Karsten Wenzlaff, Advisor
August 26th, 2025
Karsten Wenzlaff is a Crowdfunding and Fintech Expert from Germany. He is Secretary-General of Digit[...]
Category Archives: Innovation and Resources
CoinPayments Taps OSL To Expand Across APAC
Mar 27, 2026 | NCFA Fintech Market Activity | Payments And Money Movement
Image: Freepik
Local APAC Rails and Fiat Off Ramps
On March 27, 2026, CoinPayments partnered with OSL Group to expand in APAC. The deal gives CoinPayments access to local payment rails and fiat off ramps across the region.
APAC is already a large and fast growing crypto market. Chainalysis' 2025 global crypto adoption reported that APAC transaction volume increased to $2.36T, up from $1.4T in a 12 month period ending June 2025. Crypto payments need merchants for local conversion, payout, and settlement that works in the market they serve.
CoinPayments brings real scale into that push. The company said earlier this month that it has processed more than $50B in crypto transactions and supports more than 250,000 merchants globally.
OSL brings a different advantage. After completing its Banxa acquisition in January 2026, OSL said its regulatory footprint expanded to more than 40 trading and payment licenses and registrations across the United States, Canada, the European Union, the United Kingdom, and Australia.
That gives the partnership a clear commercial logic. CoinPayments brings merchant reach. OSL brings regulated payout and conversion infrastructure. The March 27 announcement also builds on CoinPayments’ existing work with Banxa, so the operating link was already there before this APAC push.
Talking Point
In crypto payments, which creates more leverage over time: merchant reach or control of local payout and off ramp infrastructure?
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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Crypto Self Custody Growth And User Behaviour Data
Mar 26, 2026 | NCFA Feature | Digital Assets Blockchain And Tokenization
Data Shows Trend Towards Self Controlled Crypto Custody
On March 24 2026, a Cointelegraph Research and Trezor report on self custody behaviour put hard numbers behind the trend that's been building for years. Trust in centralized platforms keeps falling. At the same time, self custody is moving out of the expert corner of crypto and into the mainstream for serious users.
The report draws on 375 survey responses and pairs that data with real world exchange failures, wallet design analysis, and a sober look at where users still get hurt. People have watched enough platforms fail, and now they're changing how they hold assets.
1. Trust In Exchanges Declines at Scale
A combined 65% of respondents say they trust centralized exchanges less than they did four years ago. Of that group, 45% say they trust them much less and 20% say they trust them a bit less
33% point to exchange hacks as the main driver. 27% point to collapses such as FTX. Another 26% point to regulatory restrictions.
The trend matches the market’s recent history. FTX exposed an estimated $8B hole in customer funds. QuadrigaCX collapsed amid fraud and broken internal controls. Mt. Gox lost about 850,000 BTC after years of theft and system failures.
The deeper issue is structural. Centralized platforms gather large pools of assets behind a small number of operational and administrative control points. That concentration makes them efficient in good times, but it also makes them attractive targets when something goes wrong. One breach, one fraud, one breakdown in controls, and the damage can spread fast.
2. Users Change Behaviour Fast
Users aren't just frustrated. They're acting on it.
A striking 85% of respondents agree with the phrase “not your keys, not your coins.” That includes 63% who strongly agree. It's becoming standard thinking for people who want lasting control over digital assets.
See: BitGo Adds USDCx And cBTC Custody On Canton
When asked why they use self custody, 57% say private key ownership is the main reason. Another 24% say maximum security drives the decision.
Most respondents say they would not leave assets on a custodial exchange for more than one month, even without an immediate panic event. In practice, exchanges are starting to look less like vaults and more like temporary access points.
3. Hardware Wallets Now Mainstream
One of the clearest data points in the report is that 36% of respondents actively use hardware wallets.
A hardware wallet keeps your private keys off your phone or computer. You set up a transaction on your device, then confirm and sign it on the hardware wallet. The keys never leave the wallet. This lowers the risk of malware, hacks, and common theft methods.
Hardware wallets protect your keys, but they don’t protect your decisions. They can confirm a transaction comes from your device, but they can’t always tell if you fully understand what you’re approving.
4. Self Custody Still Carries Hard Risk
Phishing is still one of the biggest risks. Attackers copy real wallet brands, fake support messages, and trick users into giving up their recovery phrase. Once that’s exposed, the funds are usually gone.
Blind signing is another major issue, especially with smart contracts. Users approve transactions without fully understanding what they do. The report highlights a real case where a malicious approval led to a $1.4B loss. That alone shows self custody is not just about buying a device and feeling safe.
See: The Role of a Crypto Wallet in Canada’s Digital Finance Future
Supply chain risk is also real. Some people buy wallets from unofficial sellers and receive devices that have been tampered with or come with preset seed phrases. It compromises the user before self custody even begins.
Physical security is becoming more serious as well. The report cites 74 publicly reported physical attacks on crypto holders in 2025, with at least 9 already recorded in January 2026. These are real world attacks tied to visible holdings and weak operational privacy.
