Category Archives: Fintech International

NCFA x CAFS 2025 Partner to Bridge Canada-Africa Fintech

NCFA Release | May 28, 2025

NCFA CAFS Partnership

Canada-Africa Fintech Summit Aug 5-8, 2025 x NCFA

 

NCFA Canada Partners with Inaugural 2025 Canada-Africa Fintech Summit in Toronto

Toronto, ON – May 28, 2025 – The National Crowdfunding & Fintech Association of Canada (NCFA) is proud to announce a strategic partnership with the inaugural Canada-Africa Fintech Summit (CAFS), taking place from August 5 to 8, 2025, at the Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel in downtown Toronto.  This groundbreaking event will bring together fintech leaders, investors, policymakers, startups, and ecosystem builders from across Canada and the African continent to accelerate cross-border collaboration, mobilize capital, and drive inclusive innovation.

The strategic partnership aims to drive cross-border fintech growth, innovation, capital, and advance policy discussions and comes at a pivotal moment, following the release of Canada’s official Canada-Africa Strategy, which outlines a renewed commitment to building economic ties, investment, and digital cooperation between the two regions.

Africa’s $1 Trillion Innovation Opportunity

Africa’s fintech sector is experiencing explosive growth and global recognition. The continent has become a proving ground for digital financial innovation and a growing magnet for global capital. Here’s why it matters:

The infrastructure, capital, and consumer demand are already in place. While only a few fintechs currently operate at scale across both Canada and Africa, the opportunity is open. Now is the time for founders, investors, and policymakers to turn this into a two-way fintech bridge, and CAFS 2025 is where that future takes shape.

NCFA-CAFS Strategic Partnership

NCFA is working closely with CAFS organizers to help shape a dynamic agenda that connects Canadian fintechs and investors to growth opportunities in Africa while also supporting African fintechs looking to enter the Canadian market and tap into its innovation ecosystem.

See:  Canadian Fintech Booms with $9.5B

Craig Asano, NCFA Founder and CEO:

“CAFS 2025 represents a historic opportunity to connect two of the most innovative and entrepreneurial fintech ecosystems.  We’re excited to support a platform that brings together the talent, tools, and investment needed to build truly global ventures.”

CAFS Program Overview

  • Day 1 – AUG 5 (Evening): Hotel Check-in and Welcome Cocktails
    Theme: Welcome to the inaugural CAFS 2025
  • Day 2 – AUG 6 (Full Day): Innovate, Inspire, Connect
    Theme: Fintech Innovation, Canada-Africa Strategy, Economic Growth, Partnerships
  • Day 3 – AUG 7 (Full Day): Activate and Engage
    Capital, Infrastructure, Policy Alignment, Mobilization
  • Day 4 – AUG 8 (Half Day): Fintech Innovation Tour
    Experience: Innovation Hubs & Fintech Company Tour, and Networking Boat Cruise for VIP delegates

Select Speakers

  • HE Senator Kashim Shettima, Vice President, Federal Republic of Nigeria
  • Gbenga Agboola, CEO and Co-Founder, Flutterwave
  • Chuma Ezirim, Group Executive, E-Business and Retail Products, First Bank
  • Sunil Sharma, Venture Capitalist and Ecosystem Connector
  • Khadijat Amusat, Founder, Women TechMakers; Developer Relations Engineer, Celo Foundation
  • Ayo Oyaleke, Co-founder and CEO, Mainstack (Techstars NYC ’23)

See:  Davos 2025 Themes and Takeaways for Fintech

Lots more speakers confirmed and more to come.  Full agenda coming soon.

Join the Movement

Dr. Segun Aina, President of the African Fintech Network and CAFS Co-Convenor:

“This isn’t just another fintech event—it’s a catalyst for shared opportunity.  We’re fostering the relationships and strategies needed to scale inclusive fintech solutions across continents.”

