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 Opinions
SEC’s Crypto Roundtable Reveals Friction, Few Answers
Crypto Roundtable | March 25, 2025
Image: Freepik
SEC's First Crypto Roundtable A Step Forward, But Not Far Enough
On March 21, 2025, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) held its first public roundtable focused on crypto. Interim SEC Chair, Mark Uyeda, delivered opening remarks, and started by admitting that the law hasn't kept pace with digital asset innovation.
See: SEC Commissioner Peirce Consults on Crypto Regulations
Uyeda pointed out that U.S. courts can’t even agree on how to apply the Howey Test, a legal rule from 1946 that’s often used to decide if something is an investment contract. Some courts say what happens after someone buys a token matters most. Others say what happens before the sale is enough. This kind of confusion makes it hard for the industry to know what rules to follow. While the SEC's hope is that the roundtable was a first step towards more clarity and a better approach towards regulating crypto, some lawmakers felt that the SEC's first crypto roundtable was a missed opportunity.
Old Questions, Few Answers
Bitcoin.com reported that the discussions were fiery. Some panelists said most crypto tokens are clearly securities. Others argued the old rules don’t fit new technologies.
- John Reed Stark, a former SEC enforcement official said he believes people are buying crypto to make money and as a result they are 'investors' not hobbyists collecting things. He also said that he's even received threats for supporting stronger crypto regulations.
- enjamin Schiffrin, a policy expert from Better Markets, added that many broker websites list crypto assets right next to displaying stocks and bonds, and if that’s how it’s being offered to the public then it doesn’t make much sense to treat digital assets differently.
- Teresa Goody Guillen, a lawyer at BakerHostetler, asked whether or not a legal rule from the 1940's (aka Howey Test) was even the right tool for crypto? She said blockchain isn’t just a new product, it’s a whole new way of doing business, and old rules might not fit.
As illustrated by the comments above, not everyone agreed and there's still no consensus on how to classify digital assets.
A Missed Opportunity for Coordination
A former prosecutor and crypto lawyer Renato Mariotti penned an OpEd for CoinDesk, said the roundtable was disappointing. While he agreed it was better than the SEC’s past approach of regulating by enforcement, he felt the discussion focused too much on old arguments instead of evaluating solutions.
See: SEC Confirms Crypto PoW Mining is Not a Security
He was also quick to point out that the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), another key regulator for crypto, wasn't involved at all or even mentioned during the session. As such the SEC missed a chance to contribute ideas that will help shape new crypto laws currently being discussed in Congress.
Outlook
Industry just wants clear rules, and in order to develop them, it's important for the SEC and CFTC to cooperate with everyone at the table. Lessons to learn here. The next roundtable will focus on DeFi and stablecoins, where clarity is also badly needed.
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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SEC Confirms Crypto PoW Mining is Not a Security
Regulation | March 21, 2025
Image: Freepik
SEC says Proof-of-Work mining doesn’t fall under U.S. securities laws
On March 20 2025, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission's (SEC), Corporate Finance Division, issued a statement making it clear that mining crypto on proof-of-work (PoW) networks like Bitcoin isn’t considered a securities transaction. That includes both solo miners (operators) or if someone is part of a mining pool (pooled miners) operating in the U.S. do not need to register with the SEC.
Howey Test Doesn’t Apply Here
This update from the SEC gives the crypto mining community more clarity about where they stand legally in the U.S. as solo or pooled PoW miners. The message is if you’re earning tokens by providing computational effort to secure a PoW network, that doesn't count as investing in a security.
See: Fidelity Report Insights on Digital Assets in 2025
The reasoning is that the infamous Howey Test (used to help determine whether or not an activity is considered a security), is only a security if profits are expected mainly from another party's managerial or entrepreneurial work. In the case of PoW mining, the reward is derived from the miner's own work/effort and hardware, so the activity is not akin to an investment security.
The same statement applies to mining pools where many miners group together and share computing power to improve their chances of solving cryptographic puzzles to earn block rewards. Even when rewards are split and managed by a pool operator, the SEC said the core activity remains technical and administrative, and as such is not an investment contract.
Pushback from Within the SEC, but Industry Welcomes Clarity
Not everyone at the SEC agrees though. Commissioner Caroline Crenshaw issued a dissenting opinion on the same day, saying the analysis was too broad and should be handled on a case by case basis. She warned that some mining setups could involve passive income arrangements that might still fall under securities rules.
See: Marathon Bitcoin Miner Ventures into Whisky Barrels
Still, most reactions online have welcomed the added legal clarity and Bitcoin advocates see this as a win for decentralization. Some have noted that this may influence policy beyond the U.S. and could help shape mining rules in other jurisdictions, such as Canada.
Outlook
While the statement doesn't alter the environmental debates around PoW, it potentially lowers compliance risks and may encourage investment in mining infrastructure. At the end of the day, 'Crypto miners can keep on digging'.
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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Consensus 2025 Toronto | Spotlight on Canadian Speakers
Consensus Toronto | March 13, 2025
Coindesk Announces First Batch of 100 Speakers to Join Consensus 2025 in Toronto May 14-16
CoinDesk's Consensus 2025 is set to take place May 14-16, 2025 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre in Toronto, Canada. This is one of the largest and most influential blockchain, crypto, and Web3 conferences in the world, bringing together industry leaders, investors, regulators, and innovators to discuss the future of crypto, digital assets, and decentralized finance.
Canadian Speakers Taking the Stage
Canada is a global leader for blockchain innovation. Here are some of of the key Canadian voices taking the stage in May that you won't want to miss:
1. Dean Skurka – President & CEO, WonderFi Technologies Inc.
As the head of WonderFi Technologies, one of Canada’s most well-known digital asset firms, Dean Skurka oversees Bitbuy and Coinsquare, two of the country’s largest cryptocurrency exchanges. Previously serving as President and CFO of Bitbuy, he played a pivotal role in scaling operations and ensuring regulatory compliance.
