Category Archives: Enterprise, Scaleup

Detroit to Accept Crypto for Taxes with PayPal

Innovation | Nov 7, 2024

Freepik Pay taxes with crypto

Image courtesy of Freepik

Detroit Partners With PayPal to Accept Cryptocurrency for Tax Payments

Detroit just announced that starting from mid-2025, residents and local businesses will be able to use cryptocurrency to pay taxes and city fees.  This makes Detroit the largest U.S. city to adopt crypto payments for government services, a big leap forward for digital finance transactions.  The city is partnering with PayPal to manage these payments with the goal of bringing a modern, flexible option to handling finances, and a tech and innovation boost to the city.

See:  How Fintechs Are Tackling Financial Inclusion in Canada

Detroit’s new approach gives residents who already own digital currency a direct way to handle taxes and fees, and hopes to make payments easier and more open to everyone.  Crypto payments offer a way for people without traditional bank access to settle city expenses with a modern alternative.  The city’s choice to accept crypto also shows its interest in attracting new businesses and skilled workers.

PayPal Partnership

Global digital payment giant, PayPal, will oversee Detroit’s cryptocurrency transactions. The partnership gives residents the comfort of using a familiar branded platform, making it easier to manage their digital payments without added confusion or worries about security or a newly run service by the local government.

Implications

Detroit’s move to accept crypto payments might inspire other cities to do the same, especially as blockchain technology becomes more common in government services. The city is also inviting tech experts and blockchain developers to pitch ideas for using blockchain in other areas of public service, looking to attract fresh ideas that could be valuable for Detroit’s future.

See:  PayPal Introduces Confidential Stablecoin Transfers

Conclusion

This decision signals to residents, businesses, and the tech world that Detroit is open to fresh ideas for modernizing government services.  Fingers crossed that the initiative is successful as it could lead to using crypto in government services throughout North America.


NCFA Jan 2018 resizeThe 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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Ontario Court Blocks Binance’s Pricey Arbitration Clause

Crypto Enforcement | Nov 7, 2024

Freepik rawpixel.com, Closeup of judge gavel

Image: Freepik/rawpixel.com

Ontario Court Rejects Binance’s Costly Arbitration, Allows Class-Action in Ontario

The Ontario Court of Appeal supported a previous court ruling against Binance’s arbitration clause. This means a class-action lawsuit against Binance can proceed in Ontario instead of being forced into costly arbitration in Hong Kong. The decision is a significant outcome for consumer rights in the world of digital finance.

See:  FINTRAC Fines Binance $6M CAD for Compliance Failures

Binance, a leading global cryptocurrency exchange, required users to agree to address disputes in Hong Kong through an arbitration process.  To use the exchange users had to accept the clause which is estimated to cost about $37,000 CAD excluding travel or legal fees, an amount of money that would likely be far out of reach for most users.  In 2022, a group of Canadian Binance users launched a class-action lawsuit arguing that Binance violated Ontario securities law by selling crypto derivatives without following regulatory rules.  Binance tried to have the case stopped, referring to its Hong Kong arbitration clause which they argued took precedence.

Court's Ruling and Implications

The Ontario Superior Court of Justice originally blocked Binance’s attempt to enforce arbitration, finding the clause unfair and a violation of public policy. Due to the high cost, the arbitration process effectively prevented users from seeking compensation making the clause unreasonable. The Ontario Court of Appeal agreed, setting a clear stance that arbitration clauses that burden users with excessive costs won’t hold up in Ontario courts.

The ruling highlights the importance of using a fair and accessible dispute resolution mechanism in the crypto sector.  Companies operating in Canada must ensure that their arbitration clauses do not create unreasonable barriers for unhappy users seeking to resolve disputes.

See:  OSC Pursues Binance Investigation, Unfazed by Crypto Exchange’s Departure from Canada

The decision also shows the court's willingness to overrule arbitration agreements that are designed to go around consumer protection laws.

Conclusion

Canadian courts are unlikely to enforce arbitration agreements if they impose high costs that make it hard for users to seek justice.  Crypto companies operating in Canada must ensure their dispute policies follow Canadian laws and protect consumer rights.  This ruling could influence future cases about arbitration clauses in the crypto industry.


NCFA Jan 2018 resizeThe 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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Reversing Canada’s Digital Economy Productivity Decline

Productivity | Nov 5, 2024

AI image Boosting Canada’s productivity

AI image

Modernizing Canada's Productivity Strategy for a Digital Economy

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.

See:  Can Canada Harvest the Next Wave of Productivity Growth?

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.

Moving Beyond Traditional Frameworks

1. Develop National AI Computing Infrastructure

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.

2.  Create Data Trusts (for specific industries or purposes)

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.

See:  How to Build Canada’s Competitiveness Amidst the Rise of an Intangibles Economy and Greater Geopolitical Complexity

3.  Encourage Collaborative AI and Automation

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.

4.  Invest in Skills and Forward Looking Education

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.

5.  Use AI to Streamline Government

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.

6.  Collaborative Digital Innovation Sandboxes

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.

See:  IP Box: Would a special IP income tax rate boost Canada’s flagging innovation?

Industry and government including regulators could share data insights and work to help build and scale Canadian projects and productivity enhancing technologies faster.

Shaping Canada’s Future in a Knowledge Economy

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.


