Karsten Wenzlaff, Advisor
August 26th, 2025
AI | Sep 13, 2024

Image: Freepik
Yesterday, top executives from Nvidia, OpenAI, Anthropic, Google, and other tech giants met senior U.S government officials at the White House to discuss the energy infrastructure requirements to support the quickly expanding AI industry. New large scale data centres are needed along with updating the energy infrastructure to ensure energy demands are inline with supply.
See:
Post meeting, the White House announced the formation of an interagency task group to simplify data centre expansion across the United States and accelerate licensing procedures. The Energy Department also plans to produce a study later this year to evaluate the impact of data centre energy use and provide suggestions to meet the rising electricity demand.
Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang highlighted the significance of public-private cooperation to meet the enormous energy demands and that the development of AI was akin to a new industrial revolution which would require new energy solutions. The need for AI processing capacity is still growing, especially now that Nvidia's Blackwell processor is going into mass production.
OpenAI announced plans to spend tens of billions of dollars in U.S. data centre infrastructure with up to 40,000 jobs may be created by these investments. The business underlined the risk of lagging behind other countries like China, which is also making significant investments in AI infrastructure, and stressed the significance of these investments in order to preserve American leadership in AI.
OpenAI released in a statement:
“OpenAI believes infrastructure is destiny and that building additional infrastructure in the US is critical to the country’s industrial policy and economic future”.
A major theme at the meeting was the national security risk of falling behind with inadequate energy infrastructure, thus limiting important AI breakthroughs. Renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power are critical solutions that can help meet energy needs while addressing environmental concerns. The Energy Department wants to support data centre operators with loans, grants, and tax credits to promote sustainable and dependable energy sources.
In a bifurcating world, the importance of increased cooperation between government and AI executives is more important than ever, if the United States wants to remain at the forefront of AI innovation without sacrificing national security and environmental concerns. Next up will be moving talks into practical action plans to advance AI and energy infrastructure development in the U.S.
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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Product Launch | Release | Aug 27, 2024
With the introduction of three new tailored services for renters, fintech pioneer KOHO is once again revolutionizing the financial environment for Canadians. Through its platform, KOHO has introduced Rent Reporting, Tenant Insurance, and Cash Back on Rent, giving tenants an easier way to build credit, safeguard their housing, and get incentives.
With roughly 33% of Canadians renting, KOHO seeks to fill a longstanding gap in the credit system where traditional mortgage payments contribute to building credit, while rent payments do not. KOHO is now making it easier for renters to have their rent payments recognized by credit bureaus, allowing them to build credit histories just like homeowners.
KOHO members who pay rent using the site will have their payments recorded at the credit bureau improving their credit ratings over time. KOHO not only reports current rent payments, but it also reports prior rent payments, allowing renters to improve their credit records retrospectively.
Daniel Eberhard, CEO and founder of KOHO:
“The idea that paying a mortgage counts towards building credit, but paying rent doesn’t, is an outdated view of the world. We’re thrilled to bring Rent Reporting to our users. More than that, we’re adding Tenant Insurance and the first cash back on rent program in Canadian history. Newcomers, younger Canadians, and all renters deserve equal opportunities at building wealth. We’re excited to play a small role in that.”
Renters frequently choose not to get insurance due to the high expense of living and growing insurance rates, which puts them at risk of financial difficulty in an emergency. Renters can afford to be protected by KOHO's Tenant Insurance, which makes sure they can meet unforeseen expenses without going over budget.
To solve this, KOHO has teamed up with Walnut Insurance to offer renters in Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Nova Scotia, and Ontario reasonably priced Tenant Insurance. It's one of the most affordable solutions in Canada, with monthly costs as low as $22.
KOHO has also launched Canada's first rent cashback incentive. Rent payments made using the KOHO app can earn eligible users of the Everything plan with Tenant Insurance coverage 0.25% cash back. This program is a part of KOHO's larger goal of empowering Canadians with money by providing tools that enable them to earn, save, and accumulate wealth.
For renters, the innovative trifecta of Rent Reporting, Cash Back on Rent, and Tenant Insurance is a one-stop package towards strengthening financial health. Learn more about how KOHO is revolutionizing financial freedom.

KOHO CEO, Daniel Eberhard
Daniel Eberhard: The traditional entry point of 18-22% unsecured debt via credit card and then graduated to a mortgage is an obviously flawed path, and increasingly out of reach for younger Canadians, and those new to the country, etc.
We really believe all natural behaviours, like rent payments, utilities, cell phones, etc should all one day be part of someone’s credit score. 40% of Canadians rent today. If you look at Canadians below 35 or new to the country, it’s probably 60%. We need a financial system which recognizes and treats these people fairly.
