Karsten Wenzlaff, Advisor
August 26th, 2025
Karsten Wenzlaff is a Crowdfunding and Fintech Expert from Germany. He is Secretary-General of Digit[...]
Category Archives: Fintech International
TD Partners With Fiserv and Sells Merchant Portfolio
Banking Partnership | July 29, 2025
Image: Freepik
TD Chooses Fintech Partnership Over Building In-house as Competition Heats Up
Global payments fintech powerhouse, Fiserv announced on July 23, 2025 that they signed a multi year strategic managed services agreement with TD Bank Group, where TD Merchant Solutions will use Fiserv technology, including the Clover point of sale platform, to support its merchant clients. Fiserv will also acquire a part of TD’s merchant processing business, adding about 3400 merchant relationships and 30000 locations to its Canadian portfolio. These merchants will migrate to Fiserv’s systems and to Clover, combining hardware with software services for payment processing and business management.
This partnership shows how large Canadian banks are choosing to work with fintech providers rather than invest heavily in building merchant processing systems internally, and competing head to head on technology development. It gives TD a way to focus on core banking while gaining access to modern tools for business clients. For Fiserv it offers a faster route into the Canadian market and expands the reach of its Clover platform.
How the Deal Impacts Canada’s Merchant Services Market
The agreement changes the competitive landscape in the Canadian merchant services market. Clover will now compete more directly with Moneris, which is jointly owned by BMO and RBC, as well as Shopify and Square. Moneris processes more than 3.5 billion transactions a year in Canada, and this new partnership increases pressure on providers to improve technology and pricing.
See: Amazon and Walmart Exploring Merchant-Led Stablecoins
Canadian fintech firms such as Nuvei, Paystone and Moneris already play important roles in payments. Nuvei in particular now offers Smart POS solutions with hardware, cloud dashboards, loyalty and reporting tools, and integrates with partners like PushPOS. However, Clover remains unique because of its full stack approach, proprietary POS hardware, merchant acquiring, a unified SaaS dashboard, an integrated loyalty and lending ecosystem, and a global developer marketplace.
Comparison of Select Merchant Tech Providers in Canada
| Feature / Capability | Fiserv Clover | Nuvei | Moneris | Paystone |
| Core service focus | Full-stack merchant acquiring & SaaS | Global payments acquiring & e‑commerce platform | Canada’s leading card acquiring platform | SME card processing & customer engagement |
| Integrated POS hardware | Yes. Clover Flex, Mini, Station, Go | Yes. Smart POS hardware and partner-integrated terminals (PushPOS) | Yes. Moneris Go + basic POS terminals | Basic hardware via third-party partners |
| Cloud dashboard & analytics | Yes, unified realtime analytics | Partial, merchant control panel with analytics (Nuvei terminal management) | Yes, reporting dashboards | Limited reporting tools |
| Omni-channel payments | Yes, unified in-store & online commerce | Yes, omni‑channel and cross‑border | Yes, in-store and ecommerce support | Primarily in-store, emerging online tools |
| Merchant base size (Canada) | 30 000+ locations via TD deal | Tens of thousands merchants globally | Over 350 000 merchant locations | Tens of thousands of SMEs in Canada |
| Ecosystem (loyalty, lending, inventory) | Yes, integrated loyalty, lending, inventory | Limited, primarily payment-focused, relies on partners | Limited, some value-added tools but less integrated | Customer engagement (loyalty, gift cards) |
| Developer marketplace | Yes, Clover AppMarket | No, no open app marketplace | No, limited developer ecosystem | No, no broad app marketplace |
Pressure on Fiserv to Deliver Results
According to a Barrons write-up, Fiserv's merchant services growth under-performed in Q2-2025 (subscription) coming in at 9% instead of analyst expected 12%. Adding the TD merchant base and rolling out Clover in Canada gives Fiserv a chance to build revenue and expand its client reach, but the impact will depend on how quickly the migration is completed and how effectively these new clients adopt Clover’s tools.
Outlook
For Canadian small and medium businesses, the benefit is gaining access to a modern business platform that combines payments with inventory, reporting and data tools. Clover offers a range of devices such as Clover Flex, Mini and Station that connect to a single cloud based dashboard, allowing merchants to handle in store and online payments from a single Clover POS platform.
See: Shopify, Coinbase, Stripe to Take USDC Payments Mainstream
As SMEs grow they need integrated platforms that go beyond payments to support operations and decision making. If the Fiserv and TD Bank partnership succeeds, it could lead to other banks forming similar alliances with fintech companies, setting a new bar for merchant services in Canada.