NCFA Jan 2018 resizeThe 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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U.S. Open Banking Rule Lawsuit and Canada’s Implications

Open Banking | Nov 5, 2024

Freepik stockgiu, Open Banking

Image: Freepik/stockgiu

U.S. Banks Sue the CFPB Over New Open Banking Rule

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.

See:  Open Banking: Revolutionizing Financial Data Sharing

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.

What the U.S. Lawsuit Could Mean for Canada's Open Banking Path

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:

1. Possible Delays and Policy Adjustments

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.

2.  Emphasis on Data Privacy and Security

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.

See:  How Fintechs Are Tackling Financial Inclusion in Canada

3.  Balancing Bank Competition vs Consumer Protection

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.

4.  Cross-Border Financial Services

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.

Outlook

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.

See:  BoC Opens Registration for Retail Payment Service Providers

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.


NCFA Jan 2018 resizeThe 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 Fintech WhispererNCFA Fintech Fridays PodcastNCFA Weekly Newsletter

 

Disney Opens AI Unit to Accelerate Augmented Reality

AR/VR | Nov 4, 2024

Walt Disney Augmented Reality experiences

Disney’s Former CTO to Run New AI Business Unit to Drive AR/VR Innovations in Entertainment

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.

See:  Meta’s Real-Time Personal Financial Management Smart Glasses

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."

Competition is Heating Up

  • Meta is the top player in the AR/VR market with as much as 60.5% share as of Q2 2024, selling a total of 613, 927 devices in Q2 across all Meta VR devices including Quest 2, Quest Pro, and Ray-Ban smart glasses.
  • Apple joined the market in 2023 launching its spatial computing Vision Pro headset for users looking for a multifunctional lighter device that seamlessly integrates with Apple's broad product/service ecosystem.  An approach that Disney may look to adopt.  That is to develop Disney's own brand and storytelling experiences designed for devices like Vision Pro.

See:  NatWest Launches Spatial Banking App for Apple Vision Pro

  • Sony is taking a gaming first approach to VR launching its PlayStation VR2 in 2023 that sold 600,000 PS2's in the first 6 weeks. Disney could also look at bringing its unique brand and storytelling experiences via interactive games with its cherished characters and worlds.

Why It Matters

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.


NCFA Jan 2018 resizeThe 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

NCFA Financial Innovation MapNCFA Innovation Opportunity BriefsNCFA Fintech Insights
NCFA Fintech WhispererNCFA Fintech Fridays PodcastNCFA Weekly Newsletter

 

BoC Opens Registration for Retail Payment Service Providers

Retail Payments Regulation | Nov 1, 2024

Freepik Retail payments

Image: Freepik

🚀 Registration Now Open for Retail Payment Service Providers

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.

  • The updated regulations are in place to help PSPs manage risks and safeguard consumer funds with clear standards for compliance and accountability. PSPs are expected to follow specific guidelines to protect funds and operate effectively.
  • To make this process easier, the Bank has provided step-by-step instructions, video guide, and dedicated support options for PSP Connect. This help ensures PSPs can successfully complete their registration and meet the requirements of the Act.

See:  New Bank of Canada Case Scenarios for Retail Payments

  • These changes fit into Canada’s larger plan to upgrade its payment systems. The goal is to create a secure, resilient and inclusive payment environment that adapts to new technologies.

📋 Next Steps for PSPs to Register

If you’re a PSP, here’s what you need to do to ensure compliance with the new Act:

  1. Create an Account on PSP Connect (Google chrome, Microsoft edge, Firefox). Access PSP Connect at https://rps.bankofcanada.ca/
  2. Complete and Save Your Registration Application. Fill in all required fields and upload necessary documents. You can save your progress and return if necessary.
  3. Submit Application and Pay the Registration Fee. Non-refundable registration fee of $2,500 Canadian (must be paid in full for your application to proceed)

See:  Canada’s Retail Payments Boom: $11.9 Trillion Growing Fast

📞 Need Assistance?

If you have any questions or run into technical issues, here’s how to get support:

  • Questions about the Registration Process:  Email: rps-compliance@bank-banque-canada.ca
  • Technical Issues with PSP Connect:  Service Desk open Monday to Friday (7AM to 5PM Eastern)
    • Free call North America: 1-888-882-8863
    • Free call International: +800-782-27800

NCFA Jan 2018 resizeThe 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

NCFA Financial Innovation MapNCFA Innovation Opportunity BriefsNCFA Fintech Insights
NCFA Fintech WhispererNCFA Fintech Fridays PodcastNCFA Weekly Newsletter

 

Reducing The Costs of Remittances

Almond FinTech | Howard Davidson | Oct 30, 2024

Freepik Creativeart, Global Remittances

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.

The Fundamental Role of Remittances in Emerging Markets

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.

Macroeconomic Factors Influencing Remittance Flows

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.

The High Cost of Sending Remittances

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.

Efforts to Reduce Remittance Costs

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.

The Current Barriers and Challenges to Cost Reduction

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.

A Call to Action for Policymakers

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.

See:  IMF Working on Global CBDC Platform to Revolutionize Global Remittances and Trade

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.


NCFA Jan 2018 resizeThe 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

NCFA Financial Innovation MapNCFA Innovation Opportunity BriefsNCFA Fintech Insights
NCFA Fintech WhispererNCFA Fintech Fridays PodcastNCFA Weekly Newsletter