Visit:  https://cafsummit.com

# # #

About NCFA Canada
The National Crowdfunding & Fintech Association of Canada (NCFA) is a global fintech association based in Canada that champions financial innovation and supports a vibrant fintech ecosystem through education, market intelligence, advocacy, and strategic partnerships. NCFA works with startups, investors, regulators, and stakeholders across fintech, web3, blockchain, crypto, AI, open banking, and alternative finance to drive inclusive growth and real-world impact.

About the Canada-Africa Fintech Summit (CAFS)
The Canada-Africa Fintech Summit (CAFS) is a global platform connecting fintech leaders, investors, startups, and policymakers from Canada and Africa. Focused on collaboration, investment, and innovation, CAFS accelerates scalable fintech solutions and sustainable economic growth. The 2025 edition in Toronto marks the Summit’s inaugural launch.

Inquiries:
Craig Asano
Founder and CEO, NCFA Canada
casano@ncfacanada.org


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

 

Strategy Buys More BTC as Canadian Crypto ETFs Grow

Bitcoin | May 27, 2025

Freepik Buying Bitcoin

Image: Freepik

Strategy Acquires 4,020 New Bitcoin as Canadian Crypto ETFs Gain Strength

On May 26, 2025 via press release, billionaire Michael Saylor's company, now rebranded as Strategy, announced the acquisition of an additional 4,020 Bitcoins between May 19 and May 25 for the total price of approx $427.1 million, showing growing corporate and institutional demand and confidence in digital assets.

See:  National Bank Doubling Down on MicroStrategy’s Bitcoin Boom

This latest purchase brings Strategy's total bitcoin holdings to 580,250 BTC, bought at an average price of $69,979 per coin, and aligns with recent federal policy shifts, including the U.S. governments 2025 creation of a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve.

BTC vs Strategy Performance Comparison

According to Portfolioslab where you can compare returns, Strategy's stock (formerly MSTR) has outperformed Bitcoin over the past year, with a 1 year return of +119.31% versus Bitcoin's +59.13%. However, Bitcoin maintains a higher 10-year annualized return at 84.59% compared to Strategy’s 35.83%. Strategy’s higher volatility and risk metrics reflect its leveraged exposure to Bitcoin.

As of May 27, 2025, the Crypto Fear and Greed Index stands at 74 (Greed), indicating positive investor sentiment and the potential for price corrections if optimism overheats.

AI and Enterprise Innovation

On May 7, 2025, at Strategy World 2025, the company introduced several new AI and data tools aimed at helping businesses manage and use their data more effectively. These included Strategy Mosaic™, which helps companies organize and control data across different platforms like Tableau and Google Sheets, and Auto 2.0, a faster, more intelligent AI engine built to handle both structured and unstructured data through chat-like conversations.

See:  What Bitcoin Pizza Day 2025 Still Teaches Us 15 Years Later

Strategy also launched Strategy One Standard Edition, a version of its platform for smaller organizations that want advanced analytics without a large IT setup.  Chief Technology Officer Ponna Arumugam said their new AI system is built to learn, adapt, and scale as businesses grow. Full press release here, with livestream access on YouTube.

Canadian Crypto ETFs on the Rise

At the same time, Canadian crypto ETFs are gaining momentum with investors who are seeking regulated exposure to crypto, given global volatility and policy shifts.  Canadian-listed ETFs continue to expand, led by the Purpose Bitcoin ETF (BTCC) with C$993.5 million in AUM and the Fidelity Advantage Bitcoin ETF (FBTC) with C$1.257 billion. Investors benefit from secure, regulated access to cryptocurrencies without needing to manage private wallets.