2. Lucas Matheson – CEO, Coinbase Canada
As the leader of Coinbase Canada, Lucas Matheson is responsible for expanding the crypto giant’s presence in Canada. With prior experience at Shopify, he brings a deep understanding of fintech and digital commerce to the evolving landscape of Canadian digital assets.
3. Anthony Di Iorio – Co-founder, Ethereum & CEO, Decentral Inc.
Anthony Di Iorio is a blockchain pioneer and one of the original co-founders of Ethereum. As the CEO of Decentral Inc., he focuses on decentralized technologies that promote user control and security. He also leads the Andiami project, aimed at decentralizing node infrastructure to enhance blockchain network resilience.
4. Jelena Djuric – CEO & Co-Founder, Noble
As the CEO of Noble, Jelena Djuric is driving innovation in tokenized assets and on-chain financial infrastructure. She is also a co-founder of the Canadian Web3 Council, advocating for regulatory clarity and the growth of Canada’s blockchain ecosystem.
5. Danish Ajmeri – Director of Product, Crypto, Wealthsimple
At Wealthsimple, one of Canada’s largest fintech firms, Danish Ajmeri oversees crypto product development and plays a crucial role in making digital assets more accessible to mainstream investors.
6. Adam Cai – CEO, Virgo.co
As the CEO of Virgo.co, a regulated Canadian cryptocurrency exchange, Adam Cai is focused on bridging traditional finance with digital assets, ensuring compliance while expanding access to crypto trading.
7. Scot Johnson – CEO, Digital Shovel
Scot Johnson leads Digital Shovel, a Canadian firm specializing in mobile mining infrastructure, providing modular and scalable solutions for crypto mining operations worldwide.
8. Earl Mai – CTO, ePIC Blockchain Technologies
A leader in blockchain infrastructure, Earl Mai is the CTO of ePIC Blockchain Technologies, helping advance high-performance computing solutions for digital asset mining and decentralized applications.
9. Pascal St-Jean – President & CEO, 3iQ Corp
As the CEO of 3iQ Corp, Pascal St-Jean leads one of Canada’s largest digital asset investment firms, managing crypto-based investment funds that are publicly traded.
10. Ken Sim – Mayor of Vancouver
As Mayor of Vancouver, Ken Sim is at the forefront of blockchain policy discussions, supporting fintech innovation while fostering regulatory clarity for digital asset companies in Canada’s fintech capital.
11. Don Tapscott – CEO, The Blockchain Research Institute
A world-renowned blockchain strategist, Don Tapscott leads the Blockchain Research Institute, where he works with governments and enterprises to advance blockchain adoption across industries.
Why Attend Consensus 2025?
With over 20,000 attendees expected, Consensus 2025 will feature sessions on tokenization, decentralized finance, artificial intelligence in Web3, and the evolution of digital assets. Attendees will also have access to:
See: 10 Fintech and Crypto IPOs 2025 – Boom or Bubble?
- Networking opportunities with industry leaders and investors
- Deal making sessions in the Deal Flow Zone
- Exclusive workshops on regulatory frameworks and compliance
- Live product demos and innovation showcases from leading Web3 companies
Save 15% with NCFA
🔗 Register now: https://go.coindesk.com/NCFA
💰 Use promo code: NCFACANADA15 at checkout
Prices are increasing this Friday, March 14 at 4:00PM ET
See You There!
Join NCFA at Consensus 2025! Secure your pass today and be part of the conversations shaping the future of blockchain, crypto, and fintech.
The National Crowdfunding & Fintech Association of Canada (NCFA Canada) is a cross-Canada non-profit actively engaged with fintech, alternative finance, blockchain, cryptocurrency, crowdfunding and online investing stakeholders globally. NCFA Canada provides education, research, industry stewardship, services, and networking opportunities to thousands of members and subscribers and works closely with industry, government, academia, community and eco-system partners and affiliates to create a strong and vibrant crowdfunding and fintech industry. 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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September 15, 2026 | NCFA Market Activity | Lending Consumer Credit And BNPL, Embedded Finance, Artificial Intelligence And Data Zown Connects Rent Rewards, AI Search and Home Finance On September 15, 2026, Toronto-based Canadian proptech Zown updated its homebuying app with Rent Rewards alongside AI property search, affordability estimates, mortgage pre-approval and transaction services. Zown advertises up to 8% back on rent, giving it a reason to start working with consumers years before many will be ready to buy a home. The 8% combines two potential rewards. Zown Money says Zown currently provides up to 4% cashback directly on rent, while an eligible credit card can add up to another 4% depending on the card's terms. At C$2,500 in monthly rent, Zown's 4% portion would equal C$100 a month or C$1,200 a year. If a renter also earned the full additional 4% through their card, the total could reach C$200 a month or C$2,400 a year before any card or payment-related costs. The Canadian iPhone app, developed by Zown Realty Inc., also lets users upload a lease and proof of rent, search properties through an AI assistant called Zoro, view estimated affordability, request showings with licensed agents, seek mortgage pre-approval, ...
September 15, 2026 | NCFA Market Activity | Digital Banking And BaaS, Cross Border Payments And FX, Competition And Market Structure Wise Adds Everyday Canadian Payments Without Becoming a Bank On September 14, 2026, UK-based global payments company Wise launched a Chequing Account in Canada with no monthly fee, Interac e-Transfer support, Canadian account details, pre-authorized debits, debit-card access and multi-currency features. The launch takes Wise further into everyday Canadian financial activity while keeping the cross-border tools that built its original customer base. The account is available to personal and business customers in Canada. Customers can hold more than 40 currencies, receive money using account details available across 22 currencies and send money to more than 70 countries. Wise converts currencies at the mid-market rate and charges a separate conversion fee that currently starts from 0.19%, depending on the currency and transaction. Interac Makes Wise More Useful Day to Day Canadian customers can send up to C$25,000 to a supported Interac email address and receive up to C$25,000 per day through Interac Autodeposit. Wise doesn't charge its own fee to receive Autodeposit payments, and the September launch removed the Wise fee for sending CAD to an Interac alias and adding ...
