Karsten Wenzlaff, Advisor
August 26th, 2025
Karsten Wenzlaff is a Crowdfunding and Fintech Expert from Germany. He is Secretary-General of Digit[...]
Category Archives: Stories
JPMorgan’s Data Fee Sparks Open Banking Backlash
Open Banking | July 15, 2025
Image: Freepik
JPMorgan’s New Data Access Fees Spurs Calls for Stronger Open Banking Rules in North America
On July 11, 2025, Reuters reported that JPMorgan Chase is planning to charge fintechs for access to customer data (subscription required) through its APIs, starting in September. The aggressive announcement by by a major U.S. bank to charge and control data access generated immediate pushback from fintech platforms and open banking advocates, as highlighted on Payments Drive.
Steve Boms, executive director of the Financial Data and Technology Association North America:
“It’s hard to look at this decision by Chase as anything other than a cynical attempt to take advantage of regulatory uncertainty and an about-face by the CFPB. I think they’re banking on the court throwing the rule out.”
See: Canada’s Open Banking Journey: Interview with Steve Boms, Executive Director Financial Data and Technology Association – North America “FDATA”
Penny Lee, Chief Executive of the Financial Technology Association:
Americans deserve the “freedom” to control their financial data. Charging for financial data access undermines that freedom and threatens to jeopardize millions of Americans’ access to the financial services of their choice. This action is designed to crush competition, hold back American innovation, and lock consumers into bank-only products.”
Policy Tensions at the Core of Open Banking
Open banking is designed to put consumers in control of their own financial data. But JPMorgan has another idea; charging fintechs to access customer data when open banking rules are not not clearly regulated, and in doing so, incumbent banks can continue to control terms that limit competition.
See: Open Banking Delayed in Canada But Back in the Legislative Radar
In Canada, this issue is highly relevant for it's proposed Consumer-Directed Finance or open banking framework to be implemented and overseen by the Financial Consumer Affairs Authority (FCAC) in 2026. While Canada’s upcoming framework mandates data sharing and prohibits fees for baseline access by accredited firms, it has not yet been implemented in law. Until then, banks could continue using private agreements that include fees or restrictive terms.
Without legislation or regulatory direction, banks are free to protect their dominant positions by pricing out smaller fintechs or forcing bilateral contracts.
This strengthens the importance of Canada finalizing its open banking rules with clear and enforceable standards that prevent data paywalls.
Fintech competitiveness and market access are at risk. If fees for data access take hold more broadly, it could shift the balance of fintech innovation away from consumer-focused tools towards banking ecosystems, which would limit diversity and competition.
Global Comparisons
In the UK, the Competition and Markets Authority mandates that large banks provide access to current account data at no cost through standardized APIs, under the Open Banking Implementation Entity. This has led to a dynamic fintech ecosystem where consumers can safely and easily share data across apps and services.
In Australia, the Consumer Data Right (CDR) goes even further than just banking to include energy and telecommunications. Under CDR rules, banks must provide access to customer data free of charge, with fees allowed only for optional or value-added services.
See: DPI Digital Finance Works. Why Is Canada Still Waiting?
In contrast, both the U.S. and Canada have not yet fully implemented open banking frameworks. In the U.S., the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) proposed Section 1033 to support consumer data rights, but no binding national law exists. And to make matters worse, under the Trump-appointed CFPB, they effectively killed off the open banking rule as proposed, adopting the banks’ legal argument that the rule was beyond its authority and should be invalidated by the court. So without any protective data sharing framework, banks in the U.S. can act unilaterally in their favour..
Why It Matters for Canada’s Fintech Future
If large incumbent banks like JPMorgan are allowed to set fees or gatekeep data access, consumer choice suffers and fintech innovation slows. As NCFA has advocated for years, Canadian regulators and policymakers must move urgently to finalize a national open banking framework that guarantees:
- Free, baseline access to consumer-permissioned data
- Interoperable API standards
- Robust privacy and security requirements
- Clear accreditation for third party providers
See: Should Fintechs Design for People or AI Agents?
If we don't act now, the same risks and fragmentation now emerging in U.S. markets will further stifle productivity, innovation, and competition in Canada.