Daniel Eberhard: We don’t know yet but likely less impactful to start. All new forms of credit history require a big data set to be built. The bigger the data set, the easier it is to correlate payments with good credit behaviour. I would expect rent reporting to be less impactful today but hopefully in the future, they are equal.
Daniel Eberhard: With KOHO’s Rent Reporting launch, we are helping KOHO members build their credit history for free with the rent payments that they already make every month. KOHO reports current and future rent payments made through KOHO by Rent Reporting subscribers to the credit bureau, Equifax, on subscribers’ behalf.
Crucially, for Canadians living paycheque to paycheque, other providers charge for their rent reporting features. FrontLobby costs $4/month and Borrowell is $8/month. And even though Chexy provides their rent reporting feature for free, it is paywalled behind a 1.75% surcharge on rent payments – at the average Canadian rent in August 2024 of $2,201 according to Rentals.ca, that costs users $39 a month!
Canadians can get KOHO Essential for $0 through Qualifying Actions, including transferring at least $1,000 a month into KOHO to pay rent or setting up Direct Deposit, meaning many Canadians can get Rent Reporting for free through KOHO!
Historical rent payment reporting is a little different – it enables users to build their credit history using up to 2 years of past rent payments. This can be done by collecting evidence that the past payments were in fact made, and then reporting them to the credit bureau, Equifax. KOHO does not offer historical rent payment reporting today, but is considering it for the future.
Q4. Beyond rent reporting, what other fintech products is KOHO considering to help underserved groups build credit? How does this fit into KOHO’s long-term vision?
Daniel Eberhard: This, along with our credit building products, free credit reports, and cash-advance “cover” and Pay Later products are all incremental steps in KOHO’s broader goal of democratizing wealth creation in Canada. There are more innovative products to come.
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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Fintech | Milestone Release | Aug 21, 2024

Image: Freepik/pch.vector
Manzil, a Canadian fintech startup has reached a key milestone for Canada's Islamic finance sector by transacting over $50 million of Shariah-compliant mortgage financing, demonstrating the growing demand for Halal financial solutions, as more Muslims seek homeownership options that are consistent with their religious beliefs.
The company was founded in 2017 by Dr. Mohamad Sawwaf, and after a couple of years of R&D officially launched in 2020 to meet the unmet needs of Canada's Muslim community seeking Shariah-compliant financial products. The company provides solutions like Islamically compliant investment alternatives and Halal mortgages. Notably, Manzil raised $1.91 million in seed funding in 2022 to grow the platform. Manzil offers Canadian Muslims easily accessible and legally acceptable home finance options with products like Ijara (lease-to-own model), and Murabaha (a cost-plus agreement).
The concept of Islamic (halal) mortgage financing is based on Shariah (Islamic law), which forbids giving or receiving interest (Riba). Halal mortgages guarantee that financial dealings are 'interest-free' to maintain their religious beliefs, as opposed to conventional mortgages that work through leasing or profit-sharing arrangements.
The demand for Islamic Finance in Canada is growing. Statistics Canada indicates that the number of Muslims in Canada has been increasing over time, and that growth has increased the need for financial services that adhere to Shariah. Globally, Islamic finance is expected to reach USD 3.69 trillion by 2024. Prominent fintech, Wealthsimple also launched a Shariah compliant world equity index ETF.
The fact that Manzil has financed more than CAD 50 million in halal mortgages is just the start of the growing demand in Canada for Shariah compliant financial solutions. As the first Islamic fintech and leader in Canada, Manzil is supporting the way for Muslim Canadians to become home owners, participate in ethical banking, and be more financially included.
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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Research | Aug 20, 2024
Women are the most profitable and devoted clientele but they are significantly underrepresented in fintech portfolios, according to a new publication from the IFC World Bank Group, "Her Fintech Edge: Market Insights for Inclusive Growth" (52 page PDF report), offering insights on how fintech companies may more effectively target women.
According to the research, focusing on this market could lead to big financial gains due to increased lifetime value, increased loyalty, and decreased default rates. The study is based on data from 114 fintech firms across 17 countries and interviews with 25 fintech leaders.
4. Higher Acquisition Costs Offset by Higher CLV
Firms that prioritize gender inclusivity in product design, marketing, and partnerships are well-positioned to capitalize on this potentially lucrative untapped market offering lower risk, greater loyalty and higher lifetime value.
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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Fintech Innovation | Aug 6, 2024

Image: Freepik/stockking
A recent Forbes article by Geri Stengel, features how fintech innovations are offering new pathways to financial stability for low-to-moderate wage earners, a demographic often overlooked by traditional financial institutions.