September 15, 2026 | NCFA Insight | Capital Markets And Market Infrastructure, Competition And Market Structure, Public Sector Policy And Industrial Strategy Nearly $500B In Commitments And A Proposed 6.4% Investment Tax Rate Today, on September 15, 2026, Canada's first Canada Investment Summit 2026 commitments reached nearly $500 billion across Canadian pension funds, insurers, banks, investment funds and a major AI infrastructure project. The September 14–15 summit in Toronto also brought together investors from nearly 30 countries managing more than $100 trillion in assets. The $500 billion isn't one pool of foreign equity. It combines institutional investment, bank financing and capital mobilization, investment funds and corporate infrastructure spending. A large share comes from Canadian institutions putting more capital to work at home while Ottawa tries to attract additional global investment. Canadian Institutions Supply Much Of The Capital Canadian pension funds, insurers and other institutional investors committed nearly $100 billion CPP Investments and Brookfield Asset Management launched the $50 billion Maple Fund for Canadian critical infrastructure and strategic industries PSP Investments plans another $25 billion of Canadian investment Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan committed an additional $10 billion by the end of 2027 Sun Life Financial committed $5 billion over five years ...
Sep 15, 2026 Market volatility remains a persistent factor in wealth management, driving investors to seek strategies that balance capital stability with strategic diversification. While physical property has traditionally served as a tangible asset class, direct ownership often carries operational friction and localized concentration risk. Real estate funds present a structured alternative, pooling capital to access larger-scale assets under professional administration. However, evaluating these vehicles requires a realistic understanding of their risk profiles, liquidity terms, fee structures, and underlying statutory frameworks. Structural Trade-offs: Scale, Risk, and Liquidity Managed real estate portfolios offer distinct operational benefits while introducing clear structural constraints: Institutional Execution: Funds leverage pooled capital to negotiate institutional pricing, access commercial or multi-unit residential developments, and spread risk across multiple properties within the fund's mandate. Inflation Pass-Through and Fee Drag: Real estate often mitigates inflation through index-linked commercial leases or periodic residential rent adjustments. However, net investor returns are directly impacted by fund fee structures—typically including a 1–2% annual management fee and potential performance hurdles—which must be weighed against the ongoing maintenance and transaction costs of direct ownership. Operational Relief: Professional managers oversee tenant administration, maintenance, and legal compliance, removing the daily burdens associated with direct landlord responsibilities. Realistic ...
September 14, 2026 | NCFA Insight | Cross Border Payments And FX, Payments Infrastructure And Money Movement, Digital Assets Blockchain And Tokenization, Competition And Market Structure New Delhi Declaration Advances Payment Interoperability On September 12, 2026, BRICS leaders met in New Delhi for the 18th BRICS Summit and backed further work connecting national payment and financial messaging systems. The New Delhi Declaration confirms that the BRICS Payment Task Force has been studying cross border interoperability and the use of local currencies for trade settlement and investment. BRICS hasn't yet created a common payment network or digital currency. However, payment interoperability has moved into an official technical workstream rather than remaining a series of proposals from individual members. The progression has been fairly quick. India proposed stronger payment and central bank digital currency connectivity in January. In August, Reserve Bank of India Governor Sanjay Malhotra confirmed that members were discussing links between fast payment systems and central bank digital currencies. The September declaration gives the Payment Task Force a formal basis to continue that work across the bloc. The commercial backdrop has also changed significantly since we last covered the 2023 BRICS summit. The group has expanded, supply chains have been ...
September 14, 2026 | NCFA Insight | Competition And Market Structure, Regulation And Policy, Capital Markets Infrastructure And Funding Routledge Speech Puts Growth and Competition Higher on OSFI Agenda On September 11, 2026, Superintendent Peter Routledge delivered a speech at the Economic Club of Canada, explaining how the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI) is refining its risk appetite. Financial resilience remains central, but OSFI is giving more weight to economic growth and competition when it decides whether a regulatory requirement is proportionate to the risk. For financial technology firms, smaller banks, federal credit unions and prospective entrants, the commercial question is whether those decisions make Canada's regulated financial market easier to enter and compete in. Some fintechs may eventually seek a federal bank, trust or loan company structure. Others need regulated partners that can support new lending, payments or financial products without the economics forcing every partnership toward Canada's largest institutions. OSFI is already changing parts of that equation. New entrants have a more structured approval process, selected capital requirements are being recalibrated and unnecessary supervisory material is being removed. The value to the market will depend on what happens to entry costs, operating economics and the ...
September 14, 2026 | NCFA Market Activity | Capital Markets Infrastructure And Funding, Digital Assets Blockchain And Tokenization, Artificial Intelligence And Data Institutional Investors Back Tokenized Market Data On September 14, 2026, Paris-baesed digital asset firm Kaiko raised US$110 million in a Series B extension led by S&P Global. RBC joined BNP Paribas, Nasdaq Ventures, Bpifrance, Broadridge, Coinbase Ventures, DRW Venture Capital, Canton Foundation, Stellar and Susquehanna Private Equity Investments. Existing shareholders Anthemis, Point Nine and Revaia also participated. Kaiko plans to invest the capital in its market data business and services for onchain capital markets. Its coverage spans more than 150 exchanges and protocols, with data used for pricing, trading, valuation, risk, surveillance and benchmarks. S&P Global, RBC, Nasdaq, BNP Paribas and Broadridge bring something beyond capital. They operate businesses that depend on reliable prices, benchmarks, market data and institutional distribution. Their investment gives Kaiko deeper relationships with firms that could also become customers, partners or distribution channels as tokenized securities and digital assets enter more institutional products. S&P Backs Kaiko After Launching 4,000+ Indices S&P Global was already working with Kaiko before leading the round. On September 1, S&P Dow Jones Indices and Kaiko launched the S&P Kaiko ...