The National Crowdfunding & Fintech Association (NCFA Canada) is a financial innovation ecosystem that provides education, market intelligence, industry stewardship, networking and funding opportunities and services to thousands of community members and works closely with industry, government, partners and affiliates to create a vibrant and innovative fintech and funding industry in Canada. Decentralized and distributed, NCFA is engaged with global stakeholders and helps incubate projects and investment in fintech, alternative finance, crowdfunding, peer-to-peer finance, payments, digital assets and tokens, artificial intelligence, blockchain, cryptocurrency, regtech, and insurtech sectors. Join Canada's Fintech & Funding Community today FREE! Or become a contributing member and get perks. For more information, please visit: www.ncfacanada.org
 |  |  |
|---|---|---|
 |  |  |
Study Finds ChatGPT Weakens Memory and Focus
Research | July 14, 2025
Image: Freepik/stockking
New Study Finds ChatGPT Use Weakens Brain Engagement in Writing Tasks
A new study from MIT and partner universities, "Your Brain on ChatGPT" shows that using ChatGPT during essay writing reduces brain activity, memory recall, and feelings of ownership over the work. The study included EEG scans, human interviews, and AI scoring, and concluded that essays completed with the help of ChatGPT often looked polished, they led to lower mental effort and weakened learning.
See: Canada’s Productivity Depends on Intangible Tech Adoption
The findings are red flags for any parent with kids in school using ChatGPT frequently for tasks AND also professionals in other sectors including fintech that rely on chatGPT for everyday tasks.
Top 5 Verified Takeaways
1. ChatGPT lowers brain activity during writing
Brain scans showed that students using ChatGPT had the lowest levels of brain connectivity, especially in the alpha and beta frequency bands. These waves are linked to attention and executive thinking. Students who wrote without tools had the strongest brain engagement (See: Figure 1, pg 1).
2. Most ChatGPT users couldn’t remember what they wrote
This takeaway is particularly shocking. After writing, 83% of ChatGPT users couldn’t quote anything from their essays, and none could quote accurately. Only 11% of the students using search engines or writing without tools had the same issue (See: pg 31).
3. Students feel less ownership of the essays written by ChatGPT
Only 50% of the ChatGPT group said the work felt like theirs. Of course almost all students in the 'brain only' group said they fully owned their writing (See: pg 32).
See: ChatGPT Creator Tells Us What Is Coming Next
4. ChatGPT essays looked similar and lacked originality
The AI essays often use the same phrases, structure, and focus on the same topics. The Natural Language Processing analysis shows that the variety of words used and topics explored were much lower than in essays written without AI support (See: Summary of Results, pg 3).
5. AI assisted essays scored well but but reasoning was shallow
Although essays written with the help of ChatGPT received high marks from both human and AI judges, they lacked strategic integration and complex thinking. The authors called this a “surface benefit with hidden costs” (See: pg 3).
Implications for Fintechs
The learnings from this study directly impact financial technology companies. Many roles in fintech now rely on daily interaction and use of generative AI tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, Grok, or Amazon's Nova. While these tools boost speed and productivity, they will likely lead to reduced learning, memory loss, and lower capacity to make effective decisions over time. Below are five examples of how this could play out in a fintech business setting.
Customer Support Teams
Human call centre support agents that rely too much on AI to provide customers with quick and accurate responses, could find that they lose their ability to explain policies clearly, troubleshoot issues, or respond creatively.
See: Goldman Sachs Deploys Agentic AI Engineer Devin
If supporting complex financial products, this type of low recall and engagement ability is a risk.
Market and Data Analysts
Analysts using LLMs to write summaries or market updates may understand less of the data they’re reporting. Over time, this reduces their ability to identify trends, make forecasts, or provide insightful context beyond what AI benchmarking provides.
Product Managers Writing Business and Design Plans
PMs who use ChatGPT to write roadmaps, product and UI/UX specs could find themselves suddenly missing the deep thinking needed to balance tech feasibility, user needs, and regulation. AI can help write the document but a less than focused PM may not fully get the reasoning behind it.
Compliance and Legal Teams
Compliance staff using AI to draft internal policies could easily miss critical legal nuances. A polished draft that's considered 'confidently complete' by ChatGPT could contain subtle errors or regulatory gaps, causing major issues or backlash.