ETF Name Ticker AUM (CAD) Management Fee Notes
Purpose Bitcoin ETF BTCC C$993.5M 1.5% First physically settled BTC ETF
CI Galaxy Bitcoin ETF BTCX.B C$781.9M 0.4% Low-fee Bitcoin exposure
Fidelity Advantage Bitcoin ETF FBTC C$1.257B 0.4% Cost-effective BTC ETF
3iQ CoinShares Bitcoin ETF BTCQ C$361.6M 1.0% BTC price tracking exposure
CI Galaxy Ethereum ETF ETHX.B C$461.9M 0.4% Ethereum exposure
Evolve Bitcoin ETF EBIT C$254.5M 0.75% Uses CME Bitcoin Reference Rate
Purpose Ether ETF ETHH C$130.7M 1.0% Physically settled ETH ETF
Purpose Bitcoin Yield ETF BTCY C$126.5M 1.1% Covered call strategy for BTC
Evolve Cryptocurrencies ETF ETC C$61.35M 0.75% Mixed BTC and ETH exposure
3iQ Ether Staking ETF ETHQ C$49.6M 1.0% ETH price and staking exposure

See:  GENIUS Act Advances as Bitcoin Hits Record High

Outlook

Strategy's latest addition to it's deepening BTC position, and the growth of Canadian crypto ETFs highlight the fact that crypto is constantly becoming more institutionalized.  Canada’s proactive regulatory stance continues to make it a hub for compliant crypto investment products.


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

 

Where the Gaps Are: Fintech Insights from FCA Data

Fintech Data Research and Strategy | May 25, 2025

Image Insights fro Real 2024 Financial Lives, FCA

Image created by AI, Personas based on real data from 2024 Financial Lives, FCA

FCA Financial Lives 2024 Survey Data Reveals 4 Personas with Real Needs

Four FCA personas reveal where fintech innovation must go next

On May 16, 2025, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) published one of the richest datasets ever on UK consumer financial behaviour, resilience, and preferences called, "Financial Lives 2024 survey".  It's an annual snapshot taken ever 2-3 years and offers valuable benchmarks and insights into how financial institutions, fintechs and financial engineers can translate this data into strategy.

There are 18 excel sheets with various tabs covering survey responses for almost 1300 survey questions pertaining to a wide range of topics such as attitudes and product/service ownership of payments, retail banking, consumer investments, general insurance and protection, mortgages, credits and loans, assets and debts, cash savings, advice/guidance and pension.  There's also tracker data tables for comparing and analyzing changes over time across 2017, 2020, 2020 and 2024 surveys.

See:  UK vs. Canada: A Tale of Two Different Crypto Consumers

Drawing directly from the FCA 2024 Financial Lives survey results, we created 4 personas that reveal who is underserved, gaps in the ecosystem, and where fintechs, banks, and credit unions should consider focusing on to rebuild trust and relevance.

Meet Amira (28) - The Struggling Young Borrower

Amira is a young adult struggling with inconsistent income from various gigs, rising living costs, and a heavy reliance on credit. She is digitally active but financially stretched and uncertain as to who she can trust.  Survey data shows:

  • 61% of people aged 25–34 use BNPL or revolving credit, often to cover essentials
  • 33% lack £100 in savings
  • 14% trust score in finance (below 5/10)

See:  How Fintechs Are Tackling Financial Inclusion in Canada

Fintechs should build real-time tools that show all credit and BNPL use in one place, including spending limits, that help users like Amira avoid taking on more debt than they can handle. Adding clear, user-led budgeting flows into existing BNPL workflows can help bridge shortfalls and help build trust with transparency.

Meet Stella (66) - The Silent Conservative Saver

Stella is an older consumer who likes to avoid debt, prefers analog channels, and feels underserved by digitally native services. She values trust and simplicity highly and struggles to access new tools.  Survey data shows:

  • 72% of older adults avoid credit
  • 63% prefer paper or phone contact
  • 66% do not understand ESG or digital pension tools

See:  CSA Pauses Climate and Diversity Disclosure Rules

Financial institutions should consider creating hybrid formats that combine print materials with digital access points, such as QR codes linking to audio summaries. ESG and pension tools can be made more accessible with phone helplines and in-branch tutorials to help consumers who lack confidence to gain confidence and fill in comprehension gaps.

Meet Rohan (42) - The Resilient Digital Builder

Rohan is a confident, digitally native, and actively manages savings, investments, and often finds himself switching providers to maximize value. He expects clarity, ESG transparency, and integrated experiences.