Sep 14, 2026 Industrial machinery is essential in the manufacturing, construction, processing, agriculture, energy production, and other industries. Unexpected machine failures can have more than repair costs. Production can be halted, deadlines can be missed, workers can face safety hazards, and businesses can suffer financial losses. By knowing the common causes of machinery failure, operators and maintenance staff can identify problems early and take preventive action. Industrial machinery failure can have many causes. Why Industrial Machinery Fails By determining the root cause, businesses can avoid the same issue, minimize downtime, and extend the useful life of valuable industrial equipment. Here are 10 of the most common reasons for industrial machinery failure. Poor maintenance One of the biggest causes of equipment failure is poor maintenance. A machine has many moving parts and interdependent components that must be inspected, cleaned, adjusted, and serviced regularly. Small issues can turn into big ones if they aren't addressed during routine maintenance. A preventive maintenance schedule can help to detect worn components and other issues before they lead to unexpected failures. Inadequate lubrication Moving parts need proper lubrication to minimize friction and heat. Insufficient lubrication, improper lubricants, or not lubricating parts as recommended can cause faster ...
Sep 5, 2026 | Last Updated Sep 14, 2026 | NCFA Fintech Whisperer | Payments Infrastructure And Money Movement, Digital Assets Blockchain And Tokenization, Digital Identity And Trust, Cybersecurity Fraud And Financial Crime, Digital Banking And BaaS, Capital Markets Infrastructure And Funding, Artificial Intelligence And Data, Cross Border Payments And FX, Wealthtech Investing And Trading, Embedded Finance, Insurance And Insurtech, Lending Consumer Credit And BNPL, Open Banking Open Finance And Data Sharing, Risk Compliance And Regtech, Treasury Liquidity And Cash Management, Regulation And Policy, Data Privacy And Governance This live weekly NCFA intelligence page tracks financial technology developments that significantly affect how fintechs build, sell, raise capital, and operate under scrutiny. Coverage prioritizes Canada and includes global events that directly influence competitive conditions, market access, and execution realities across fintech sectors. This page will be updated throughout the week with market movers in a live format and then each week we'll close the prior week's contents in prep for the upcoming week, and continue on a rolling basis. (Missed prior week's Fintech Whisperer? (December 6-12, 2025, December 13-19, 2025, January 1-9, 2026, January 10-16, 2026, January 17-23, 2026, January 24-30, 2026, January 31-February 6, 2026, February 7-13, 2026, February 14-20, 2026, ...
September 11, 2026 | NCFA Regulatory Insight | Artificial Intelligence And Data, Regulation And Policy, Risk Compliance And Regtech AI Literacy, Transparency and Agent Governance On September 9, 2026, the Government of Canada launched a National AI Literacy Initiative with the Alberta Machine Intelligence Institute. The $13 million partnership is expected to reach up to 1 million post secondary students and more than 50,000 K to 12 educators, alongside free learning for workers and other Canadians. The program sits under Canada's AI for All strategy and focuses on helping people understand AI, use it responsibly and recognize risks such as bias, misinformation and privacy loss. Ottawa is working on the governance side at the same time. Its AI transparency consultation remains open until September 23 and asks whether Canada needs stronger ways to identify AI generated content, tell people when they are interacting with AI, explain system capabilities, track serious incidents and record what AI agents actually do. The consultation paper says 19.2% of Canadian companies used AI to produce goods or deliver services in the second quarter of 2026, up from 12.2% a year earlier and three times the 2024 level. The federal government has already been working through ...
September 15, 2026 | NCFA Market Activity | Lending Consumer Credit And BNPL, Embedded Finance, Artificial Intelligence And Data Zown Connects Rent Rewards, AI Search and Home Finance On September 15, 2026, Toronto-based Canadian proptech Zown updated its homebuying app with Rent Rewards alongside AI property search, affordability estimates, mortgage pre-approval and transaction services. Zown advertises up to 8% back on rent, giving it a reason to start working with consumers years before many will be ready to buy a home. The 8% combines two potential rewards. Zown Money says Zown currently provides up to 4% cashback directly on rent, while an eligible credit card can add up to another 4% depending on the card's terms. At C$2,500 in monthly rent, Zown's 4% portion would equal C$100 a month or C$1,200 a year. If a renter also earned the full additional 4% through their card, the total could reach C$200 a month or C$2,400 a year before any card or payment-related costs. The Canadian iPhone app, developed by Zown Realty Inc., also lets users upload a lease and proof of rent, search properties through an AI assistant called Zoro, view estimated affordability, request showings with licensed agents, seek mortgage pre-approval, ...
September 15, 2026 | NCFA Market Activity | Digital Banking And BaaS, Cross Border Payments And FX, Competition And Market Structure Wise Adds Everyday Canadian Payments Without Becoming a Bank On September 14, 2026, UK-based global payments company Wise launched a Chequing Account in Canada with no monthly fee, Interac e-Transfer support, Canadian account details, pre-authorized debits, debit-card access and multi-currency features. The launch takes Wise further into everyday Canadian financial activity while keeping the cross-border tools that built its original customer base. The account is available to personal and business customers in Canada. Customers can hold more than 40 currencies, receive money using account details available across 22 currencies and send money to more than 70 countries. Wise converts currencies at the mid-market rate and charges a separate conversion fee that currently starts from 0.19%, depending on the currency and transaction. Interac Makes Wise More Useful Day to Day Canadian customers can send up to C$25,000 to a supported Interac email address and receive up to C$25,000 per day through Interac Autodeposit. Wise doesn't charge its own fee to receive Autodeposit payments, and the September launch removed the Wise fee for sending CAD to an Interac alias and adding ...
