Karsten Wenzlaff, Advisor
August 26th, 2025
Productivity | Nov 5, 2024

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Jim Balsillie, co-founder of the Council of Canadian Innovators has dropped another OpEd on Canada's elephant in the room or the 'P-word' for productivity which continues to decline as living costs continue to rise. As many think tanks have attempted to describe including NCFA, Balsillie doubles down in the article that the root of Canada's productivity problems is from Canada relying on outdated economic models that no longer apply to a knowledge-based world. One where intangible assets, data, intellectual property and algorithms that cross borders, have higher leverage value compared to outdated thinking like investing in more machinery or pushing for greater local competition.
He argues that in today’s global market, value and competitive advantage come from controlling data and deploying innovative algorithms, and if Canada wants to genuinely improve it's productivity, it needs policies that support the modern drivers of economic success. As his oped points out, there have been no shortage of reports and think tanks commenting on Canada's productivity and innovation woes. Many quickly talk about Canada's intellectual property and commercialization gap.
If you want a solid intro to 'intangible assets' there are several great reports such as: [Report] A New North Star: Canadian Competitiveness in an Intangibles Economy (Apr 2019) that describe the issues in a Canadian context by Sean Speer and Robert Asselin. This article contemplates some practical and innovative approaches to help improve Canada's productivity decline without relying on traditional frameworks.
Build a dedicated, publicly accessible AI cloud infrastructure that would give small businesses, startups, and researchers access to powerful computing resources, making it easier for them to develop advanced AI solutions. Such dedicated resources would be like investing in roads or bridges for the good of all, and would accelerate innovation without companies incurring massive costs on AI equipment and setup.
Data is the new oil in today's economy but its value is capped as it's often locked away in silos. Canada could create data trusts with pools of high quality (cleaned, tagged) of anonymized data for specific verticals like healthcare, agriculture, or logistics. By sharing data within a secure and regulated framework, companies of all sizes could gain valuable insights and work to drive productivity and innovation.
Instead of competing for tech resources and duplicating many of the same costs, Canada could incentivize companies to collaborate on AI and automation development through shared AI innovation hubs to create tools and AI driven agents that will improve productivity.
Canadian workers need flexible skills to adapt to technology-driven changes. Investing in a skills based educational model focused in areas like digital literacy, systems thinking, and AI fluency would help prepare workers to thrive in a knowledge based economy. Online platforms, companies and universities need to keep the workforce agile and savvy to stay ahead. Government could co-invest in micro programs to support.
Government agencies could use predictive analytics and AI to streamline processes, speeding up approvals in areas like healthcare, infrastructure, and environmental compliance. Decisions would be data-driven and made much faster resulting in a more efficient and productive government that could support, enable and see projects including national ones to the finish line more confidently.
Create several “innovation sandboxes” for specific industries where Canadian businesses could test digital products and new models in a smarter, relaxed and more agile regulatory environment.
Industry and government including regulators could share data insights and work to help build and scale Canadian projects and productivity enhancing technologies faster.
All public and private hands on deck should work to address Canada's productivity challenge which obviously requires a major departure from traditional and outdated frameworks. By focusing on data, collaborative frameworks, deep tech and collaborative approaches towards innovation, Canada can better align its economy and policies with a national productivity strategy suitable for the 21st century.
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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Open Banking | Nov 5, 2024