Weakens Experience and Skill Development
Entry-level staff using ChatGPT to write emails, explain APIs, or summarize client meetings might look super productive but are learning less. If that's the case, then their reliance on ChatGPT will weaken their longer term skill growth and reduces the quality of future fintech leadership.
High-quality output without high-quality thinking may look efficient but can quietly lower capability.
Conclusion
This study shows that while ChatGPT improves the speed and polish of writing, it comes at a cost. Users are less mentally engaged, remember less of what they create/co-create, and feel less connected to their work.
See: NFX: Start Thinking ‘Service-as-a-Software’
In fintech, similar over reliance on chatGPT for writing could lead to weaker analysis, skill development, and reduced capacity to do regular job-orientated tasks. Fintechs should keep their brains are sharp as possible, or develop AI systems/tools that augment human thinking, not replace it.
The National Crowdfunding & Fintech Association (NCFA Canada) is a financial innovation ecosystem that provides education, market intelligence, industry stewardship, networking and funding opportunities and services to thousands of community members and works closely with industry, government, partners and affiliates to create a vibrant and innovative fintech and funding industry in Canada. Decentralized and distributed, NCFA is engaged with global stakeholders and helps incubate projects and investment in fintech, alternative finance, crowdfunding, peer-to-peer finance, payments, digital assets and tokens, artificial intelligence, blockchain, cryptocurrency, regtech, and insurtech sectors. Join Canada's Fintech & Funding Community today FREE! Or become a contributing member and get perks. For more information, please visit: www.ncfacanada.org
| | |
|---|---|---|
| | |
Goldman Sachs Deploys Agentic AI Engineer Devin
Agentic AI | July 14, 2025
Image: Freepik AI
Goldman is Using AI to Write Code. What It Means for Canadian Fintechs
Last Friday several outlets reported that Goldman Sachs is now using an AI software engineer named Devin. Now it may seem like what's the big deal here, everyone is using AI engineers, but this is a major U.S. bank, and Goldman says some developer teams using Devin are already producing 3x to 4x more output.
See: Why No Code AI Agents Matter for Fintech in Canada
This is not a trial in a lab. It is a working system inside the bank. According to AInvest, Goldman has about 12,000 developers deployed across hundreds of teams (read 'at risk'). It's one of the first major publicly known cases of a major financial institution putting AI to work in a coding production environment.
What Devin Can Actually Do
Devin can complete full software tasks. It can set up development environments, run scripts, write and test code, and fix bugs on its own. It's agentic AI and can do these things without being told what to do at each step.
Having said that, it doesn't mean it always works (just yet). As reported by Fast Company, when Cognition Labs tested Devin, it only succeeded 3 out of 30 GitHub problems. That’s why Goldman still needs human developers to supervise the output currently. Teams check the code for accuracy and make sure it’s secure, and reviewed before it gets deployed.
What Changes for Canadian Fintechs
Productivity Is Boosting
Goldman is sending a clear message that AI tools are delivering measurable gains. Some software teams are producing three to four times more than before, and tools like the GS AI Assistant are already being used by 10,000 employees at Goldman for non-coding tasks. Any company that ignores AI now, seemingly will only fell behind on speed, output, and efficiency.
Teams and Roles Are Changing
With Devin handling routine tasks, developers are now spending more time reviewing code, planning architecture, and testing fringe use cases, which are all tasks more valuable to the final product experience than basic coding (warning to junior developers).
See: Disruptive Innovations Driving Global Change in 2025
So, companies must rethink how they hire, train, and structure their technical teams to focus on oversight and system integration.
Closed Tools Create Competitive Gaps
Devin is currently a closed, proprietary tool unavailable to the public. It's also expensive and under NDA. That leaves smaller firms with0ut access and at a disadvantage. Canadian fintechs should be piloting open or commercial agent-based tools or partner with AI providers that offer more access to remain competitive.
Governance Is Not Optional
AI code can fail spectacularly if unreviewed by a human currently. This can lead to security holes and/or logic gaps. Canadian companies also need human engineers to oversee similar governance, such as audits, version controls, quality assurance gates, and compliance reviews.