September 15, 2026 | NCFA Insight | Capital Markets And Market Infrastructure, Competition And Market Structure, Public Sector Policy And Industrial Strategy Nearly $500B In Commitments And A Proposed 6.4% Investment Tax Rate Today, on September 15, 2026, Canada's first Canada Investment Summit 2026 commitments reached nearly $500 billion across Canadian pension funds, insurers, banks, investment funds and a major AI infrastructure project. The September 14–15 summit in Toronto also brought together investors from nearly 30 countries managing more than $100 trillion in assets. The $500 billion isn't one pool of foreign equity. It combines institutional investment, bank financing and capital mobilization, investment funds and corporate infrastructure spending. A large share comes from Canadian institutions putting more capital to work at home while Ottawa tries to attract additional global investment. Canadian Institutions Supply Much Of The Capital Canadian pension funds, insurers and other institutional investors committed nearly $100 billion CPP Investments and Brookfield Asset Management launched the $50 billion Maple Fund for Canadian critical infrastructure and strategic industries PSP Investments plans another $25 billion of Canadian investment Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan committed an additional $10 billion by the end of 2027 Sun Life Financial committed $5 billion over five years ...
Sep 15, 2026 Market volatility remains a persistent factor in wealth management, driving investors to seek strategies that balance capital stability with strategic diversification. While physical property has traditionally served as a tangible asset class, direct ownership often carries operational friction and localized concentration risk. Real estate funds present a structured alternative, pooling capital to access larger-scale assets under professional administration. However, evaluating these vehicles requires a realistic understanding of their risk profiles, liquidity terms, fee structures, and underlying statutory frameworks. Structural Trade-offs: Scale, Risk, and Liquidity Managed real estate portfolios offer distinct operational benefits while introducing clear structural constraints: Institutional Execution: Funds leverage pooled capital to negotiate institutional pricing, access commercial or multi-unit residential developments, and spread risk across multiple properties within the fund's mandate. Inflation Pass-Through and Fee Drag: Real estate often mitigates inflation through index-linked commercial leases or periodic residential rent adjustments. However, net investor returns are directly impacted by fund fee structures—typically including a 1–2% annual management fee and potential performance hurdles—which must be weighed against the ongoing maintenance and transaction costs of direct ownership. Operational Relief: Professional managers oversee tenant administration, maintenance, and legal compliance, removing the daily burdens associated with direct landlord responsibilities. Realistic ...
September 14, 2026 | NCFA Insight | Cross Border Payments And FX, Payments Infrastructure And Money Movement, Digital Assets Blockchain And Tokenization, Competition And Market Structure New Delhi Declaration Advances Payment Interoperability On September 12, 2026, BRICS leaders met in New Delhi for the 18th BRICS Summit and backed further work connecting national payment and financial messaging systems. The New Delhi Declaration confirms that the BRICS Payment Task Force has been studying cross border interoperability and the use of local currencies for trade settlement and investment. BRICS hasn't yet created a common payment network or digital currency. However, payment interoperability has moved into an official technical workstream rather than remaining a series of proposals from individual members. The progression has been fairly quick. India proposed stronger payment and central bank digital currency connectivity in January. In August, Reserve Bank of India Governor Sanjay Malhotra confirmed that members were discussing links between fast payment systems and central bank digital currencies. The September declaration gives the Payment Task Force a formal basis to continue that work across the bloc. The commercial backdrop has also changed significantly since we last covered the 2023 BRICS summit. The group has expanded, supply chains have been ...
September 14, 2026 | NCFA Insight | Competition And Market Structure, Regulation And Policy, Capital Markets Infrastructure And Funding Routledge Speech Puts Growth and Competition Higher on OSFI Agenda On September 11, 2026, Superintendent Peter Routledge delivered a speech at the Economic Club of Canada, explaining how the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI) is refining its risk appetite. Financial resilience remains central, but OSFI is giving more weight to economic growth and competition when it decides whether a regulatory requirement is proportionate to the risk. For financial technology firms, smaller banks, federal credit unions and prospective entrants, the commercial question is whether those decisions make Canada's regulated financial market easier to enter and compete in. Some fintechs may eventually seek a federal bank, trust or loan company structure. Others need regulated partners that can support new lending, payments or financial products without the economics forcing every partnership toward Canada's largest institutions. OSFI is already changing parts of that equation. New entrants have a more structured approval process, selected capital requirements are being recalibrated and unnecessary supervisory material is being removed. The value to the market will depend on what happens to entry costs, operating economics and the ...
September 14, 2026 | NCFA Market Activity | Capital Markets Infrastructure And Funding, Digital Assets Blockchain And Tokenization, Artificial Intelligence And Data Institutional Investors Back Tokenized Market Data On September 14, 2026, Paris-baesed digital asset firm Kaiko raised US$110 million in a Series B extension led by S&P Global. RBC joined BNP Paribas, Nasdaq Ventures, Bpifrance, Broadridge, Coinbase Ventures, DRW Venture Capital, Canton Foundation, Stellar and Susquehanna Private Equity Investments. Existing shareholders Anthemis, Point Nine and Revaia also participated. Kaiko plans to invest the capital in its market data business and services for onchain capital markets. Its coverage spans more than 150 exchanges and protocols, with data used for pricing, trading, valuation, risk, surveillance and benchmarks. S&P Global, RBC, Nasdaq, BNP Paribas and Broadridge bring something beyond capital. They operate businesses that depend on reliable prices, benchmarks, market data and institutional distribution. Their investment gives Kaiko deeper relationships with firms that could also become customers, partners or distribution channels as tokenized securities and digital assets enter more institutional products. S&P Backs Kaiko After Launching 4,000+ Indices S&P Global was already working with Kaiko before leading the round. On September 1, S&P Dow Jones Indices and Kaiko launched the S&P Kaiko ...
Sep 14, 2026 Industrial machinery is essential in the manufacturing, construction, processing, agriculture, energy production, and other industries. Unexpected machine failures can have more than repair costs. Production can be halted, deadlines can be missed, workers can face safety hazards, and businesses can suffer financial losses. By knowing the common causes of machinery failure, operators and maintenance staff can identify problems early and take preventive action. Industrial machinery failure can have many causes. Why Industrial Machinery Fails By determining the root cause, businesses can avoid the same issue, minimize downtime, and extend the useful life of valuable industrial equipment. Here are 10 of the most common reasons for industrial machinery failure. Poor maintenance One of the biggest causes of equipment failure is poor maintenance. A machine has many moving parts and interdependent components that must be inspected, cleaned, adjusted, and serviced regularly. Small issues can turn into big ones if they aren't addressed during routine maintenance. A preventive maintenance schedule can help to detect worn components and other issues before they lead to unexpected failures. Inadequate lubrication Moving parts need proper lubrication to minimize friction and heat. Insufficient lubrication, improper lubricants, or not lubricating parts as recommended can cause faster ...