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
 |  |  |
|---|---|---|
 |  |  |
DOGE Aims to Use AI to Cut 50% of Regulations
RegTech | July 28, 2025
AI Image
AI Deregulation in the United States and the Pressure on Canadian Fintech
According to a Guardian report, the United States Department of Government Efficiency known as DOGE has started using a new AI deregulation system to review the entire set of more than 200,000 federal rules and regulations, aiming to deregulate about 50% of the rules by President Trump's first year anniversary or by January 2026.
This massive move is already being trialled at agencies such as the Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, and internal reports show that thousands of regulatory sections have already been reviewed, and that 1,083 regulations have already fallen by the waist-side in less than two weeks.
A presentation obtained by Washington Post journalists claims that deregulation could reduce 93% of man hours, and lead to savings that run into the trillions of dollars. While those claims haven't yet been verified by independent auditors and there are already reports from agency employees that the tool has made mistakes by recommending the deletion of rules that are still legally required.
Impact on Canadian Fintech Competitiveness
Doge's deregulation effort is of significant importance to Canada where regulatory policy directly affects the cost and pace of doing business. If American regulators follow through on large scale deregulation, fintech companies in that market will face lower compliance costs and potentially operate faster giving them a competitive advantage.
See: Canada’s AI Competition Report Faces Big Tech Challenges
That could make it more attractive for capital and talent to focus on United States markets while Canadian fintech firms may need to operate in an environment of higher regulatory overhead, unless Canadian policy frameworks are modernized in a careful and deliberate way, too. NCFA's view is that this is both a warning and an opportunity.
Risks of AI Mistakes in Deregulation
Legal experts in the United States have pointed out that no regulation can be repealed without following the procedures required by the Administrative Procedure Act. These include public comment periods legal justification and review. Automated recommendations from an artificial intelligence system will still need to go through that process otherwise the decisions may be overturned by courts.
Congressional oversight bodies are also raising questions about whether this tool has been approved for use on government systems and whether its access to federal data could violate privacy or security rules.
See: Fintechs Face New Green Claim Rules Under Competition Act
While many in industry revel at the thought of deregulation and what it means to their business, there are real risks involved in rushing ahead with automating areas that directly affect public safety and investor protection, so human oversight is still strongly advised.
Implications for Canadian Policy and Investment
Artificial intelligence is not just being used to more efficiently process data but to influence the rules in which financial markets operate. It raises the stakes and can be a potential game changer for anyone or organization that depends on stable and predictable regulation.
"While fewer rules can sometimes mean faster innovation, such sudden and large scale deregulation can also remove guardrails that protect consumers and market integrity, and investors may think twice before putting money into markets that change their rules too quickly."
NCFA View
NCFA believes that Canada should watch this U.S. experiment closely and use it to build a more practical approach ow how AI regulatory technology (Regtech) could be used to help regulators review and streamline rules without allowing a system to autonomously decide which ones to remove.
See: Demystifying AI for Executives: Aligning Strategy with Reality in Fintech
Any such pilot should have human review at every stage in a transparent process that involves the public and clear reporting so that the decisions can be trusted. Canada can also focus on improving its regulatory environment by making the rulemaking process more efficient and modern without compromising on investor and consumer protections.
This will allow our fintech sector to remain competitive without taking the same risks that the United States is now taking. To be clear, time is of the essence.
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
| | |
|---|---|---|
| | |
Demystifying AI for Executives: Aligning Strategy with Reality in Fintech
July 28, 2025
Image: Freepik/DC Studio
Financial services executives face a peculiar challenge these days. Vendors flood their inboxes with AI promises—solutions that will transform customer experience, eliminate fraud, and slash operational costs. Meanwhile, technical teams speak in a different language entirely, discussing model accuracy and algorithmic complexity that sounds impressive but means nothing to business leaders.
The result? Expensive AI projects get approved based on flashy demos, only to fail spectacularly when they encounter real-world constraints. A regional bank recently scrapped an AI loan underwriting system after regulators couldn't get satisfactory explanations for how it made decisions. The technology worked perfectly in testing, but regulatory compliance proved impossible.
Fintech companies can't simply copy AI strategies from other industries. Regulatory scrutiny, customer trust requirements, and data sensitivity create unique obstacles that don't exist elsewhere. Yet many executives approach AI adoption using generic playbooks borrowed from tech companies—a dangerous disconnect that explains why so many initiatives fail to deliver promised returns.
The Executive Disconnect Problem
Most fintech executives understand their business deeply but lack technical backgrounds to evaluate AI proposals effectively. They know customer acquisition dynamics, regulatory requirements, and competitive pressures. They don't understand why model explainability matters for regulatory compliance, or how data preparation requirements can derail project timelines.
This knowledge gap creates dangerous blind spots. Executives approve AI projects based on impressive demonstrations without grasping implementation complexity or regulatory implications. They set unrealistic timelines because they don't understand the data preparation requirements that consume most project resources.
