Karsten Wenzlaff, Advisor
August 26th, 2025
Regulation | Oct 10, 2023

Image: Unsplash/Austin Chan
This comes amidst the study of Bill C-27, a bill focused on privacy reform and AI regulation. Notably, the government has opted not to disclose the actual text of the planned amendments to the bill.
The regulation zeroes in on several classes of AI systems, including those related to employment determinations, service provision, biometric information processing, content moderation on online platforms, healthcare, administrative decisions, and law enforcement assistance.
Unlike the European Union (EU), Canada’s regulation includes a category for content moderation and prioritization of content presentation, which is not present in the EU’s regulations. This inclusion could mean more extensive regulation, affecting how platforms like Google and TikTok utilize AI to generate search results, translations, and user recommendations.
By categorizing search and social media results as “high impact” systems, Bill C-27 introduces a slew of regulations and new powers, encompassing risk mitigation, record-keeping, and public disclosures. The Minister can demand record disclosure, mandate an audit, and order virtually any measures resulting from the audit. Non-compliance could result in penalties up to 3% of gross global revenues.
While the government claims alignment with the EU, Canada seems to be an outlier, especially when compared to the EU and the U.S., particularly regarding the regulation of algorithms and discoverability. The specific obligations remain somewhat uncertain due to the non-disclosure of the amendment texts.
While many Canadians have advocated for rules to prevent bias and other harms emanating from AI, the inclusion of content moderation and discoverability/prioritization has come as a surprise. Equating AI search and discoverability with issues like bias in hiring or uses by law enforcement has sparked discussions and will likely be a focal point of debates moving forward.
The stringent regulations on AI, especially in content moderation and discoverability, might stifle technological innovation. Developers and companies might be hesitant to explore and implement new AI technologies due to the fear of non-compliance with the regulatory framework. This could potentially slow down advancements in AI applications within Canada, causing the nation to lag behind in the global tech race.
The financial and administrative burden of adhering to the new regulations might be particularly heavy for SMEs. Implementing, managing, and ensuring compliance with the AI regulations might require resources that many smaller companies lack. This could inadvertently favor larger corporations that possess the necessary resources, thereby widening the gap between large enterprises and SMEs in the digital space.
The regulation of content moderation algorithms might inadvertently impact freedom of expression online. If platforms are mandated to modify their AI systems to comply with government regulations, it might influence what content is surfaced and suppressed, potentially leading to bias or the muting of certain voices and perspectives. This could spark debates and concerns regarding censorship and the impartiality of AI-driven content moderation and discoverability on social media platforms.
Canada’s plan to regulate AI in search and social media content moderation and discoverability marks a significant step in the digital regulation realm. While it addresses numerous concerns related to bias and harm prevention, the surprise inclusion of content moderation and discoverability raises new questions and considerations for digital platforms and businesses. Stay abreast of regulatory updates, subscribe to NCFAs weekly newsletter and join NCFA today.
The National Crowdfunding & Fintech Association (NCFA Canada) is a financial innovation ecosystem that provides education, market intelligence, industry stewardship, networking and funding opportunities and services to thousands of community members and works closely with industry, government, partners and affiliates to create a vibrant and innovative fintech and funding industry in Canada. Decentralized and distributed, NCFA is engaged with global stakeholders and helps incubate projects and investment in fintech, alternative finance, crowdfunding, peer-to-peer finance, payments, digital assets and tokens, artificial intelligence, blockchain, cryptocurrency, regtech, and insurtech sectors. Join Canada's Fintech & Funding Community today FREE! Or become a contributing member and get perks. For more information, please visit: www.ncfacanada.org
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Funding | Oct 9, 2023