Sep 5, 2026 | Last Updated Sep 14, 2026 | NCFA Fintech Whisperer | Payments Infrastructure And Money Movement, Digital Assets Blockchain And Tokenization, Digital Identity And Trust, Cybersecurity Fraud And Financial Crime, Digital Banking And BaaS, Capital Markets Infrastructure And Funding, Artificial Intelligence And Data, Cross Border Payments And FX, Wealthtech Investing And Trading, Embedded Finance, Insurance And Insurtech, Lending Consumer Credit And BNPL, Open Banking Open Finance And Data Sharing, Risk Compliance And Regtech, Treasury Liquidity And Cash Management, Regulation And Policy, Data Privacy And Governance This live weekly NCFA intelligence page tracks financial technology developments that significantly affect how fintechs build, sell, raise capital, and operate under scrutiny. Coverage prioritizes Canada and includes global events that directly influence competitive conditions, market access, and execution realities across fintech sectors. This page will be updated throughout the week with market movers in a live format and then each week we'll close the prior week's contents in prep for the upcoming week, and continue on a rolling basis. (Missed prior week's Fintech Whisperer? (December 6-12, 2025, December 13-19, 2025, January 1-9, 2026, January 10-16, 2026, January 17-23, 2026, January 24-30, 2026, January 31-February 6, 2026, February 7-13, 2026, February 14-20, 2026, ...
September 11, 2026 | NCFA Regulatory Insight | Artificial Intelligence And Data, Regulation And Policy, Risk Compliance And Regtech AI Literacy, Transparency and Agent Governance On September 9, 2026, the Government of Canada launched a National AI Literacy Initiative with the Alberta Machine Intelligence Institute. The $13 million partnership is expected to reach up to 1 million post secondary students and more than 50,000 K to 12 educators, alongside free learning for workers and other Canadians. The program sits under Canada's AI for All strategy and focuses on helping people understand AI, use it responsibly and recognize risks such as bias, misinformation and privacy loss. Ottawa is working on the governance side at the same time. Its AI transparency consultation remains open until September 23 and asks whether Canada needs stronger ways to identify AI generated content, tell people when they are interacting with AI, explain system capabilities, track serious incidents and record what AI agents actually do. The consultation paper says 19.2% of Canadian companies used AI to produce goods or deliver services in the second quarter of 2026, up from 12.2% a year earlier and three times the 2024 level. The federal government has already been working through ...
Canadian Tech Open Letter to Defend Diversity & Inclusion
Advocacy | Feb 28, 2025
Image: Freepik/rawpixel.com
A Call to Action for Canada’s Tech Industry - Defending DEI
The Canadian tech industry is facing a critical moment in responding to the push back against diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives otherwise known as 'DEI'. Almost 1000 tech and innovation founders, executives, and investors have signed an open letter titled "Innovation Includes Everyone" in support of DEI, a initiative spearheaded by Laura Gabor (Ecologicca/What in the Tech), Avery Swartz (Camp Tech), Sarah Stockdale (Growclass), Arlene Dickinson (District Ventures Capital), and Amber Mac (AmberMac Media), among many others, to ensure Canada's tech ecosystem remains inclusive by working together to raise awareness, mobilize support, and advocate for stronger DEI commitments in the tech industry. They believe that diversity drives better ideas, stronger businesses, and a more inclusive economy.
See: Why is venture capital still ignoring women? The case for investing is clear.
There have been concerns raised recently about some of Canada’s largest tech companies quietly scaling back support for marginalized communities such as women, 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals, Black and Indigenous professionals, and newcomers. The open letter calls on the tech community and policymakers to reject efforts that undermine inclusion and to stand firm in support of equity. It emphasizes that Canada’s strength lies in its ability to embrace talent from all walks of life and that businesses should not prioritize profit over people.
Global Trend in Scaling Back DEI
Alarm bells are ringing due to a broader global shift towards policies that weaken protections for marginalized groups. The political climate, especially in the U.S. with the new Trump administration, has created uncertainty around corporate DEI initiatives, leading to some Canadian corporations with U.S. operations adjusting their commitments to avoid potential backlash. Corporations are also under economic pressure dealing with budge cuts. Some businesses are deprioritizing DEI programs citing economic survival. There are even social activist movements arguing against DEI initiatives that are causing some companies to reconsider their approach in the face of potential consumer pushback.
However, despite these rollbacks, public sentiment in Canada remains largely in favour of DEI programs. A 2020 Statistics Canada survey found that 92% of Canadians aged 15 and older agreed that ethnic or cultural diversity is a Canadian value. According to Benefits Canada, a 2023 World 50 Group survey revealed that 72% of business leaders increased their organization's investment in DEI over the past year.
The Best Talent Comes from Inclusive Hiring
A common argument against DEI is the idea of hiring the “best person for the job.” However, finding the best talent is impossible without an inclusive hiring approach. By ensuring diverse candidates are considered, businesses in fact expand their talent pool which leads to higher-performing teams. Multiple studies have found that diverse companies outperform their competitors in revenue, innovation, and employee engagement.
NCFA’s Commitment to Inclusion
The National Crowdfunding & Fintech Association of Canada (NCFA) has always championed inclusion and the underrepresented, advocating for opportunities that empower individuals and businesses alike. Through awareness-building, collaboration, and action, NCFA remains committed to closing gaps and fostering an equitable innovation ecosystem.
See: How Fintechs Are Tackling Financial Inclusion in Canada
A common argument against DEI is the idea of hiring the “best person for the job.” However, finding the best talent is impossible without an inclusive hiring approach. By ensuring diverse candidates are considered, businesses in fact expand their talent pool which leads to higher-performing teams. Multiple studies have found that diverse companies outperform their competitors in revenue, innovation, and employee engagement.