Rohan needs a unified dashboard that lets him integrate his finances across pension, savings, and ESG investments. Fintechs can lead here by offering smart comparison tools that verify impact metrics, automate vendor switching, and offer ESG guidance within the same experience.

Meet John (50) - The Overloaded Urban Middle

John is a middle-aged adult that is juggling aging kids, debt, complex commitments, and low financial resilience. He is time-poor, questions everything, and is stuck with outdated, fragmented financial tools.  The survey shows:

  • 81% report low financial resilience
  • 31% have 4+ unsecured debts
  • 45% avoid switching due to complexity and mistrust

Institutions must prioritize credit and debt consolidation tools for this segment by offering personalized paths and support towards financial recovery.  Embedding phone or online chat support into their digital journeys can help reduce friction, while demonstrating quick wins to build confidence and encourage engagement.

Fintech Product Design and Strategy Matrix

We've come up with the following table that matches the 4 personas with specific fintech strategies tailored to their behaviours, needs, and gaps, all based on the FCA's 2024 financial lives data, and to support product design, channel strategy, and business model decisions.

See:  Fintech Trends & Predictions Across Generations in 2025

Persona Product Opportunity Channel Strategy Business Model Insight Ecosystem Gap
Amira – Young Borrower BNPL budgeting + affordability Mobile-first, embedded in BNPL apps Freemium with affiliate links to trusted debt tools Risk-aware BNPL integrations
Stella – Conservative Saver Print-to-digital ESG education Branches, phone, community agents Subscription or pay-per-use legacy planning tools Print-digital pension guidance
Rohan – Digital Builder ESG + switch optimizer dashboard Self-serve, in-app investing hubs B2C SaaS with optional robo-advice tier ESG decision confidence
John – Overloaded Middle Modular savings + credit coach Web app + human phone fallback Hybrid subscription + nonprofit partnership model Blended digital advice models

Why It Matters

Each of the 4 personas created actually represents thousands of real individuals and their financial lives in 2024, caught between fragmented services and changing financial needs.  

See:  G20’s Vision for Financial Inclusion through Digital Public Infrastructure

The profiles above are designed to help fintechs and institutions develop a targeted roadmap based on clearly defined, data-driven groups with targeted solutions, to help provide responsible and more inclusively designed financial products/services for underserved groups in need.  A similar survey in Canada would probably produce similar results.


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

 

What Bitcoin Pizza Day 2025 Still Teaches Us 15 Years Later

Bitcoin Pizza Day | May 23, 2025

Bitcoin Pizza Day

Image created with the help of AI (excuse typos)

May 22 is a Symbol of Real-world impact, Adoption, and Belief in DeFi Systems

From a $41 Pizza Order to a $1.1 Billion Milestone.  On May 22, 2010, a Florida-based programmer named Laszlo Hanyecz paid 10,000 BTC for two Papa John's pizzas. At the time, the two pizzas were worth about $41. Fast forward 15 years later, and that transaction stands as one of the most iconic moments in crypto history.

It was the first time a digital currency went from concept to a real business commerce transaction.  That moment laid the groundwork and fuelled 15 years of decentralized innovation.  It showed the world what happens when a community network agrees on value (or something that's valuable), not just in code, but in practice.

See:  Bitcoin’s 10 Commandments: Insights from Satoshi’s Emails

Since that time, the price of Bitcoin has continued to increase in value significantly.

Adoption tells the story

WordPress began accepting BTC in 2012. Expedia and Overstock followed in 2014.

In 2014, the same 10,000 BTC would have been worth about $2.3 million.

In 2020, MicroStrategy (now Strategy), led the corporate charge by pioneering the acquisition of BTC as a reserve asset, buying 21,454 bitcoins in August 2020.

By 2021, El Salvador had gone a step further, declaring Bitcoin legal tender. Tesla made headlines in 2021 with a $1.5 billion investment. By then, that value climbed to $91 million.

Between 2023 and 2024, major players like Stripe, PayPal , and Visa built crypto integration directly into their payment platforms.