Image: Unsplash/Alice Pasqual
Elon Musk's acquisition of Twitter, valued at $44 billion, has been a subject of intense scrutiny and speculation, particularly due to the financial turbulence experienced by X, Musk's financial entity.
As reported by Fortune, banks may have formed an alliance, known as a "sell-down letter," is designed to prevent the banks from breaking ranks and is set to expire on January 15th. The letter typically mandates that if one bank receives an offer for its loans, it cannot accept without offering the other members the same deal on a pro rata basis, thereby preventing a “divide and conquer” approach by potential buyers.
The banks involved in the deal have expressed significant frustration due to the lack of transparent financial information provided by X. The scarcity of data has hindered the lenders from presenting a full package to potential purchasers, thereby complicating the process of offloading the debt.
The banks are optimistic that the appointment of a new CEO, Linda Yaccarino, and the potential hiring of a CFO will enhance financial transparency and provide a clearer view of the books in the future.
Despite the financial turmoil, Elon Musk is speculated to be in a position where he could potentially purchase a substantial portion of the debt that is currently plaguing X, possibly at a significantly reduced rate.
Alternatively, he might negotiate a deal where the banks write off some of the loans, which would enhance X’s financial standing and enable them to safely syndicate the remaining debt. The lack of information available to the lenders makes it difficult for them to sell to other parties, thereby placing Musk in a potentially advantageous position.
The "sell-down letter" is an agreement among Morgan Stanley, Barclays, and Bank of America, which prevents them from individually accepting offers for their loans without providing the other banks the opportunity to access the same deal, thereby avoiding a competitive undercutting scenario.
The banks have expressed frustration due to the insufficient flow of financial information from X, which has prevented them from presenting a comprehensive package to potential purchasers of the debt, thereby complicating the financial resolution of the situation.
Musk could potentially leverage the situation by purchasing a significant portion of X’s debt at a reduced rate or negotiate a solution where the banks write off some of the loans, thereby improving X’s financial standing and facilitating the syndication of the remaining debt.
The banks are unable to sell the debt to investors as initially planned due to the rapid deterioration of X’s finances since Musk’s takeover. They are now left holding all of it on their balance sheets, and the only way to unload the loans might be by accepting deep discounts from potential buyers, such as hedge funds.
The National Crowdfunding & Fintech Association (NCFA Canada) is a financial innovation ecosystem that provides education, market intelligence, industry stewardship, networking and funding opportunities and services to thousands of community members and works closely with industry, government, partners and affiliates to create a vibrant and innovative fintech and funding industry in Canada. Decentralized and distributed, NCFA is engaged with global stakeholders and helps incubate projects and investment in fintech, alternative finance, crowdfunding, peer-to-peer finance, payments, digital assets and tokens, artificial intelligence, blockchain, cryptocurrency, regtech, and insurtech sectors. Join Canada's Fintech & Funding Community today FREE! Or become a contributing member and get perks. For more information, please visit: www.ncfacanada.org
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Survey Insights | Oct 4, 2023

Image: Unsplash/Ch pski
Insights from two pivotal surveys, one conducted by U.S. Bank and the other by Stripe, provide a comprehensive view of the current and future landscape of finance departments globally. Below are some key insights from the amalgamated findings:
These insights collectively underscore the evolving landscape of financial management, where CFOs and finance leaders are navigating through the complexities of economic challenges while also aspiring to harness the potential of technological advancements to streamline operations, enhance efficiency, and facilitate strategic, data-driven decision-making.
The National Crowdfunding & Fintech Association (NCFA Canada) is a financial innovation ecosystem that provides education, market intelligence, industry stewardship, networking and funding opportunities and services to thousands of community members and works closely with industry, government, partners and affiliates to create a vibrant and innovative fintech and funding industry in Canada. Decentralized and distributed, NCFA is engaged with global stakeholders and helps incubate projects and investment in fintech, alternative finance, crowdfunding, peer-to-peer finance, payments, digital assets and tokens, artificial intelligence, blockchain, cryptocurrency, regtech, and insurtech sectors. Join Canada's Fintech & Funding Community today FREE! Or become a contributing member and get perks. For more information, please visit: www.ncfacanada.org
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Regulatory Insights | Sep 21, 2023

Image: Vicky Saporta, Executive Director, Prudential Policy Directorate at the Bank of England
Saporta outlined three main foundations that the PRA believes are crucial for harnessing the UK’s strengths:
A pilot survey conducted by the PRA provided valuable feedback from stakeholders. A whopping 93% of respondents expressed trust in the PRA’s framework, and a similar percentage appreciated the PRA's stable and predictable regulatory environment.
Operational efficiency stands as a key area of focus for the PRA. The authority is taking steps to enhance transparency, with initiatives like more frequent reporting on regulatory transactions.
Canadian regulators, like their counterparts worldwide, are constantly seeking ways to enhance their regulatory frameworks, ensure financial stability, and foster economic growth. Drawing from the insights of Victoria Saporta's speech at the Bank of England conference and the PRA's approach, here are a few select lessons Canadian regulators can learn:
The PRA's new secondary objective emphasizes facilitating international competitiveness and growth. Canadian regulators can similarly define clear, actionable objectives that align with both domestic needs and global standards. These should be S.M.A.R.T goals with measurable outcomes with performance updates being regularly communicated to industry and the public in a transparent and timely manner.
Operational efficiency is crucial for a responsive regulatory environment. By simplifying processes, adopting technology, and ensuring transparency, Canadian regulators can make it easier for institutions to comply with regulations and for consumers to understand their rights.
The PRA's pilot survey is a testament to the importance of stakeholder feedback. Canadian regulators can benefit from regular engagement with industry participants, consumers, and other stakeholders to gather insights and refine their approach.
Financial regulation often involves multiple agencies and bodies. By fostering collaboration and coordination among these entities, Canadian regulators can ensure a holistic and consistent approach to financial oversight rather than create political headwinds or inefficiencies.
Victoria Saporta's enlightening speech at the Bank of England conference underscores the PRA's unwavering commitment to fortifying the UK's stature in the global financial arena. By emphasizing trust, operational efficiency, and responsiveness, the PRA sets a gold standard for regulatory frameworks. The insights gleaned offer invaluable lessons, not just for the UK but for global counterparts like Canada.
As the financial landscape continues to evolve, the principles of clear vision, streamlined processes, engage with stakeholders, and inter-agency collaboration remain paramount. These guiding tenets, as highlighted by Saporta, serve as a beacon for regulators worldwide, ensuring that financial systems are robust, transparent, and in tune with the needs of the times.
The National Crowdfunding & Fintech Association (NCFA Canada) is a financial innovation ecosystem that provides education, market intelligence, industry stewardship, networking and funding opportunities and services to thousands of community members and works closely with industry, government, partners and affiliates to create a vibrant and innovative fintech and funding industry in Canada. Decentralized and distributed, NCFA is engaged with global stakeholders and helps incubate projects and investment in fintech, alternative finance, crowdfunding, peer-to-peer finance, payments, digital assets and tokens, artificial intelligence, blockchain, cryptocurrency, regtech, and insurtech sectors. Join Canada's Fintech & Funding Community today FREE! Or become a contributing member and get perks. For more information, please visit: www.ncfacanada.org
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Digital Banking | Sep 18, 2023