Call To Action
Canada must remain a leader in inclusive innovation. If DEI efforts are abandoned, the industry risks losing what makes it a thriving, world-class tech hub. The letter urges all Canadians to take action by supporting businesses that uphold these values and holding those that don’t accountable. The petition remains open for signatures. Join now by adding your name to the growing list of supporters at What in the Tech?, and collectively let's ensure innovation truly remains whole!
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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How Canadian Institutional Investors Voted on Climate 2024
Climate Report | Feb 27, 2025
Image: 2024 Canadian Climate Voting Record (Investors for Paris Compliance)
Institutional Investors in Canada Show Mixed Climate Commitments
The organization Investors for Paris Compliance recently published their 2024 Canadian Climate Voting Record (14 page PDF report), which tracks how Canadian institutional investors voted on climate-related shareholder proposals. While Canadian investor support for climate resolutions increased to nearly 65% in 2024, there's a global pullback on ESG reporting, making Canada's voting record stand out.
Global Pullback on ESG/Climate Reporting
Canadian investors have shown more support for climate resolutions but globally opinions on ESG investing are becoming more divided.
In the U.S., some states and asset managers are pulling back from ESG commitments due to political and regulatory pressure. According to Business Insider, BlackRock has softened its stance on ESG by removing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) language from key documents, in response to growing criticism from certain investors, however they continue to emphasize sustainability.
In Europe, regulators are also adjusting their approach by proposing to ease sustainability reporting rules to reduce burdens on businesses and improve their global competitiveness. Despite this, many European institutional investors remain committed to net-zero goals.
What Types of Votes Are Taking Place?
The 2024 Canadian Climate Voting Record analyzed how institutional investors voted on climate-related shareholder proposals such as:
- Requiring companies to disclose how climate risks impact their business
- Encouraging companies to set clear, transparent, and scientifically based goals for reducing emissions
- Pushing for measurable actions to reduce carbon emissions and transition to cleaner energy
See: Planetary Health Check 2024 and Canadian Climate Tech
While only 4 climate resolutions were voted on at Canadian companies, Canadian investors voted on many resolutions at U.S. and global firms where they hold shares.
Who and How They Voted?
Some Canadian institutional investors are leading the charge, while others remain cautious.
Image: Summary of 2024 Climate Votes (Investors for Paris Compliance)
The top investors in support of climate shareholder proposals:
- All voted 100% in favour of climate resolutions: AGF Investments, NB Investments, Canada Post Pension Plan, IMCO, University Pension Plan, and NEI Investments
- Strong support: BCI (88.2%) and CDPQ (90%)
Many of Canada’s largest financial institutions had weaker records:
- Moderate support: TD Asset Management (70.6%), Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan (75%), and CIBC (64.7%)
- Laggards: Manulife (41.2%), AIMCO (41.2%), and BMO GAM (47.1%)
- Least supportive of climate related resolutions: Canada Pension Plan (29.4%), RBC GAM (11.8%), and Scotia GAM (0%)
Select Takeaways
- While only 4 climate resolutions were voted on at Canadian companies, Canadian investors voted on many resolutions at global firms
- One issue that the report highlights is the lack of a unified policy on climate issues resulting in split votes among large asset managers like RBC GAM, Manulife, and Scotia GAM, where different portfolio managers voted inconsistently on the same resolutions
See: Canada’s Shift to Enhanced Climate Disclosures
- Canadian investors were more likely to support climate proposals at U.S. companies (65.8%) than at Canadian firms (55.5%), raising concerns about domestic engagement
Conclusion
With the 2025 AGM season approaching, will Canadian investors push for stronger climate commitments or continue their cautious approach?
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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1,000 Artists Protest AI Copyright Plans with Silent Album
AI | Feb 25, 2025
Image: Is This What We Want? (1000 UK Artists, Cover)
UK Musicians Release Silent Album to Protest AI Copyright Plans
More than 1,000 British musicians including Kate Bush, Annie Lennox, Cat Stevens, and Damon Albarn, have released Is This What We Want?, a silent album designed to protest the UK government’s proposed changes to artificial intelligence (AI) copyright laws that would allow AI companies to train their models on copyrighted material unless creators explicitly opt out.
The album is made up of recordings of silent studios and empty performance spaces, acting as a warning of what could happen if AI companies are allowed to use artists' work without limits.
Ed Newton-Rex, Composer and AI developer who organized the project:
“Almost silence to symbolize what we expect will happen if the government’s proposals go through.”
“The government’s proposal would hand the life’s work of the country’s musicians to AI companies, for free, letting those companies exploit musicians’ work to outcompete them. It is a plan that would not only be disastrous for musicians, but that is totally unnecessary. The U.K. can be leaders in AI without throwing our world-leading creative industries under the bus.”
A Fight Over Creative Control
In December 2024, the UK government proposed changing copyright laws so that AI companies can use content found online to train their systems without asking permission from the original creators. Under the proposed "opt-out" rule artists would have to take action to stop their work from being used, instead of requiring approval first.
While the UK government claims that the changes are aimed at boosting AI innovation while balancing artists' rights, critics of the plan including the likes of Elton John, Paul McCartney, and Annie Lennox say that it's like 'legalized theft' of their work.
People against this plan say it’s unfair because it undermines the UK's creative industries which contributed £7.6 billion to the economy in 2023:
See: The Necessity of Copyrighting Your Voice in 2024
- Artists have no easy way to see or control how AI is using their work
- Stopping AI from using their content is complicated for anyone, especially for independent creators
- AI companies could make money from copyrighted material without paying any royalties, hurting musicians, writers, and other artists financially
AI content generation is of course a major legal and ethical issue globally. In the U.S. artists and media organizations have launched lawsuits against AI firms for using copyrighted material without permission.
What Happens Next?