A regional bank's board approved an AI project to automate loan underwriting after seeing compelling presentations about faster approval times and reduced defaults. Months later, the system couldn't pass regulatory review because the models weren't explainable enough for compliance requirements.
The technical team knew about explainability requirements from the start, but assumed compliance would be handled separately. The executives never asked about regulatory implications because they didn't know these questions mattered.
Fintech's Unique AI Challenges
Unlike e-commerce or manufacturing, fintech operates in a heavily regulated environment where mistakes carry serious consequences. Customer data breaches destroy trust permanently. Algorithmic bias triggers lawsuits and regulatory investigations. Unexplainable AI models fail regulatory audits before they reach production.
Regulatory Complexity
Financial regulators increasingly scrutinize AI systems for fairness, transparency, and accountability. The European Union's AI Act, fair lending regulations, and model risk management requirements create compliance obligations that don't exist in other industries.
AI models that work perfectly in retail or healthcare might be completely unsuitable for financial services because they can't explain their decisions. Executives who don't understand these constraints approve projects that are doomed from the start.
Customer Trust Requirements
Fintech customers show particular sensitivity to data privacy and algorithmic fairness. A recommendation algorithm that occasionally shows irrelevant products creates minor annoyance in e-commerce. A credit scoring algorithm that exhibits racial bias becomes a lawsuit and regulatory nightmare.
Data Sensitivity
Financial data requires special handling for privacy, security, and regulatory compliance. Many AI techniques that work well with general business data become problematic when applied to sensitive financial information.
Real-Time Processing Demands
Fraud detection, payment processing, and trading systems require real-time AI responses with extremely low latency. Technical teams may propose solutions that work fine in batch processing but fail under real-time performance requirements.
Strategic Alignment Through Expert Guidance
Successful fintech AI initiatives require bridging the gap between technical possibility and business reality. AI consulting experts specialize in translating complex technical concepts into business terms that executives understand.
Companies like 8allocate provide AI strategy consulting that focuses specifically on executive alignment, serving as interpreters between technical teams and business leadership. They help executives ask the right questions, set realistic expectations, and make informed decisions about AI investments.
Business Impact Translation
Expert consultants excel at connecting AI capabilities to specific business outcomes. Instead of discussing model accuracy, they focus on customer retention rates, processing cost reductions, or fraud loss prevention.
A credit union wanted to implement AI for loan underwriting, but executives couldn't evaluate competing vendor proposals. Consultants translated technical specifications into business metrics that made sense: one option reduced underwriting time significantly but increased default risk slightly, while another maintained current risk levels while reducing processing costs substantially.
Regulatory Risk Assessment
Experienced fintech AI consultants understand regulatory requirements and can identify compliance risks before they become problems. They help executives evaluate AI proposals through regulatory lenses, not just business impact.
Technology Roadmap Development
Rather than pursuing isolated AI projects, consultants help fintech executives develop comprehensive AI strategies that build capabilities systematically over time.
Common Executive Misconceptions
Several misconceptions plague executive AI decision-making in fintech:
"AI Will Replace Human Judgment"
Many executives expect AI to automate complex financial decisions completely. In reality, most successful fintech AI systems augment human judgment rather than replacing it.
Regulatory requirements often mandate human oversight for important decisions. Loan approvals, investment advice, and fraud investigations typically require human review even with AI assistance.
"More Data Always Equals Better Results."
Executives often assume that collecting more customer data will automatically improve AI performance. In fintech, data quality matters more than quantity, and privacy regulations limit what data can be collected and used.
"AI Projects Deliver Quick ROI"
Financial services AI projects often take longer to deliver value than initiatives in other industries because of data preparation requirements, regulatory review processes, and integration complexity.
"One AI Solution Fits All Use Cases"
Some executives want universal AI platforms that handle everything from fraud detection to customer service. In practice, different fintech applications require specialized approaches and technologies.
Building Executive AI Literacy
Smart fintech companies invest in executive education before launching major AI initiatives. This doesn't mean teaching executives to code, but helping them understand AI capabilities, limitations, and business implications.
Key Concepts for Fintech Executives
Executives need a basic understanding of several AI concepts:
- Supervised vs. Unsupervised Learning: Understanding when each approach applies to different business problems
- Model Explainability: Why some AI techniques are "black boxes" and why this matters for regulatory compliance
- Training Data Requirements: How much and what type of data do different AI approaches need
- Bias and Fairness: How AI systems can perpetuate or amplify existing biases in financial services
- Model Drift: Why AI systems need ongoing monitoring and maintenance
Risk Assessment Framework
Executives should understand how to evaluate AI project risks across multiple dimensions:
- Technical Risk: Likelihood of achieving desired performance
- Regulatory Risk: Compliance with current and emerging regulations
- Operational Risk: Integration with existing systems and processes
- Reputational Risk: Potential impact on customer trust and brand reputation
The Consultant's Role in Executive Alignment
Professional AI strategy consultants bring several capabilities that internal teams often lack:
Objective Evaluation
External consultants can assess AI proposals without internal politics or technical bias. They evaluate projects based on business merit rather than technical elegance.