In 2024, Fidelity , BlackRock and a total of 11 issuers entered the space with Bitcoin ETFs and custodial offerings.

And in 2025, the market value of those two pizzas is at over $1.1 billion.

Happy Bitcoin Pizza Day!

Every year, crypto communities celebrate May 22 as a symbol of decentralized resilience. Pizza giveaways, digital art drops, and grassroots meetups from Barcelona to Bangkok to Toronto.  But remember, the largest lesson isn't about the increase in price or value.

See:  GENIUS Act Advances as Bitcoin Hits Record High

It's about believing in possibilities and building outside the institution, the margins.  Bitcoin Pizza Day is digital moment that that reminds us that a financial revolution can begin with a single offer or transaction.  Sometimes, that's all it takes.  Two pizzas are enough to change the world.  Do you believe?


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

 

Global Open Finance Lessons for Canada’s Rulebook

Open Finance Policy Development | May 22, 2025

Freepik rawpixel.com, open finance

Image: Freepik/rawpixel.com

Global experts show why open finance needs clear rules, pricing, and trusted governance

On May 15, 2025, the Cambridge Centre for Alternative Finance (CCAF) hosted a webinar, “Open Finance in Practice: Implementation, Liability & Monetisation” with experts from Thailand, Rwanda, India, the UK, and Asia-Pacific who shared what's working and what's not, based on their practical experience. Open finance is progressing globally but real world experience shows that it is not just about technology or APIs, and successful implementation depends on clear rules, trusted governance, and strong infrastructure.  These insights are especially relevant now as Canada prepares to implement its own open banking system in 2026.

5 Key Takeaways

1. Regulation Moves Faster Than Voluntary Participation

Sanjay Janeja, Open Banking Lead, CCAF:

“Our data shows that regulation-led models support faster implementation and broader data sharing.”

CCAF’s Global Regulatory Innovation Dashboard (GRID) shows that countries with clear regulatory mandates, like Brazil and Australia, have progressed faster than those relying on voluntary participation. India in contrast, moved slowly at first without regulatory mandates. Canada risks similar delays unless its upcoming rules are clear, enforceable, and consistent.

2. Governance Must Be Defined Early

Denise Dias, Regulatory and Supervisory Consultant:

“Governance is the soul of open finance.”

See:  The Transition Towards Open Finance in the UK

Governance critically defines who sets the rules, allows the accreditation of participants, and resolves disputes. Rwanda is building shared oversight between its financial and telecom regulators. Countries that define this early see smoother adoption. Canada's future governance structure needs to include clear roles for regulators, industry, and consumer protection agencies.

3. Liability Needs a Rulebook

Rafael Mazer, Director, Fair Finance Consulting:

“Consumers should not have to wait for firms to assign blame before they are made whole.”

As more parties exchange financial data, legal clarity is paramount. The UK mandates reimbursement even before liability is settled. Oman and UAE require indemnity insurance for open finance participants. Canada needs to define who is liable, under what conditions, and how disputes will be resolved before open banking go live.

4. Pricing Must Be Transparent and Fair

Rafael Mazer:

“This is where the claws come out.”

See:  Open Banking: Revolutionizing Financial Data Sharing

Camilla Bullock, CEO, Emerging Payments Association Asia:

“You cannot grow the pie if the small players cannot afford a slice.”

Thailand uses free access for consumers and capped pricing for commercial use. Brazil allows a set number of free requests per user. These models keep access open for small fintechs. Canada should consider following suit to avoid anti-competitive pricing that could exclude new entrants.

5. Local Context Shape Design

Pamela Umutesi, Lead for Open Finance, National Bank of Rwanda:

“Let your local context guide how you implement.”

Thailand focused on non financial data first because the infrastructure was already in place. Rwanda’s model prioritizes mobile money. Canada of course is considering its own requirements, including provincial data laws, legacy banking systems, and regional financial access gaps. Bottom line is that a one-size-fits-all model that works abroad will not necessarily work elsewhere.

Global Comparison Table

The table below primarily covers open banking implementations, with some jurisdictions extending toward open finance (Brazil, India, Thailand).