Image: Unsplash/Susan Q Yin
Mike Cagney's leadership at Figure (and Co-founder of SoFi) has always been characterized by forward-thinking and innovation. His decision for Figure not to become a bank wasn't a reflection of the company's inability to do so, but rather a strategic choice rooted in a broader vision for the fintech industry. Cagney's perspective offers valuable insights for other fintech leaders grappling with similar decisions.
When my startup, Figure, recently withdrew our OCC bank application, many in the media took it as a sign that fintechs like us need to become a bank to survive—but that the process is simply too hard. They got it wrong.
Having said that, there are numerous pros of becoming a bank that we shouldn't overlook!
For many fintechs, the decision to become a bank is not just about regulatory and capital considerations. It's about identity. Fintechs, at their core, are disruptors. They challenge traditional financial models, introduce innovations, and often operate at the cutting edge of technology.
The real question is: Can fintechs maintain their innovative edge within the confines of a traditional banking model? Or do they risk losing their unique value proposition by becoming too enmeshed in the very system they set out to disrupt?
As more fintechs reach the crossroads that Figure encountered, they would do well to consider not just the immediate benefits of becoming a bank, but the long-term implications for their brand, their innovation potential, and their role in reshaping the financial landscape.
While the allure of becoming a bank is undeniable, as Mike Cagney's leadership at Figure illustrates, sometimes the boldest move is to chart a course that aligns with the company's core values and vision for the future of finance.
The National Crowdfunding & Fintech Association (NCFA Canada) is a financial innovation ecosystem that provides education, market intelligence, industry stewardship, networking and funding opportunities and services to thousands of community members and works closely with industry, government, partners and affiliates to create a vibrant and innovative fintech and funding industry in Canada. Decentralized and distributed, NCFA is engaged with global stakeholders and helps incubate projects and investment in fintech, alternative finance, crowdfunding, peer-to-peer finance, payments, digital assets and tokens, artificial intelligence, blockchain, cryptocurrency, regtech, and insurtech sectors. Join Canada's Fintech & Funding Community today FREE! Or become a contributing member and get perks. For more information, please visit: www.ncfacanada.org
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OpEd | Sep 5, 2023

Image: Unsplash/Austin Distel
The regulations, designed to clarify the implementation of the legislation, are based on flawed assumptions. They attempt to dictate the intricacies of business-to-business relationships, turning private companies into instruments of public policy. This has significant implications for policy outcomes, public accountability, and market functioning.
The government's stance is that challenges in journalism indicate a market failure requiring policy intervention. However, the Online News Act outsources the implementation of this policy to private platforms, determining which media organizations should receive financial support, which is a questionable approach.
The proposed funding formula for supporting journalism is convoluted. It ties the compensation from tech giants to their global revenues and Canada's share of global GDP, rather than focusing on their Canadian revenues and the journalism sector's share of Canada's GDP. This approach seems to double the level of public subsidies to media organizations without a clear rationale.
While there's a genuine concern about supporting news journalism, especially at the local level, the current approach of the Online News Act is circuitous and flawed. A direct government intervention, transparent and accountable, might be a more effective solution to address the challenges faced by the journalism industry 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, blockchain, cryptocurrency, regtech, and insurtech sectors. Join Canada's Fintech & Funding Community today FREE! Or become a contributing member and get perks. For more information, please visit: www.ncfacanada.org
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Impact Investing | Aug 23, 2023

Image: Unsplash/John Cameron
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, blockchain, cryptocurrency, regtech, and insurtech sectors. Join Canada's Fintech & Funding Community today FREE! Or become a contributing member and get perks. For more information, please visit: www.ncfacanada.org
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