Industry Benchmarking
Experienced consultants understand what AI performance levels are realistic for different fintech applications. They can set expectations based on industry experience rather than vendor promises.
Regulatory Expertise
Consultants specializing in fintech AI understand regulatory requirements and can guide executives through compliance considerations.
Change Management
Implementing AI successfully requires organizational change. Consultants help executives plan for cultural, process, and structural changes needed to support AI initiatives.
Common Implementation Pitfalls
Even with good strategic alignment, fintech AI projects can fail during implementation:
Underestimating Data Preparation
Financial data is often messy, incomplete, or stored in legacy systems. Data preparation typically consumes the majority of AI project effort, but executives often underestimate this requirement.
Ignoring Integration Complexity
Fintech companies operate complex, interconnected systems. AI solutions must integrate with core banking platforms, compliance systems, and regulatory reporting tools. This integration is often more complex than the AI development itself.
Insufficient Change Management
AI systems change how people work. Customer service representatives, underwriters, and risk analysts need training and support to use AI tools effectively. Companies that skimp on change management see poor adoption and limited results.
Inadequate Monitoring Infrastructure
AI models can degrade over time as data patterns change. Fintech companies need robust monitoring systems to detect performance issues and maintain regulatory compliance.
Industry-Specific Success Patterns
Different fintech sectors have distinct AI success patterns:
Digital Banking
Successful AI implementations focus on customer experience improvements and operational efficiency. Chatbots, personalized financial advice, and automated account management deliver clear value.
Lending Platforms
AI excels at credit risk assessment and loan pricing optimization. However, regulatory requirements for explainability limit model complexity.
Payment Processing
Real-time fraud detection represents one of AI's biggest fintech success stories. The clear business case and quantifiable results make it attractive to executives.
Wealth Management
Robo-advisors and portfolio optimization tools have transformed wealth management, but regulatory requirements for fiduciary duty create implementation constraints.
Insurance Technology
Claims processing automation and risk assessment models deliver significant cost savings, but regulatory approval processes can slow implementation.
Executive Communication Strategy
Getting executive buy-in requires tailoring AI discussions to executive concerns and communication styles:
Focus on Business Outcomes
Frame AI initiatives in terms of customer acquisition, revenue growth, cost reduction, or risk mitigation. Avoid technical jargon unless specifically requested.
Address Regulatory Concerns Proactively
Executives worry about regulatory compliance and reputational risk. Address these concerns upfront rather than treating them as afterthoughts.
Provide Realistic Timelines
Fintech AI projects often take longer than generic AI implementations because of regulatory requirements and integration complexity. Set realistic expectations from the beginning.
Quantify ROI Assumptions
Be specific about expected returns and the assumptions underlying those projections. Executives can evaluate business cases effectively if they understand the underlying assumptions.
Building Sustainable AI Capabilities
Executive alignment isn't just about approving individual projects—it's about building organizational capabilities that enable sustained AI success.
Governance Structure
Successful fintech companies establish clear governance structures for AI initiatives. This includes executive oversight, technical review processes, and regulatory compliance procedures.
Skills Development
Organizations need systematic approaches to building AI literacy across all levels. Executives need strategic understanding, middle managers need operational knowledge, and technical teams need domain expertise.
Cultural Change
AI adoption requires cultural changes that embrace data-driven decision making while maintaining appropriate human oversight and regulatory compliance.
Measuring Success
Executive alignment around AI requires clear success metrics that everyone understands and accepts:
Financial Metrics
- Revenue impact from improved customer experience
- Cost reduction from process automation
- Risk reduction from better fraud detection or credit assessment
Operational Metrics
- Processing time improvements
- Error rate reduction
- Customer satisfaction changes
Strategic Metrics
- Competitive positioning improvements
- New product development capabilities
- Market share changes
Future-Proofing AI Strategy
The fintech AI landscape evolves rapidly. Regulatory requirements change, new technologies emerge, and customer expectations shift. Executive AI strategies must account for this uncertainty.
Regulatory Evolution
Fintech AI regulations continue evolving. Executive strategies should build in flexibility to adapt to changing compliance requirements.
Technology Development
New AI techniques and tools emerge constantly. Organizations need processes for evaluating and adopting new capabilities while maintaining system stability.
Competitive Response
As AI becomes standard in fintech, companies need strategies for maintaining competitive advantages through continued innovation.
Conclusion: Strategic Alignment as Competitive Advantage
Fintech companies that achieve executive alignment around AI strategy position themselves for sustained success in an increasingly AI-driven industry. This alignment requires bridging the gap between technical possibility and business reality through clear communication, realistic expectations, and systematic approaches to AI adoption.