Research from the Pew Charitable Trust indicates that 60% of households say they incur at least one unexpected shock expense annually. About 40% of people find it extremely difficult to pay for an unexpected $400 bill, which highlights the dire financial situation of many families. These households often find themselves in need of costly financial services, such as high-interest loans, because typical financial products are unable to meet their needs. According to Equifax, approx 50% of Canadians live paycheck to paycheck.
Let's Get Set is a fintech startup founded in 2020 by Clare Herceg with the goal of addressing the unique financial difficulties encountered by individuals with low to moderate incomes (targeting households with family income less than $100k). Herceg, who possesses an MIT degree and has experience in economic mobility, was motivated to develop financial solutions that address the particular requirements of these households, beginning with creative savings accounts.
Customers of the Let's Get Set savings account can take out loans (up to 2 X) against their savings with flexible repayment terms and a fair interest rate. With a 12% APR and two to twelve month payback terms, this model offers an important safety net for unexpected expenses. Plus, the account provides a 5% annual percentage yield (APY) to encourage more savings. In many cases, it's the lure of additional savings that keeps families saving. Let's Get Set offers a flexible and cost effective option that helps consumers stay out of the financial trouble that comes with taking out traditional high interest rate loans like payday lenders and credit cards who charge well in excess of 20-30%.
Many low to moderate income earners simply don't trust financial institutions because they have had bad experiences previously and have challenges meeting minimum balance requirements, and dislike high fees. As a result many households become underbanked or unbanked.
To help build trust, Let's Get Set collaborates with healthcare organizations, using the trust that people have in nurses and healthcare staff. Let's Get Set, in partnership with the National Service Office for Nurse-Family Partnership (NFP) and Child First, has assisted families in preparing taxes and obtaining considerable refunds and credits.
Is it working? The proof is in the pudding.
Cynthia Garzon, Let's Get Set user:
“When I met Clare, I was a first-time mom, completely new to everything and for lack of a better word, lost. Let’s Get Set helped me gain control financially, understanding what I was supposed to receive and kept me accountable with the savings tool.”
For those with low to moderate incomes, fintech technologies are changing the game by providing easily accessible and reasonably priced financial services. How about developing other products that can assist low-income earners in gaining access to more liquidity and raising their credit ratings, in addition to borrowing at a reasonable rate against savings? Examples include:
By investing just a few cents regularly, users of micro-investment platforms can help fund diversified portfolios with just a little money. By rounding up purchases to the closest dollar and investing the spare change, these platforms can be integrated with regular spending.
An example of this would be an app that rounds debit card purchases to the closest dollar and uses the difference to invest in an index fund or ETF portfolio that is diversified. This strategy promotes investing and saving without requiring sizable initial payments.
In community-based lending circles, individuals pool their funds and lend them to one another in a recurring manner. This concept uses community trust and social capital to offer interest-free loans. A fintech platform that makes it easier to establish lending circles, manages payment processing and documentation, and makes sure repayments are recorded with credit agencies to raise members' credit ratings.
Users of flexible income smoothing accounts can withdraw money during times of low income and deposit money during times of high income. These accounts assist in managing volatile cash flows, which are typical for individuals with fluctuating salaries and gig economy workers. Consider an app that connects to a user's bank account, examines their spending trends, and recommends the best amounts to set aside during times of high income.
Furthermore, it provides interest-free or low-interest overdraft insurance to offset deficits and guarantee that customers have steady access to money.
Companies like Let's Get Set that offer accessible, low-cost financial solutions to assist individuals manage financial shocks and build a more secure future, are demonstrating the big role that fintechs play in serving underprivileged communities while ensuring these solutions reach and benefit those who need them most.
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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Jul 19, 2024

Image: Freepik
In today's rapidly evolving world, sustainability is not just a trend—it's a necessity. With the growing awareness of environmental issues among homeowners, there has been a significant increase in the demand for eco-friendly plumbing solutions. If you're considering making your home greener, consulting a knowledgeable plumber about sustainable plumbing innovations is a great place to start. Here, we explore some of the most exciting eco-friendly plumbing innovations transforming homes and promoting sustainable living.
Installing low-flow fixtures like faucets, showerheads, and toilets represents a straightforward yet incredibly effective eco-friendly improvement in plumbing. These fixtures consume less water, significantly lowering your home's water usage. A plumber can assist you in selecting and installing these fixtures, ensuring they maintain adequate water pressure while conserving water and lowering your utility bills.
Traditional water heaters operate by continuously heating and reheating water, resulting in considerable energy inefficiency. In contrast, tankless water heaters heat water only when required, providing hot water instantly when needed. This innovation reduces energy consumption and saves space in your home. Consulting with a plumber can help you select the optimal tankless water heater tailored to your home's particular requirements.