5 Things Fintech Leaders Should Consider Doing Now
- Start testing AI coding tools in sandbox environments to learn what they can and cannot do
- Train development teams to work with AI by focusing on review, security, and systems thinking and governance
See: Tragic Incident Highlights AI Chatbot Risks for Teens
- Treat all AI output as untrusted until it passes through the same testing and compliance layers used for human code
- Push for access to open agentic systems or form partnerships to avoid being locked out of new AI productivity tools
- Engage with regulators early to help shape rules for safe and accountable AI in financial systems
Conclusion
Not too long ago, we said the 'robots were here'! Well now Goldman is using AI to write their banking production code. Productivity is rising but it comes with new risks. Roles are changing, and oversight and governance is critical. Canadian financial technology companies must not fall too far behind. Those that jump in now will likely be in a better position to compete later.
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
| | |
|---|---|---|
| | |
Bitcoin Breaks ATH as Global Momentum Builds
Crypto | July 11, 2025
Image: BTCUSD Tradingview
Bitcoin High Fuelled by Record ETF Inflows, Tight Supply, and Rising Institutional Demand
Bitcoin just printed a massive green candle, BTC reaching a new all-time-high (ATH) of USD $118,000, boosted by institutional inflows, constrained supply, and regulatory momentum in global markets. At the same time, Canada is working to finalize long awaited rules to bring clarity to crypto exposure for funds and federally regulated financial institutions. Collectively, it's a rare convergence of events that are pushing up price. It's a timely opportunity for Canadian fintechs, fund managers, and policymakers to assess their positioning and prepare for what's next.
What Is Driving Bitcoin’s Breakout?
Global capital flows into Bitcoin are accelerating, as international financial markets interact with the asset.
1. ETF Inflows Unlock Institutional Demand
U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs have attracted over $51 billion USD in net inflows since January 2025. These products are managed by firms like BlackRock and Fidelity, are offering institutional investors direct and regulated access to Bitcoin at scale. On July 9 alone, daily flows exceeded USD $1.18 billion.
2. Supply Constraints Are Driving Scarcity
Bitcoin balances held on exchanges have fallen to their lowest levels since 2017, according to Glassnode data. It means long term hodlers are accumulating and there are fewer sellers which tightens liquidity and pushes prices upwards during surges.
3. Short Liquidations Are Accelerating Gains
Roughly $1 billion USD in short positions were liquidated in early July, forcing traders to buy back positions at higher prices, creating momentum that further boosts demand and additional institutional entry.
4. US Policy Developments Are Building Confidence
The GENIUS Act cleared the Senate with a bipartisan 68–30 vote on June 17, 2025, establishing the first federal framework for stablecoins (see SEC Issues Covered Stablecoin Statement, Risks Remain), including issuer registration, reserve and audit rules, and oversight. Next up is a House vote during “Crypto Week” starting July 14. In March, the White House issued an executive order creating a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve stocked with seized BTC and a broader digital assets stockpile, which aims to treat Bitcoin as a national reserve asset.
5. Institutions Are Treating Bitcoin as Core Infrastructure
Major asset managers like Fidelity and BlackRock are incorporating Bitcoin as a foundational allocation. In May, U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs saw a net inflow of $9.209 billion USD in just one week led by BlackRock’s IBIT and Fidelity’s FBTC. While global forces are transforming financial markets, what matters for Canadian fintechs and financial institutions is how Canada is responding.
Canada Working to Define Rules
OSFI Guidelines for Banks and Insurers
In February 2025, the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI) published its final guideline on crypto-asset exposures. Taking effect later this year, the new framework applies to all federally regulated banks and insurers. According to Norton Rose Fulbright, it establishes:
See: SEC Clears Crypto Staking. What It Means for Canada
- A requirement to fully deduct most crypto exposures from Tier 1 capital
- A 2% cap on Group 2 asset exposure (which includes Bitcoin) with enhanced supervision at 1%
- Formal expectations for reporting, governance, and risk measurement of crypto holdings
These rules are an important step in integrating crypto within Canada’s prudential regulatory system, and they provide institutions with clearer guardrails to support innovation while managing systemic risk.
CSA Investment Fund Amendments
On April 17, 2025, the Canadian Securities Administrators (CSA) finalized amendments to NI 81-102, the national rule governing mutual funds and investment products. These changes come into force on July 16, 2025.