See: Top Free AI Courses Every Fintech Should Use
The key lies in ensuring executives understand AI capabilities and limitations so they can make informed decisions about technology investments. Technical teams must understand business objectives and regulatory constraints to build solutions that deliver real value.
Fintech companies that master this alignment will thrive in the era of AI. Those that don't risk falling behind competitors who can execute AI strategies more effectively.
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
| | |
|---|---|---|
| | |
Tech DIY Upgrade: Best Practices for Using Linear Actuator Brackets
July 25, 2025
AI generated image
Whether you're building an adjustable standing desk, automating a hidden TV lift, or tweaking your off-grid solar setup, mounting linear actuators properly can make or break your project. And let’s be real - nothing’s more frustrating than realizing your actuator is misaligned or not secure after hours of assembly.
That’s why choosing the right linear actuator mounting brackets matters just as much as selecting the actuator itself. So if you're diving into your next DIY actuator setup, knowing how to pick and use the right actuator brackets is key. Let’s break it down into the essentials: mounting tips, bracket types, common mistakes, and some real-life DIY examples that might spark your next big idea.
Mounting Tips: Start Smart, Finish Strong
The foundation of any actuator project is solid mounting. Here are a few simple, yet often overlooked, tips that make a big difference:
Plan for Movement
Linear actuators extend and retract, which means the mounting points need to allow a certain amount of rotation. That’s why most actuator brackets are designed to pivot. Before you drill or screw anything in, test the movement range to avoid jamming or stress on the actuator.
Stick to Alignment Basics
You want your actuator and load to move along the same axis. If they’re misaligned, you’ll wear out the actuator faster — or worse, break it altogether. Always double-check that the direction of motion lines up cleanly.
Use Locking Hardware
If your setup is subject to vibration (like in vehicles, robotics arms, or outdoor furniture), locking nuts, washers, or even threadlocker can help keep the brackets and bolts in place over time.
Mind Your Load
Not all brackets are built to carry the same weight. If you’re lifting a 60 lb load but using a bracket rated for 30 lbs, you’ll get flex or failure. Always match the load specs of the actuator and bracket to your application.
Bracket Types: What to Use and When
Let’s talk about the kinds of actuator brackets out there and what they’re best suited for. Choosing the right one can save you a lot of trial and error.
1. Clevis Brackets
These are the most common and versatile. They allow the actuator to pivot as it moves, which reduces stress on the motor and shaft. Clevis brackets are perfect for most adjustable mechanisms like desk lifts or cabinet openers.
2. Mounting Plates
If you need a fixed and flush base, mounting plates are ideal. They’re usually flat with pre-drilled holes and keep the actuator steady. Great for vertical setups or when you're mounting to a wall or rigid frame.
3. L-Shaped Brackets
These provide 90-degree support, helpful when you’re working with corners or need to mount across surfaces. Think of recliners, trapdoors, or customized furniture projects.
4. Heavy-Duty Hinged Brackets
Used for high-load applications like industrial machines or heavy equipment. These brackets often include built-in bearings to support heavier, more complex motion.
5. Quick-Release Brackets
When you need to take apart your system regularly, for repairs, updates, or seasonal changes, quick-release options make life easier. Just make sure they’re still sturdy enough for your load.
Common Errors and How to Avoid Them
Even experienced DIYers can slip up when working with actuators, especially during mounting. One of the most common mistakes is mounting the actuator too rigidly. It’s easy to forget that actuators aren’t just static pieces, they need room to pivot slightly as they move. Without that flexibility, stress builds up on the internal gears, which can shorten the actuator’s lifespan. Unless you’re working with a model specifically built for fixed mounting, always allow some degree of movement in the setup.
Another frequent misstep is using whatever screws or bolts are close at hand. It might seem like a small thing, but mismatched or low-quality fasteners can lead to poor alignment or even bracket slippage under load. It’s always safer to use the hardware recommended by the actuator or bracket manufacturer to ensure everything holds firm over time.
There’s also the issue of forgetting about the actuator’s full stroke length. It’s not enough to measure just the resting position, you’ve got to plan for both the fully extended and fully retracted positions. If you skip this step, you risk overextending the unit or jamming it mid-motion, which can lead to mechanical failure.
And finally, environmental factors can’t be ignored, especially for outdoor projects. Brackets that work fine indoors may corrode or break down when exposed to rain, snow, or salt air. For outdoor or marine applications, it’s always best to go with stainless steel or corrosion-resistant aluminum brackets. Using the wrong materials can cost you more in the long run than just picking the right ones from the start.
DIY Examples to Inspire You
Let’s wrap things up with a few projects where people nailed their DIY actuator setup, sometimes literally.