Greywater recycling systems gather and purify water from sinks, showers, and washing machines, ensuring it's safe for reuse in activities like irrigation and toilet flushing. Adopting greywater recycling can significantly reduce water consumption and lessen your ecological footprint. A plumber skilled in greywater systems can assist in designing and installing a system customized to fit your home's layout and water usage needs.
Rainwater harvesting offers a creative solution for water conservation by capturing rainwater from your roof and storing it in tanks for future use in gardening, toilet flushing, or laundry. With a plumber's assistance, you can install an efficient rainwater harvesting system tailored to your local climate and rainfall patterns.
Solar water heaters harness solar energy, making them a superb eco-friendly advancement in plumbing. By using solar panels to heat water, these systems decrease dependence on fossil fuels and help lower energy costs. A skilled plumber can assess your home's suitability for a solar water heating system and handle the installation to ensure maximum efficiency and performance.
Incorporating smart technology into plumbing systems represents another significant step toward sustainability. Smart faucets, showers, and irrigation systems can be programmed to optimize water usage and detect leaks early. A plumber with expertise in smart plumbing technologies can help you install and configure these systems, ensuring that your home is both eco-friendly and technologically advanced.
For those deeply committed to eco-friendliness, composting toilets epitomize sustainable plumbing practices. These toilets treat human waste through aerobic decomposition, turning it into usable compost. They require no water and minimal energy, making them ideal for off-grid living or anyone looking to minimize their environmental footprint. A plumber can guide you through installing and maintaining composting toilets, ensuring they function effectively and hygienically.
Employing water-efficient irrigation systems, such as drip irrigation or soil moisture sensors, can markedly decrease water wastage in landscaping. These systems provide water directly to plant roots, minimizing evaporation and runoff compared to conventional sprinklers. A plumber can assist in installing and optimizing these systems for maximum water conservation in your outdoor spaces.
Insulating your plumbing pipes effectively can prevent heat loss and lower energy consumption. Insulated pipes retain hot water temperature, meaning less energy is needed to maintain desired water temperatures. A plumber can evaluate your home's plumbing system and recommend insulation options that enhance energy efficiency while reducing utility costs.
Opting for biodegradable or recyclable plumbing materials, such as eco-friendly pipes and fittings made from recycled metals or bio-based plastics, can further reduce your home's environmental impact. These materials reduce the need for resource extraction and decrease landfill waste, supporting sustainable building practices. Discussing these options with a plumber ensures that your plumbing materials support your commitment to sustainability.
Sustainable living is being advanced through the implementation of eco-friendly plumbing innovations. By consulting a professional plumber, you can explore and implement various green plumbing solutions that suit your home and lifestyle.
Whether you're interested in reducing water waste, cutting energy consumption, or integrating smart technology, there's a sustainable plumbing innovation that can help you achieve your environmental goals. Investing in these eco-friendly solutions benefits the planet and enhances the efficiency and value of your home.
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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Funding | Jul 10, 2024

Image from press release: UK's National Wealth Fund
On July 9, 2024, the UK government has announced intentions to invest £7.3 billion in funds to the National Wealth Fund for economic development and sustainability. The goal is to unify major financial institutions under a single plan and stimulate private investment, especially in the green and growing industries.
The British Business Bank and the UK Infrastructure Bank will be merged into the National Wealth Fund as part of the new project. The goal of this realignment is to produce a more unified investment strategy that capitalizes on these institutions' advantages to attract significant private sector investment. The announcement coincided with the launch of this enormous project, which took place at No. 11 Downing Street with the gathering of the National Wealth Fund Taskforce by Chancellor Rachel Reeves and Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds.
Dame Amanda Blanc, the CEO of Aviva, C.S. Venkatakrishnan of Barclays, and Mark Carney, the former governor of the Bank of England, are among the prominent individuals on the task group, which is chaired by the Green Finance Institute. Their combined experience is anticipated to direct the strategic allocation of the extra £7.3 billion, which will be overseen by the UK Infrastructure Bank to enable prompt investments.
Rachel Reeves, Chancellor of the Exchequer:
"This new Government is getting on with the job of delivering economic growth. We need to go further and faster if we are to fix the foundations of our economy to rebuild Britain and make every part of our country better off. Britain is open for business – and the work of change has begun."
Ed Miliband, Energy Security and Net Zero Secretary
"Our Mission to make Britain a clean energy superpower is about investing in Britain. Our National Wealth Fund will help create thousands of jobs in the clean energy industries of the future to boost our energy independence and tackle climate change."
Strong public-private partnerships will be essential to achieving the new National Wealth Fund's potential to transform the UK's economic environment, with specific plans expected to be unveiled at the next international investment summit. This bold plan aims to establish the UK as a leader in innovation and green sectors while also promoting economic growth.
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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