As detailed by McMillan and McCarthy Tétrault, the new rules say that:
- Only alternative mutual funds and non-redeemable funds may directly hold Bitcoin or other eligible crypto assets
- Other fund types may gain exposure via crypto derivatives up to 10% of NAV
See: Russia’s State Bank Launches Bitcoin-Linked Bond
- Custodians must use cold wallets, carry insurance, and undergo third-party operational audits
- Pricing must use regulated, reliable, and independent valuation sources
What This Means for Canadian Fintechs and Fund Managers
The OSFI and CSA frameworks are opening clearer paths for new crypto products and more diversified portfolios. Fund managers can now launch Bitcoin-focused vehicles with defined rules around eligibility, custody, and risk.
Banks and insurers must begin planning for capital and governance policies that align with OSFI’s exposure thresholds.
Fintech platforms have more certainty when adding Bitcoin related features, with legal and compliance expectations now taking shape.
These changes also raise the bar for investor protection, requiring firms to strengthen disclosures, improve internal oversight, and adopt secure custody practices.
Closing Thought
Another Bitcoin ATH is worth celebrating but the deeper trend is about normalization. Not too long ago, crypto assets were speculative but they are now moving to regulated infrastructure.
See: Tariff Revenue Hits Record as Canada nears U.S. Trade Deadline
Canada is positioning itself to participate in a more stable and credible digital crypto future, and there's growing alignment between global investment flows and domestic regulatory action, providing fintechs and capital providers with greater clarity and confidence than ever before.
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
| | |
|---|---|---|
| | |
Tariff Revenue Hits Record as Canada nears U.S. Trade Deadline
Trade and Tariffs| July 10, 2025
Image: Freepik/rawpixel.com
U.S. Tariff Revenue Soars to $100 Billion as Canada Faces July 21 Trade Deadline
As of July 8, 2025, Reuters reports that the U.S. has collected about $100 billion in tariff revenues in 2025, and according to U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, tariff revenue projections could reach $300 billion by the end of this year.
See: U.S. Tax Bill Could Drive Capital Back to Canada
Customs duties in May alone reached $22.8 billion or almost 4x the amount one year prior. While the White House views this revenue as a fiscal benefit, economists caution that tariffs create economic distortions, raise costs for importers, and increase prices for consumers.
Revenue Claims Fact Check
FactCheck.org analyzed Treasury data and found that U.S. customs and tariffs generated $37.8 billion in April and May combined, with $22.2 billion in May alone, which is well below the $88 billion those months were referenced to yield, let alone the larger $122 billion claimed later. It highlights how public statements about tariff income often exceed actual collections.
Canada’s Export Decline and Digital Services Tax Dropped
The Business Council of Canada reports that Canadian exports to the U.S. dropped 26.5% year-over-year, with Canada's share of exports to the U.S. falling from 78% to 68%.
Export volumes fell 10.8% in April before seeing a small 1.1% rebound in May but remain historically low. The Business Council of Canada warned that this declines is another “wake-up call” with advocates pushing to diversify trade into Southeast Asia, and move ahead with the One Canadian Economy Act .
Canada’s proposed 3% digital services tax was supposed to raise C$7.2 billion over five years but was dropped by PM Carney late June after it triggered the suspension of trade talks .
According to The Guardian, Nobel laureate economist Joseph Stiglitz warned that Canada's repeal represents “a troubling precedent for economic sovereignty,” describing it as a resignation to U.S. economic coercion instead of a strategic trade policy.
New Round of U.S. Tariffs Skips Canada for Now
On July 7, Trump issued letters announcing tariffs between 25–40% to start August 1 on imports from 14 countries, including South Korea and Japan. Canada wasn't included on this list but is still subject to existing 25% tariffs on steel, aluminum, and autos, along with 10% U.S. duties on energy and potash not covered by CUSMA. Copper tariffs are also in Trump's sights which is another concern. The S&P 500 fell nearly 1%, it's largest global drop in weeks following the tariff letter announcement.
Fintech Feeling the Strain
Tariff uncertainty is directly affecting Canadian fintechs. Cross-border payment providers are facing higher Foreign Exchange (FX) costs and more regulatory complexity.
See: DPI Digital Finance Works. Why Is Canada Still Waiting?