Hidden TV Lift Cabinet
One enthusiast used a clevis bracket on each end of a small linear actuator to lift a flat-screen TV from a media cabinet. The trick was adding soft-close drawer slides to guide the motion and prevent wobble.
Adjustable Reclining Chair
A custom-built recliner used L-shaped brackets to mount the actuator beneath the seat. The builder added limit switches to stop movement at full recline, no accidental overextension.
ATV Snow Plow Angle Adjuster
Using heavy-duty hinged brackets, one clever DIYer added a linear actuator to change the angle of their ATV’s snow plow blade from side to side — without leaving the driver’s seat.
Solar Panel Tilt System
For a small off-grid setup, a maker used stainless steel clevis brackets on a solar panel frame. The actuator adjusted the tilt angle based on seasonal sun position, helping maximize energy collection.
See: The Intersection of Fintech and Real Estate: How Innovation is Rebuilding the Foundation of Property Transactions
Each of these examples shows just how versatile and practical linear actuators, and the right brackets, can be when used creatively. With a little planning and the right gear, your setup will be solid, smooth, and satisfying.
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
| | |
|---|---|---|
| | |
Goldman Sachs and BNY Launch Tokenized MMF for Institutions
Tokenization | July 24, 2025
Image: Freepik
Institutional Clients Gain Real Time Access to Fund Shares on Private Blockchain
On July 23, 2025, BNY Mellon and Goldman Sachs launched a tokenized money market fund solution that allows select institutional clients to subscribe, redeem, and safely hold tokenized fund shares on a private blockchain. This is a live system that connects BNY Mellon’s LiquidityDirect platform with Goldman Sachs’ GS DAP® digital asset platform, giving clients new ways to manage cash faster and more efficiently.
The funds themselves aren't changing, but there's a new digital layer that mirrors fund shares as blockchain-based tokens. These tokens move in real time, helping institutions make faster decisions that can unlock liquidity more quickly.
A Digital Layer That Speeds Up the System
When a client purchases a digital share class through LiquidityDirect, BNY Mellon updates the official fund records and creates/issues a mirrored token on GS DAP®. These tokens are not tradable on public markets but can be used internally by institutions to streamline operations such as collateral management and treasury settlement. BNY Mellon acts as the recordkeeper, custodian, and token administrator, minting and burning tokens to match the real holdings.
Goldman Sachs runs the blockchain infrastructure using GS DAP®, which is built on the Canton Network and powered by Daml smart contracts designed for financial markets.
See: Schwab to Bring Crypto Trading to Its Brokerage Platform
At launch, the solution includes tokenized share classes from BlackRock, Fidelity, Federated Hermes, Goldman Sachs Asset Management, and BNY Mellon’s Dreyfus group.
Unlocking Liquidity Without Changing the Product
Money market funds are a $7 trillion market in the U.S., widely used by institutions for short term cash needs. But current systems can take one or two days to process subscriptions and redemptions, delaying how quickly institutions can move capital or meet margin requirements.
This tokenized solution reduces the settlement window to the same day. It allows institutions to unlock value from their fund shares more quickly and use them as collateral in time sensitive operations. The system is live, regulated, and designed to integrate directly with existing institutional infrastructure.
Laide Majiyagbe, Global Head of Liquidity, Financing & Collateral at BNY Mellon:
“As the financial system transitions toward a more digital, real-time architecture, BNY is committed to enabling scalable and secure solutions that shape the future of finance. Mirrored tokenization of MMF shares is a first step in this transition, and we are proud to be at the forefront of this first-of-its-kind initiative.”
See: AuCan Launches $2.5B Tokenised Gold RWA Platform
Mathew McDermott, Global Head of Digital Assets at Goldman Sachs said:
“Using tokens representing the value of shares of Money Market Funds on GS DAP® would enable us to unlock their utility as a form of collateral and open up more seamless transferability in the future.”
First to Market with a Real System That Works
Other institutions are experimenting with similar models. JPMorgan’s Onyx system (renamed Kinexsys) has tokenized repo agreements, and BlackRock’s BUIDL fund has issued over $6.75 billion in tokenized Treasuries on public blockchain.
But BNY Mellon and Goldman Sach's is the first solution connecting real fund operations to tokenized workflows on a production platform used by institutional clients. What sets it apart is that they aren't replacing traditional systems, but rather they are adding speed and programmability within a framework that clients and regulators already know and use.
Outlook for Institutional Liquidity
By creating mirrored tokens for money market funds, two of the largest global financial institutions are proving that blockchain can deliver real operational value without disrupting regulatory oversight. This is significant validation considering not too long ago, Goldman Sachs was at a point where they were reconsidering whether or not Bitcoin was a legitimate asset.
See: SEC Exploring Ethereum Standard for Tokenized Securities
This model gives institutions faster access to capital, greater flexibility, and new ways to integrate fund holdings into real time financial operations. With policy clarity improving, tokenized fund infrastructure may soon become a standard feature in global markets.