See:  BoE Report: Open Banking Boosts Productivity, Competition

This is an important distinction because open banking generally refers to access to 'bank account data' which is often mandated for regulated institutions.  While Open Finance expands beyond banking data to include insurance, investments, pensions, government data, mobile money, and more.

Country Pricing Model Regulatory Status Governance Approach
Brazil Free access below threshold Mandated and implemented Central bank
Thailand Free for consumers; capped for firms Mandated and being implemented Bank of Thailand and industry consortium
India Commercial pricing; no fixed rules Voluntary, evolving NGO-led (Sahamati); gaining government support
Rwanda Pilot phase; not-for-profit approach Mandated, not yet implemented Multi-agency regulator framework
UK Free for regulated APIs Mandated and implemented (OB only) Regulators (CMA, then OBIE, now JROC)
Australia Free basic; optional premium Mandated and implemented Treasury under Consumer Data Right law
EU (PSD2) Mostly free under PSD2 Mandated and implemented (OB only) Regulator; preparing Financial Data Access (FiDA)
Singapore Voluntary pricing; no mandate Voluntary MAS; market-driven with government-backed standards
Hong Kong Commercial rates allowed Voluntary with phased guidance HKMA; implementation by industry associations
Canada TBD (under consultation) Mandated, not yet implemented Department of Finance; FCAC

What Canada Must Do Now

Canada has committed to implementing open banking but full rollout isn't expected until 2026. In June 2024, the Department of Finance enacted the Consumer-Driven Banking Act, the legal framework for open banking, and appointed the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada (FCAC) as the authority responsible for implementing, overseeing, and enforcing the framework. Final rules on liability, pricing, and participation are still under development.

See:  CSA Seeks Industry Input on Data Portability Consultation

Countries that wait too long or rely only on voluntary models are playing catch-up.  NCFA supports an open finance framework in Canada that protects consumers, enables competition, and accelerates innovation. Canada should learn from the world's most successful open finance systems, which are defined by clear regulation, fair pricing, and shared governance.  As the CCAF’s global tracker and research show, clear rules work. Delay does not.


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

 

GENIUS Act Advances as Bitcoin Hits Record High

Digital Assets | May 22, 2025

Freepik Bitcoin growth

Image: Freepik

U.S. Stablecoin Bill Gains Traction as Bitcoin Hits New All Time High

Various sources have reported that the U.S. Senate has now approved the GENIUS Act to move forward, which is the proposed law that sets out national rules for the issuance of stablecoins and how they would be backed and managed in the U.S. Stablecoin adoption has been on fire recently, as they are increasingly used for crypto trading, cross-border payments, and digital services.

Only a couple of weeks ago on May 8, 2025, the GENIUS Act failed to clear a procedural vote in the Senate, receiving only 49 votes of the 60 needed to move forward, largely over Democrat conflict of interest concerns involving President Trump's family and their growing crypto ventures, including USD1 stablecoin backed by World Liberty Financial.

At the same time, Bitcoin just surged past $111,000 on May 21, reaching a new all-time-high (ATH), a clear signal of how fast the digital asset world is growing and that clear rules are needed.

Stablecoin Regulation Advances

Fifteen Democrats joined Republicans, showing rare bipartisan alignment with the U.S. Senate approving the GENIUS Act in a 66–32 vote, allowing it to move to a full vote soon where lawmakers may combine it with other similar proposals before sending it to the President for review and sign-off.  Support from both major parties indicates a strong chance that the GENIUS Act will eventually become law.

A recent Congressional Research Service report also outlines how the bill could reshape the stablecoin landscape, clarifying rules around issuance, reserve backing, and oversight.

Under the GENIUS Act, only licensed banks, approved non-banks, and qualified state level issuers can offer stablecoins to people in the U.S., which is designed to help keep out unregulated or risky issuers.