The UK government insists that they are trying to strike the balance between AI development and protecting creative rights. A spokesperson from the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology said, "No decisions have been taken," and that "no moves will be made until we are absolutely confident we have a practical plan that delivers each of our objectives."
See: The Frontline of AI’s Copyright Law Battle in 2024
Proceeds from Is This What We Want? will go to Help Musicians, a charity supporting UK artists. But the questions remains, will policymakers listen before the silence becomes real?
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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Canada’s AI Competition Report Faces Big Tech Challenges
AI | Jan 27, 2025
Image courtesy of Freepik AI
Canada’s AI and Competition Report Shows Big Tech, Big Challenges, and Big Questions
On January 27, 2025 the Competition Bureau of Canada published the results of its consultation on artificial intelligence (AI) and competition on March 20 based on inputs from 28 stakeholders from global tech firms to startups, academics and consumer advocacy groups, outlining key issues and opportunities of AI in Canada. The findings highlight a pressing need for Canada to balance innovation with fair competition.
Key Feedback from the Consultation
Stakeholders agree that AI is a game-changer in business, forging innovation in sectors like finance, healthcare, and transportation, and opening up endless possibilities but it also brings real challenges that Canada needs to address head on. AI relies on access to high quality data, compute power and specialized expertise making it challenging for smaller businesses to enter the space or compete.
Big Tech Dominance
Perhaps the biggest concern is the dominance of AI by a handful of large big tech companies like Google, Amazon and Microsoft who control most of the AI infrastructure like data centers, supercomputers and AI chips. This concentration of power isn't new to Canada who is fine with a handful of large banks controlling the majority of the country's financial assets. While Canada has many AI players such as Cohere (Canadian government invested $240 million), Element AI (sold to ServiceNow in U.S.), Waabi, Peak Power, Tenstorrent, Deep Genomics (see CVCA post on growth of Canadian AI by investment mapped), and is recognized for its strong AI research leaders, they do not necessarily operate at the same scale as the likes of big U.S. or Chinese tech companies like OpenAI or Google. As with all forms of high concentration of power, it creates significant barriers for innovative startups and smaller firms to access the resources to train and deploy competitive AI models, however this could change with DeepSeek's disruption. Will Canadian AI firms be able to compete effectively globally, if they are dwarfed in size by their competitor's resources.
See: CMA Flags Big Tech’s Tightening Hold on AI Markets
Large players could also control the AI supply chain by not allowing smaller competitors to access the infrastructure and tech needed to develop AI systems. Exclusive partnership agreements could also adversely impact competition. Could large players shut off access to critical AI inputs in a type of tariff trade war?
Last December 2024, the Canadian government announced the Canadian Sovereign AI Compute Strategy, a $2 billion investment over 5 years aimed at reducing the reliance on foreign tech giants and strengthen Canada's AI infrastructure but will it be enough when the U.S. has launched a $500 billion Stargate AI infrastructure project?
Other AI Risks Flagged
AI tools such as algorithmic pricing can unintentionally lead to anti competitive practices, when for example, a system automatically adjusts prices to align with competitors - price collusion that's hard to detect and regulate.
The report talks about accountability when AI systems become more autonomous and complex, who is responsible for the outcome of their decisions. While not a new point, the risk is a legal and ethical challenge where AI generates biased or harmful decisions. Think for example a loan approval of auto hiring process.
See: How AI Is Evolving Finance, Security, and Global Economies
Another major concern of course is the distribution of misinformation and rise of fake AI generated content like deepfakes, fake reviews etc that mislead consumers, damage trust, and give unscrupulous businesses an unfair/unethical business advantage.
Overview of Recommendations
The recommendations in the report are quite high level and scattered throughout the report but here they are in a simple format.
- Legislation should be tech neutral
- Conduct comprehensive market studies to better understand how AI will impact competition (i.e. AI's impact on payments, global regulatory standards)
- Promote fair competition and reduce barriers (ensure equitable access to data for startups and SMEs, invest in compute resources to reduce reliance on foreign tech, foster partnerships between large and small players to prevent incumbents from dominating, support SMEs with incentives like grants and tax credits)
- Ensure transparency and consumer protection (may need to strengthen existing laws)
See: OpenAI’s U.S. Economic Blueprint and Takeaways for Canada
- Develop ethical and inclusive AI practices (encourage open source tools, prioritize societal values, privacy, fairness, prevent bias and discrimination)
- Collaborate globally with regulators like the UK's CMA, U.S.'s FTC and EU to harmonize AI policies and standards
- Define AI consistently across policies
- Continue stakeholder engagement
The consultation makes one thing clear. AI offers enormous potential for Canada but its benefits won’t be evenly shared unless Canada takes deliberate and strategic action.
A Few Questions About Competition and the Future of Canada's AI Strategy
- What changes are needed to Canada’s Competition Act to address issues like AI price fixing and monopolies?
- How can the government create fair rules for data sharing without holding back private sector innovation?
- Can Canada lead globally by focusing on ethical or responsible AI to stay competitive?
- How can open source AI tools be improved and supported to make it easier for small businesses to compete?
- What steps can Canada take to protect its AI infrastructure from global political risks and supply chain problems?
See:
Davos 2025 Themes and Takeaways for Fintech
Implications of Meta’s Fact-Checking Exit
Elon Musk’s X Challenges California’s Deepfake Law
- What new funding options beyond grants and tax credits could help startups afford access to computing power and data?
- What safeguards are needed to stop AI deepfake scams and harmful decisions made by biased algorithms?
- How can Canada hold companies accountable when their AI systems discriminate in areas like hiring or lending?
- How can Canada stop its top AI talent from leaving the country to work for global tech giants?
- What tools will Canada use to measure the success of its AI strategy in driving innovation, fairness, and trust?
Outlook
The Competition Bureau’s AI and competition consultation report stressed the importance for Canada to address big tech dominance, support Canadian innovation, and ensure fairness in the AI market. The Canadian Sovereign AI Compute Strategy is promising but must come with robust policies, global collaboration, and targeted investments to level the playing field.
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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