Trade finance platforms have warned that rising tariff uncertainty is leading to higher invoice default rates among SME exporters and creating pressure on fintech services who need predictable trade flows.
According to PYMTS, many fintechs are accelerating adoption of tokenized receivables and embedded credit insurance tools to help manage risk, speed up funding, and reduce exposure to trade disruption.
“Tokenization… offers the potential to streamline the inefficient $9.7 trillion trade finance market.”
What Comes Next
Canada and the U.S. are negotiating a new security and economic partnership with a July 21 target date but without consequences for missing the deadline, extended talks will cause further economic harm. And if there is no deal, Canada could move forward with retaliatory tariffs while providing targeted relief, which could include SME and export-orientated fintechs.
See: The Crisis Canada and Fintech Can’t Afford to Waste
Looking to diversify and reduce reliance on U.S. markets, Canada is moving quickly to finalize a free trade agreement with Southeast Asian nations. Foreign Minister Anita Anand confirmed that “work is being done with alacrity to finalise the text of the free trade agreement” with ASEAN, adding that economic cooperation will also include energy, food security, digital economy, and artificial intelligence.
Outlook
The July 21 deadline will impact Canada’s exports and redefine trade, innovation, and the financial ecosystem, as it impacts geopolitical volatility, SME access to financing, and investor perceptions. This is a decisive moment for Canada’s economic resilience and fintech innovation.
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
| | |
|---|---|---|
| | |
UK-Google Deal Raises DPI Red Flags for Canada
Digital Public Infrastructure | July 9, 2025
Controversial UK Deal with Google Is a Warning for Canada as it Builds Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI)
On July 9, 2025, The Guardian reported that the UK government signed a direct contract with Google to deliver its "One Login" platform for public services. Apparently, the contract wasn't tendered (so it wasn't competitive), and critics say it's the beginning of handing control of sensitive citizen data to a single private, for profit company. At a time when adopting DPI is beneficial for the public, this story raises serious concerns about oversight, transparency, and long-term digital sovereignty. Since Canada has not yet delivered any core components of digital public infrastructure just yet, the UK's warning may be an unexpected benefit.
What the UK Did
The UK's central digital office selected Google Cloud to run the backend for government login services. This includes managing identity data and authentication across multiple departments. There was no public tender and the terms of the agreement aren't fully disclosed. Civil society groups warn that giving Google this level of control over national systems weakens accountability and creates vendor lock-in and risks public trust. The concern isn't just about who will provide the top modern tech but who governs the infrastructure that supports access to identity, payments and public services.
Public Infrastructure Needs Public Governance
Countries like Estonia and Singapore have shown that digital systems can be both modern and well governed. They built public identity systems with transparency and created legal frameworks that protect data control. Australia’s real-time payments and data sharing systems support innovation without giving control to a single provider. These models prove that digital infrastructure can be inclusive and accountable when designed properly. Canada should follow that example. Digital public infrastructure is not just about speed or efficiency. It is about trust.
See: Rachel Reeves: UK’s Financial Innovation Blueprint
When digital platforms are built without clear rules, the risks grow quickly. Single-provider systems can create long-term dependencies. If people cannot audit how their data is used or moved, public trust suffers. If regulators have no clear oversight, innovation slows.
DPI systems are difficult to replace once embedded. They must be built with full transparency, open standards, and meaningful accountability from the start.
DPI Is a Public Good and Must Be Built and Governed That Way
Digital ID, payment rails, and data sharing frameworks are not just technical upgrades. They are core infrastructure like roads or power grids and they must be governed in the public interest. That doesn't mean excluding private players. Fintechs, developers, and financial institutions all have a role to play. But the base infrastructure must remain open and responsive to the needs of Canadians. This includes protecting user consent, enabling portability, and supporting small and mid-sized innovators.
Outlook
There is limited live DPI in Canada today, so Canada's delay gives us a chance to get it right (not to forget, we are still behind). Canada must act with clarity and purpose. Every DPI decision should go through a transparent, public process. Open standards should be the default. Procurement must be competitive and auditable. And regulators must have clear authority to enforce privacy, consent, and security rules.