See:  U.S. Senate Moves to Regulate Stablecoins

The bill also requires stablecoins to be backed 1-1 by U.S. dollars or very liquid assets. Issuers would have to publish monthly updates showing what backs their coins and clearly explain how people can redeem them. Companies outside the U.S. would need approval from the Treasury and proof that they meet requirments and can follow similar rules.

Crypto and AI advisor to the President, David Sacks, said the GENIUS Act could “create trillions of dollars of demand for U.S. Treasuries practically overnight.” He is positioning stablecoins as a national economic strategy, not just about digital innovation. The White House has strongly backed the bill, although some Democrats remain concerned about conflicts of interest tied to President Trump’s family’s involvement in crypto.

Digital Assets Heating Up

Bitcoin’s latest surge puts digital assets back in the spotlight, and with more people using stablecoins and Bitcoin ATMs, regulators want to make sure these services are safe and clearly regulated. The GENIUS Act is one way to respond to this fast growth.

See:  Fidelity Report Insights on Digital Assets in 2025

Other countries are moving quickly, too. Jurisdictions like the EU, UAE, and Singapore are building their own stablecoin frameworks. If the U.S. experiences further delays, it could risk losing ground in establishing the global standard and leadership role in digital assets.

Conclusion

The GENIUS Act would reduce uncertainty and make it easier for fintechs and investors to innovate in digital asset markets while establishing a foundation for a safer and more trusted digital asset financial ecosystem.


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

 

Maximize Your ROI: How Financing the Perfect CRM Can Transform Your Business

May 21, 2025

Freepik zaozaa09, CRM

Image: Freepik/zaozaa09

In today’s business, customer relationships are of utmost importance. Indeed, the proper choice of CRM (Customer Relationship Management) can make a difference. It assists in analyzing leads, selling effectively, and increasing clients’ satisfaction. But here’s the catch: top-tier CRMs can be pricey. And that is the reason for financing.

Are you aware that 91% of organizations with over 10 employees now use CRM systems in the United States? And it’s paying off. Businesses using CRM software see an average of $8.71 in benefits for every dollar invested. However, many small—to mid-sized companies are reluctant to incorporate cloud computing strategies due to the initial associated costs.

What if you didn’t have to break the bank to find the right CRM? Today, more than ever, funding solutions exist to facilitate the acquisition of a tool that expands a company’s horizons. It is expected that in 2025, even more companies from the USA will use CRM that includes AI features to grow their business.

Bringing a suitable example, in 2024, Magnolia Payday Loans achieved remarkable growth, increasing their business by an impressive 67% thanks to the strategic adoption of Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems. By implementing CRM, Magnolia Payday Loans streamlined customer interactions, improved service personalization, and improved overall efficiency. The system allowed them to understand better customer needs, track loan applications, and offer tailored solutions.

Reading this article, you will understand how to optimize your ROI and how financing the right CRM can revolutionize your business. Whether you’re a start-up or in the growth phase, the time comes to see how good financial management today will pay off in the future. Let’s get started.

How Does CRM Help Business Growth?

CRM (Customer Relationship Management) is a powerful tool for business growth. It helps companies manage interactions with current and potential customers. Here’s how CRM can boost your business:

Better Customer Understanding

CRM stores all customer data in one place. You can track your customers' likes, buying habits, and needs. With this info, you can personalize your offers and improve customer experience.

Improved Customer Relationships

CRM helps you stay in touch with clients by tracking their preferences and interactions. Regular follow-ups, personalized emails, and timely responses make customers feel valued.

Increased Sales

CRM helps streamline sales processes. It allows you to identify high-value leads and prioritize them. With all sales data at your fingertips, sales teams can close deals faster and more effectively.

Better Communication

With CRM, teams can share customer information across departments. This ensures everyone is on the same page and knows the customer's journey, whether in marketing, sales, or support.

Efficient Marketing Campaigns

CRM helps you segment customers based on their interests and behavior. This makes it easier to run targeted marketing campaigns that are more likely to convert.

Automated Tasks

CRM tools can automate repetitive tasks like sending follow-up emails or scheduling meetings. This saves time and allows employees to focus on more important tasks.