Image: Freepik/stockgiu
Last month on October 22, the U.S. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) introduced a new rule that would give Americans more control over their financial information, improve consumer choice and transparency while also promoting competition (level the playing field for non-banks). However, push back from trade policy groups representing the banks came in the form of a lawsuit against the CFPB just a day later including Forcht Bank, the Kentucky Bankers Association, and Bank Policy Institute.
The lawsuit claims that the CFPB went beyond its legal powers by introducing the Open Banking rule without adequate reasoning. The plaintiffs believe that the benefits of Open Banking do not justify the costs. They also say that the CFPB didn't follow proper procedures when creating the rule since there was insufficient consulting with important groups that need to thoroughly assess the rule's impact.
They claim the rule is random, unreasonable and not legal. They argue that it creates too many costs, raises security risks, wrongly gives regulatory power to others, sets impossible deadlines for banks to follow, and unfairly stops banks from charging fees for access. All of these problems hurt both the banks and their customers.
The outcome of this lawsuit could impact more than just the United States. Canada is also moving forward with open banking. Watching how this legal dispute plays out may foreshadow some future challenges that Canada needs to consider as it progresses (albeit slowly) with its own consumer-driven banking plans, such as:
The lawsuit might slow down the introduction of open banking in the U.S. which could influence how quickly Canada rolls out its own version of the rule. Canadian policymakers may take extra precautions to implement similar rules to proactively avoid any potential legal issues.
A major concern in the lawsuit is the safety of data. U.S. banks argue that being forced to share data with third parties could lead to breaches and fraud. Canada's open banking system may need stronger privacy and security measures to address risks.
While open banking fosters competition and provides consumers with more choices and enhanced services, some worry that it will undermine financial stability. Canada will need to find the right balance that advances innovation without placing consumers at unnecessary risk. There are many jurisdictions who have successfully implemented open banking ahead of the U.S. rule where Canada can learn from such as in the UK where over 3000 banks and non-banks are currently registered and operating in the open banking ecosystem. See what the UK government recommends for next phase for open banking after several years of operating the program.
With the majority of Canada's export trade tied up with the U.S., any open banking policy delays may make it harder for Canadian consumers using services across the border. Having aligned regulations would help Canadians easily access financial products and services in both countries. Conversely, different approaches could lead to higher compliance costs and more complexity for cross border operations.
The lawsuit against the CFPB’s rule brings up important issues like protecting consumers, keeping data safe, and deciding who has the authority to set the rules.
As the U.S. case progresses, Canada will need to follow developments closely and use what it learns to create open banking rules that give Canadian consumers more control over their finances while protecting their data and privacy.
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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AR/VR | Nov 4, 2024

According to Reuters, Walt Disney has launched the Office of Technology Enablement (OTE) unit to boost innovation in artificial intelligence (AI) and augmented reality (AR) across its parks, movies, and TV shows. Led by former Chief Tech Officer Jamie Voris, the goal is to transform how stories are told and make experiences more engaging for audiences. Marketsandmarkets AR/VR research shows markets being valued at 22.12 billion USD in 2024, are are forecasted to reach 96.32 billion USD by 2029 for a 34.2% CAGR.
Unlike other companies focusing mainly on AR/VR headsets, Disney plans to create new user experiences in themed AR-driven attractions by blending physical and digital storytelling to give visitors new ways to connect with Disney stories and characters without compromising Disney's brand values. The OTE team is expected to expand to approx 100 members.
Alan Bergman, Disney Entertainment Co-Chairman wrote:
"The pace and scope of the advances in AI and XR (extended reality) are profound and will continue to impact consumer experiences, creative endeavors and our businesses for years to come - making it critical that Disney explore the exciting opportunities and navigate the potential risks. The creation of this group underscores our dedication to doing that."
Disney’s new OTE tech unit will be one to watch, merging digital and physical worlds in unique ways to enhance entertainment. If you haven't been to Disney world with the family in a while, imagine what these newly created immersive experiences will soon be like across its parks, films, and streaming platforms. Hopefully the magic will continue to flourish.
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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Retail Payments Regulation | Nov 1, 2024

Image: Freepik
The Bank of Canada has officially launched the registration process and is now accepting registrations from payment service providers (PSPs) as part of the new Retail Payment Activities Act. This rule requires all PSPs in Canada to register to make the country's retail payments safer, more dependable, and transparent. To comply, PSPs need to complete their registration on the PSP Connect portal by November 15, 2024.
If you’re a PSP, here’s what you need to do to ensure compliance with the new Act:
If you have any questions or run into technical issues, here’s how to get support:
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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Almond FinTech | Howard Davidson | Oct 30, 2024

