has become one of their fastest growth channels and why caring about your customer is the ultimate flywheel for any business, and also discuss the changes needed in our banking regulations to foster a more conducive environment for businesses.
So, whether you're an entrepreneur, a business enthusiast, or someone interested in the dynamics of the financial industry, this episode is packed with insights that you wouldn't want to miss. Tune in and let's dive into the hard part of building and growing a business with Cato Pastoll.
The National Crowdfunding & Fintech Association (NCFA Canada) is a financial innovation ecosystem that provides education, market intelligence, industry stewardship, networking and funding opportunities and services to thousands of community members and works closely with industry, government, partners and affiliates to create a vibrant and innovative fintech and funding industry in Canada. Decentralized and distributed, NCFA is engaged with global stakeholders and helps incubate projects and investment in fintech, alternative finance, crowdfunding, peer-to-peer finance, payments, digital assets and tokens, blockchain, cryptocurrency, regtech, and insurtech sectors. Join Canada's Fintech & Funding Community today FREE! Or become a contributing member and get perks. For more information, please visit: www.ncfacanada.org
Support NCFA by Following us on Twitter!Follow @NCFACanada |