Data-Driven Decisions

CRM gives you insights through reports and analytics. These can help you spot trends, measure performance, and make informed decisions to improve strategies.

Customer Retention

Keeping existing customers is cheaper than gaining new ones. CRM helps improve customer satisfaction by addressing issues quickly and maintaining strong relationships.

Improved Collaboration

A good CRM facilitates team collaboration. It allows employees from different departments to work together smoothly and provides a seamless customer experience.

Scalability

As your business grows, CRM grows with you. You can add new features, integrate other tools, and scale your customer management system to fit your needs.

The Cost of CRM Implementation: Statistics of 2024

Depending on company size, implementing CRM costs a company, on average, between $25,000 and $500,000 for purchasing the software and the basic setup. Small businesses must part with anything between $10,000 and $50,000, while big companies could spend even more.

The primary costs include software acquisition, product modification, user education, and maintenance. They indicate that the additional customization of a CRM system for business requirements would take an additional $20,000 – 50,000. The next cost is human resources training – you should budget between $1,000 to $5,000 per worker.

The other major expense is data migration. Shifting existing data to the new CRM system can cost as much as $5,000 to $30,000.

Surveying in 2024, 60% of companies replied that they realized their costs of implementing the CRM tool were higher than they initially anticipated. Again, 75% of the cost notes that it enhances customer relations, and 50% report an upturn in sales during the first half year.

How Can Financing Help Businesses Implement a CRM System?

Financing can be a game changer for businesses implementing a CRM system. A good CRM (Customer Relationship Management) system helps you organize customer data, track sales, and improve communication. However, CRM systems can be expensive, especially for small businesses. This is where financing comes in.

Instead of paying upfront for the entire system, businesses can get a loan or choose a payment plan. This spreads out the cost over time, making it easier to manage cash flow. Financing lets businesses get the CRM they need without breaking the bank.

For many companies, financing also means access to better systems. With the right loan, businesses can afford a CRM with advanced features that might have been out of reach. This can help with sales automation, marketing tools, and customer service management, essential for growing a business.

Another advantage is that financing options often have low interest rates, making the investment more affordable in the long run. Some companies also offer special deals, like deferred payments or no interest for the first few months, making starting even easier.

In short, financing allows businesses to invest in a CRM system now and pay later. This helps improve efficiency, enhance customer relationships, and ultimately grow the business without the stress of upfront costs.

Tips on Maximizing ROI After CRM Implementation

Here are some tips to maximize ROI after CRM implementation:

  • Train Your Team Well. Ensuring that your team understands how to use the CRM is very important. Provide seminars and assistance because they need to maximize its usage.
  • Use Automation. Automation eliminates the need for repetitive calls, emails, and entries, making work faster and avoiding the need for corrections.
  • Monitor Your Customers. The CRM can also capture customer behavior and preferences. This helps add a human touch to service delivery and increases customer loyalty.
  • Ensure Your Data is Anytime Current. Your customers’ information is valuable and needs to be clean and up-to-date. This way, you always use the correct information, and regular updates apply to this process.
  • Measure Success. Having goals and objectives for planning, monitoring, and evaluating the implementation practices. CRM business metrics should include sales and customer satisfaction, measured through CRM analytics.
  • Encourage Feedback. Poll your team and customers about how the CRM is serving them. This feedback should enhance your processes.

Monitor Your Success of a CRM Investment

Financing the right CRM system is a strategic investment that can significantly boost your business's efficiency, customer engagement, and overall profitability. By carefully selecting a CRM that aligns with your specific needs, you can streamline operations, enhance customer satisfaction, and maximize your return on investment. However, the success of your CRM investment doesn’t stop at implementation.

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It's crucial to monitor and measure its impact continually. Regularly assess key metrics such as customer retention rates, sales performance, and user adoption to gauge the effectiveness of your CRM. Additionally, collecting feedback from your team and customers will provide valuable insights into areas for improvement, ensuring that your CRM evolves with your business. By tracking your CRM’s performance consistently, you can ensure it continues to drive growth and deliver tangible results.


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