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
| | |
|---|---|---|
| | |
Top Free AI Courses Every Fintech Should Use
AI Education | July 24, 2025
Image: Freepik/Rawpixel.com
Unlock Free AI Courses That Help Fintech Builders, Government, Educators, and Investors to Boost Productivity Skills and Help Master AI
AI is changing how we work, make decisions, and grow businesses. For fintech founders, investors, educators, and anyone building the future of finance, getting fluent in AI is no longer optional. It is essential. The OpenAI Academy has released a wide range of free courses designed for practical use across business, education, development, and policy.
See: Why AI Investment Is Missing What Workers Actually Want
These aren't just theoretical overviews. They are built for practical and real work, and they are available to everyone at no cost - that's right, completely free. So no excuses. It's time to dive in and level up.
ChatGPT at Work
This course is built for professionals who want to use AI to boost output without sacrificing quality. Learn how to use ChatGPT to write reports, summarize meetings, respond to clients, and simplify complex information. It is ideal for operations teams, consultants, and startup leaders. Start the ChatGPT at Work course. For those looking to go further and build a broader AI skill set beyond a single tool, Coursiv offers a comprehensive, practice-driven learning path covering ChatGPT and other leading AI platforms — with daily micro-lessons and accredited certificates designed to keep working professionals consistently ahead of the curve.
GPT‑4o for Business
OpenAI’s flagship GPT‑4o model unlocks new ways to manage client communication, analyze data, and support decision making. This course walks through real-world use cases for financial modeling, customer insights, and executive brief writing. Access GPT‑4o for Business training
Mastering Prompt Engineering
This short video shows you how to craft smarter prompts to get exactly what you need from ChatGPT. Learn how to set the right context, break down tasks, and refine your instructions. It is one of the most efficient ways to improve your results across every use case. Watch Mastering Prompt Engineering
Developer Build Hours
Developers and builders can dive into real projects that show how to integrate OpenAI tools into their own products and workflows. This series covers how to structure API calls, generate content on demand, and troubleshoot common issues. Explore Developer Build Hours
Deep Research with ChatGPT
Watch how ChatGPT can be used to conduct in-depth market and competitor research. This demonstration includes a hands-on walk-through of generating multi-source summaries, analyzing trends, and producing investor-ready output. Watch Deep Research in action
Educator Prompt Pack
If you are building or supporting youth financial literacy programs, this educator-ready prompt pack is a great starting point. It includes templates and safe-use guidance for introducing AI to classrooms. Download K–12 Educator Prompt Pack
AI Career Prep for Resumes and Interviews
For job seekers and hiring teams, this session shows how to use ChatGPT to improve resumes, create personalized cover letters, and prepare for interviews. It is practical and quick to apply. Watch AI Career Prep video
OpenAI for Government Prompt Packs
OpenAI’s government prompt packs help public sector professionals generate reports, translate complex documents, and write clear communications. For NCFA members working with regulators or applying for funding, this is a valuable toolkit. Use Government prompt packs from OpenAI
See: Claude Launches AI Toolkit for Financial Workflows
Every resource above is open to the public and free to access. There are no paywalls, no subscriptions, and no certification upsells. These tools are meant to help people move faster, make better decisions, and reduce barriers to knowledge. For NCFA’s community, this is exactly the kind of education that drives national competitiveness and everyday inclusion.
Why It Matters
This is more than learning how to more efficiently interact with AI. It is about unlocking new ways to build, connect, and compete. These free OpenAI courses give fintech entrepreneurs, investors, educators, and ecosystem leaders real tools they can use today to solve problems, reach new markets, and work smarter. For NCFA’s community, we can build a stronger and more inclusive future by helping more people access the power of AI. Here's a great opportunity to grow and thrive together - don't be left behind!
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
| | |
|---|---|---|
| | |
The Rise of the Web3 Nomad: Women Thriving in Decentralized Workspaces
Web3 Jobs | July 23, 2025
The digital workforce is evolving fast. Remote work is no longer a trend - it’s the norm. But there’s a deeper shift happening that’s reshaping how we define work, identity, and opportunity: Web3. And at the frontlines of this revolution? Women. From developers to strategists, artists to marketers, women are carving out space - and power - in the decentralized world of Web3 jobs.
What Is a Web3 Nomad?
A Web3 nomad is a professional leveraging decentralized technologies, crypto networks, and blockchain protocols to work anywhere, anytime - without being tied to traditional employers or physical offices. These aren’t your typical remote workers on Slack and Zoom. They’re part of DAOs (Decentralized Autonomous Organizations), using crypto wallets as logins, earning in tokens, and managing their careers through reputation scores instead of résumés.