Image: Freepik/Creativeart
Remittances, the money sent home by migrants working abroad, have become a fundamental financial lifeline for emerging markets across the planet.
In 2023, the volume of global remittances reached a staggering $890 billion, significantly outpacing the current amount of foreign direct investment and official development assistance coming in. These payments now play an important role in supporting millions of families while also helping to stabilize economies in developing nations.
With international economic leaders meeting at the 2024 IMF-World Bank discussions, remittances and their impact will be a core component of their discussions. Their increasing importance to the global financial system calls for urgent attention, especially as countries look at ways to reduce the high costs of sending money across borders.
Remittances are a financial powerhouse for emerging markets, with $669 billion flowing into these economies in 2023 alone.
For many countries, they are more than just supplementary income—they’re lifelines. In nations like Tonga, Tajikistan, and Lebanon, remittances make up over 30% of their GDP, directly highlighting just how much these economies depend on funds sent by their citizens abroad.
Beyond providing basic household support, remittances play an essential role in helping to shore up national finances. They help countries fill gaps in current accounts and reduce fiscal deficits, especially for those with limited access to international capital markets.
Having a steady stream of capital coming in from overseas can provide some much-needed stability to developing economies under strain.
Remittance flows are closely tied to the economic health of more advanced economies like the U.S. and Europe.
When these regions experience strong GDP growth and healthy labor markets, migrant workers tend to send more money home, boosting remittance levels. However, when a recession hits, or inflation rises, the story changes completely.
Economic slowdowns in these countries often lead to lower incomes for migrants, which means less money is sent back to their families. During those tough times, remittance flows can shrink significantly, impacting both individual households and entire economies.
In fact, remittances now make up one-sixth of all global cross-border payments, illustrating just how vital they are to the greater global financial system.
Sending money across borders comes with a steep price tag for many migrants. On average, the cost of sending remittances globally is 6.35% of the total amount, which is well above the World Bank’s target of 3% and the G20’s goal of 5%, creating a significant burden for those who rely on these transfers.
The cost varies widely depending on the region, and in some cases, especially in certain cross-border corridors, fees can climb as high as 20% of the remitted amount. So, for every $100 that’s sent, a migrant may be spending as much as $20 on transaction fees alone, which is a significant loss for families already facing severe financial constraints.
These high fees severely limit the amount of money migrant households can actually use. Instead of saving or reinvesting in local economies, they lose a substantial portion of their income to transaction costs.
Reducing these costs isn’t just about convenience—it’s essential for the financial well-being of millions of households that depend on remittances as a key source of income.
Reducing the already high cost of remittances has become a global priority for policymakers. Both the World Bank and G20 have set ambitious targets to lower fees, aiming for a 3% cost as part of sustainable development goals and a 5% cap within G20 initiatives—yet, meeting these goals still requires significant action to be taken.
Several existing models already show promise in helping to cut down on these costs. For example, Wise (formerly TransferWise) has successfully reduced fees by integrating nonbank services into the UK’s Faster Payments System. The move has directly demonstrated that including new participants in the payment ecosystem can drive down transaction costs.
Project Nexus is another innovative effort designed to connect domestic payment systems across borders. Through regulatory and technological alignment, Project Nexus aims to enhance interoperability between countries, enabling faster and more cost-effective cross-border transfers.
Fintech companies and the growing digitalization of remittance channels are also key to reducing these costs. Mobile payments and digital remittance platforms tend to offer much lower fees than traditional banks, providing more affordable options for migrant workers.
On top of this, retail digital assets, such as stablecoins or central bank digital currencies, could further decrease costs by streamlining the transfer process and minimizing currency conversion fees.
These growing technological advances represent real opportunities to ease the financial burden being placed on millions of migrant families.
Despite efforts to lower remittance costs worldwide, some significant barriers still remain in place that are hampering progress. One key issue is that remittances often get overlooked in the broader development of cross-border payment systems.
Because these systems are typically built with domestic transactions in mind, remittance needs end up as an afterthought, which keeps fees high. Alongside this, an array of regulatory and technological barriers are also slowing progress.
Initiatives like Project Nexus still face several challenges in aligning regulations and building the necessary infrastructure. Without having seamless coordination between countries, scaling these kinds of projects quickly becomes difficult and costly.
Another major challenge is the current lack of focus on high-volume remittance corridors. For example, the U.S.-Mexico corridor is one of the largest in the world, yet it continues to see high fees and is plagued by inefficiencies.
Cutting down on costs in these key corridors could make a significant impact, but they haven’t received the type of attention they need from policymakers and financial institutions.
Remittances are a vital lifeline for many emerging markets across the globe, but the high costs that come with sending them continue to weigh heavily on migrant families.
Reducing these fees is fundamental when it comes to improving their financial well-being and overall quality of life. International cooperation is essential here, and global institutions like the G20 and IMF need to prioritize systemic reforms in cross-border payment systems to make transfers faster, cheaper, and more efficient than before.
Looking ahead, expanding digital solutions alongside streamlining existing regulations can provide long-term relief, allowing remittances to remain a reliable source of support for millions of households around the world.
About the Author
Howard Davidson is the CMO of Almond FinTech.
Almond FinTech is a B2B fintech company transforming cross-border payments by empowering financial institutions and their customers with the best possible rates and near-instant FX settlements across all corridors globally. With Almond technology, institutions can guarantee fast, affordable, and transparent cross-border transactions. Finally.
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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