See: The Trifecta of India’s Digital Transformation is Turning Heads Globally
The UK deal shows what can go wrong. Canada has the policy tools, the talent, and the industry support to build better. DPI must not be outsourced without guardrails or built in silos. It must be designed as public infrastructure that enables secure, fast, and inclusive financial services. Canada’s position in the global digital economy depends on it.
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
| | |
|---|---|---|
| | |
Canadian Clio Acquires American vLex for US$1B
Acquisition | June 30, 2025
Image: Freepik AI
Clio to Buy vLex in One of the Largest Legaltech Deals Ever
On June 30, 2025, Burnaby-based Canadian legaltech firm Clio announced that it entered into a definitive agreement to acquire U.S. firm vLex for $1 billion USD in cash and stock. This is the largest acquisition in Clio's history and one of the most significant software deals ever led by a Canadian company. The deal merges Clio's legal operating system with vLex's AI-powered research platform to create a unified and intelligent legal system.
See: Canuck Startups Cohere and Clio Secure Major Funding Rounds
The combined platform currently serves over 200,000 legal professionals and includes vLex’s multilingual legal database and its AI engine Vincent, already trusted by law firms, courts, and legal associations in more than 110 countries.
The deal is expected to close later in 2025, pending regulatory approvals. Clio was advised by Goldman Sachs, with legal support from Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP, Wilson Sonsini, and Gowling WLG. vLex was advised by J.P. Morgan, with legal counsel from A&O Shearman and Uría Menéndez. See the vLex announcement
Combining Legal Research and Practice with AI
Clio’s system simplifies firm operations while vLex’s technology provides legal insight across jurisdictions. Together, imagine a legaltech platform that combines task management, research, drafting, and smart analysis all in one place. By uniting all of these functions, the platform can support small firm use cases all the way to enterprise workflows in a single system.
See: Calgary’s Modular Raises Key Insurtech Funding Round
Jack Newton, CEO and founder of Clio, said this is the beginning of a new era for the company and the legal profession. It didn't happen overnight. For seventeen years Clio has built tools to help law firms run efficiently. Now, jointed with vLex, it can add intelligence that understands legal content. Newton explained this further in a conversation with LawNext.
What the Deal Says About Legal AI and Canada’s Role
The times are changing in legaltech. According to the Q2 2025 Emerging Tech SaaS Report from PitchBook (subscription required), vertical SaaS acquisitions have increased by over 40% this year. Companies are integrating domain specific AI into platforms that combine workflow with insight. Clio and vLex are now a clear example of that trend.
vLex’s Vincent AI is capable of analyzing legal documents, audio, and video, and it can also support legal theory testing and custom workflows. These capabilities are essential for trusted, high value use cases in regulated environments, and they are creating an entirely new category of intelligent legal infrastructure.
Why This Merger Matters for Investors and Policymakers
vLex is backed by Oakley Capital, a UK based private equity firm. Clio's deal is Oakley’s third major legaltech exit in the past two years, pointing to the growing maturity of legal intelligence platforms.
See: Botpress Raises $25M USD to AI Agent Infrastructure
Canadian policymakers should take notice of what's possible when national tech companies are supported in scaling globally. It offers a template for other sectors from finance to insurance to healthcare where regulated services require trusted, explainable AI. The acquisition is showing how these platforms can work in practice across different levels of complexity and jurisdictions.
Outlook
Clio's deal puts a Canadian company in a leading position in global legal AI, and offers a model for how other high trust sectors could follow. That is how intelligent systems based on the knowledge economy, trusted data, and applied AI are likely to impact professional services in the years to come.
The National Crowdfunding & Fintech Association (NCFA Canada) is a financial innovation ecosystem that provides education, market intelligence, industry stewardship, networking and funding opportunities and services to thousands of community members and works closely with industry, government, partners and affiliates to create a vibrant and innovative fintech and funding industry in Canada. Decentralized and distributed, NCFA is engaged with global stakeholders and helps incubate projects and investment in fintech, alternative finance, crowdfunding, peer-to-peer finance, payments, digital assets and tokens, artificial intelligence, blockchain, cryptocurrency, regtech, and insurtech sectors. Join Canada's Fintech & Funding Community today FREE! Or become a contributing member and get perks. For more information, please visit: www.ncfacanada.org
| | |
|---|---|---|
| | |