This shift isn’t just about new tools. It’s a complete restructuring of how people earn, collaborate, and build wealth online. And it’s drawing in more women than ever before, especially those who’ve been underserved or overlooked in traditional tech sectors.
Why Women Are Winning in Web3
Women are embracing Web3 jobs not because the system is perfect, but because it offers something rare: possibility without permission. Unlike legacy tech industries dominated by gatekeepers, Web3 is still fluid. It rewards output, creativity, and initiative over credentials.
Here’s why Web3 is fertile ground for female talent:
- No Centralized Gatekeepers: You don’t need to “apply” to a DAO; you contribute. If your work is valuable, you get noticed - and paid.
- Pseudonymity Levels the Playing Field: Many women are building strong reputations behind aliases or ENS handles. No bias, just skill.
- Nonlinear Career Paths Are Valued: Women re-entering work after time off or pivoting careers aren’t penalized. Portfolios and participation matter more than job history.
- Global Opportunities: Web3 work knows no borders. You can earn in crypto from anywhere, often higher than local wages.
What Kind of Web3 Jobs Are Out There?
Despite the jargon, Web3 jobs aren’t all about coding. In fact, some of the highest-demand roles don’t require deep tech skills. The space is still young, and it needs a wide range of talent to grow, organize, and communicate.
In-Demand Web3 Roles for Women (and Anyone)
- Community Managers: Keeping Discords active, aligned, and not chaotic.
- Content Creators: Writing blog posts, newsletters, tweets, and educational content.
- Designers & UX Experts: Making interfaces less confusing, more usable.
- DAO Strategists: Helping decentralized orgs set roadmaps, governance, and tokenomics.
- Developers: From smart contracts (Solidity) to frontend dApps.
- Legal & Compliance: Advising on jurisdiction, structure, and regulation.
- Marketing & Growth: Building hype, coordinating launches, managing partnerships.
Every one of these roles exists outside of traditional job boards. Most are project-based or governed by contributor reputation within DAOs. Salaries vary, but in many cases, Web3 pays better than Web2 - especially in token-based systems with upside potential.
How to Break In: Real Steps, Not Fluff
You don’t need to “wait until you’re ready” to enter the Web3 world. Learning in public, contributing to projects, and showing up consistently gets you further than just taking courses or collecting certifications.
Here's how women are successfully landing Web3 jobs:
- Join DAOs: Start with communities like HerDAO, SheFi, or [Women in Blockchain]. They welcome beginners and offer mentorship.
- Learn Out Loud: Tweet what you’re learning, share your journey. The Web3 crowd rewards transparency.
- Volunteer First: Offer to help on a project. Many contributors land paid gigs by first adding value for free.
- Set Up a Wallet: Your wallet is your login and identity. Get one (MetaMask, Rainbow) and understand basic DeFi tools.
- Track Contributions: Use tools like Coordinape, Gitcoin Passport, or Karma to build your reputation across DAOs.
Key Platforms and Tools to Navigate Web3 Work
To navigate Web3 jobs, you need to be fluent with the platforms and tools where work happens. Here's a quick breakdown of where things go down:
- Discord: Where communities gather and roles are posted.
- Mirror: A publishing platform for Web3 writers.
- Snapshot: Where DAOs vote and governance takes place.
- Notion / Airtable: Still huge in organizing decentralized teams.
- Gitcoin / Bankless Academy: Learn and contribute to real open-source projects.
- Talent Protocol: Build a professional profile for Web3.
What Makes Web3 Jobs Different (And Better)
Let’s not pretend this space is perfect - Web3 is still volatile, chaotic, and full of hype. But that’s also what makes it open to disruption and new voices. The reward systems, autonomy, and flexibility are lightyears ahead of anything in corporate tech.
Key advantages of Web3 work:
- Ownership: Earn tokens. Get governance rights. Participate in upside.
- Asynchronous by Default: Work around your own schedule, no 9-5.
- Global Payments: Get paid in stablecoins or crypto, instantly, from anywhere.
- Skill-Based Mobility: If you’re good, you rise fast - no politics, no hierarchy.
For women who’ve been underpaid, under-mentored, or underestimated in traditional tech, these dynamics are a game-changer.
A New Path Forward
Web3 isn’t just changing how we work. It’s changing who gets to lead. And women are already rewriting the script - not as tokens for diversity panels, but as architects of the next digital economy.
See: List of Digital Nomad Visas (TechPats) by Country
From Bali to Berlin, Lagos to Lisbon, a new class of Web3 nomads is rising - self-directed, skilled, and unstoppable. They're building portfolios, collecting tokens, and gaining influence - not just jobs.
If you’re looking for more than a paycheck - if you want autonomy, community, and upside - then Web3 might just be your next move. The ecosystem is wide open. And Web3 jobs are waiting.
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
| | |
|---|---|---|
| | |