Then there is the quieter problem that rarely gets enough attention, which is backup failure. The report estimates that roughly 10% of circulating Bitcoin supply may already be lost because users mismanage recovery material or lose access entirely. It reminds the market that the biggest long term risk in self custody may not be theft alone. It may be preventable self inflicted loss.
5. Regulation Adds Pressure
Another useful part of the report is its treatment of regulatory risk. Users are not only responding to hacks and insolvencies. They are also responding to the fact that access to funds can be interrupted, such as payment rail seizures, exchange shutdowns, withdrawal suspensions, and enforcement actions that cut off access to custodial accounts. Different cases arise from different legal and operational reasons.
Users who worry about counterparty exposure, platform freezes, or policy driven restrictions increasingly want a self custody setup they can control directly.
What Fintech Builders Can Learn
Digital wallets are becoming core control layers in digital asset finance. That assumes customers will keep meaningful balances on platform for long periods of time.
The next real product gap is not only stronger key storage, but clearer intent verification. Users need to know what they are signing, why they are signing it, and what will happen next. That means readable transaction flows, better simulation tools, stronger warnings, clearer address handling, and far less dependence on users interpreting raw contract data on the fly.
Security is central to the user experience. The firms that reduce confusion, expose hidden risk, and make recovery practices easier to manage will offer a match better product experience than companies that assume security begins and ends with cryptography.
See: Takeaways from the SEC’s Crypto Custody Roundtable
Finally, distribution and engagement models will keep changing as assets move off centralized platforms and into user controlled environments. Markets are evolving toward wallet centered ecosystems, service layers, and infrastructure that works with user sovereignty rather than around it.
Ownership does not create security on its own. Security comes from repeated good practice. Users need to verify transactions carefully, protect recovery material, source devices properly, and think through physical as well as digital threat models. Put differently, self custody is not a static product state. It is an operating discipline.
Closing Thought
Self custody is no longer a niche behaviour reserved for maximalists, techies, and power users. It is becoming a natural response to broken trust in centralized custody. It moves responsibility away from institutions and toward individuals, which means the next generation of financial products must do more than secure assets. They must help people operate safely in a digital finance world.
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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Why MGA Licensed Casinos Are Popular Among Canadian Players
March 26, 2026
Image: Pixabay/tourque
There has been considerable discussion in recent years about gaming licenses from the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) and whether they still hold value in an increasingly regulated world. With Canada’s provincial markets moving toward their own regulatory frameworks, some players question whether this license matters anymore. The possibility of more provinces following Ontario’s lead and introducing their own licensing systems has led some to believe that international MGA licenses will soon become unnecessary for Canadian players.
However, the reality is more nuanced. In practice, MGA licensed casinos remain some of the most commonly used and trusted platforms among Canadian players. For those looking into their options, websites like MGAcasinos.ca are dedicated to helping players find the best MGA casino sites in Canada. This website offers a list of online casinos that have a proven track record of player protection, fair gaming standards, and high-quality gaming features.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at why the MGA license still holds strong value in the Canadian market and why so many players continue to prefer it across Canada.
What Is the Malta Gaming Authority?
The MGA is the government body responsible for regulating gambling in Malta. It was established in 2001, and Malta became one of the first countries in the European Union to formally regulate online gaming back in 2004. That head start gave the regulator decades to build out one of the most respected licensing frameworks in the industry.
It operates under Malta’s Gaming Act, which came into full effect in August 2018 after a major overhaul of the country’s gambling laws. Today, it oversees both land-based and online operators, sets the standards they must follow, and has the authority to issue fines, suspend licenses, or cancel them altogether when operators fall short.
What sets the MGA apart from lesser-known licensing bodies is the level of scrutiny involved. Operators must pass background checks, demonstrate financial stability, meet technical requirements, and implement responsible gambling measures before they can receive a license.
Ongoing compliance is expected, not just during the application stage. In practice, this means licenses are not automatically renewed. Recent figures reported by Next.io show that multiple operators applied for renewals, and not all were approved, reflecting the regulator’s continued oversight and willingness to deny extensions where standards are not met.
Reasons Canadians Play at MGA Casinos
Canadian players have a lot of options when it comes to online gambling, but MGA licensed casinos consistently stand out. The reasons go beyond simply being internationally licensed. Here’s a clear breakdown of why these platforms are so popular among Canadian players:
1. Access Beyond Provincial Boundaries
Outside Ontario, most Canadian provinces don’t have fully regulated markets for private online casinos. Provincial lottery corporations offer their own platforms, but these options are limited. Additionally, most provinces haven’t established a licensing system for private operators.
As a result, many players turn to internationally licensed sites for more choice and flexibility. This is why Canadian players frequently encounter MGA licensed casinos, as these platforms are widely available and well-established, making them a natural choice for players seeking quality online gaming.
2. Trusted Regulatory Oversight
The MGA has been around for many years now and is well known among online casino players in Canada. This long presence has helped build familiarity and trust, so many players already recognise what to expect from it. Because of that, these licensed casinos are often preferred over other jurisdictions, not just for compliance reasons, but because players feel confident using platforms they already know.
3. Player Protection Measures
Licensed casinos under the MGA have to follow strict player protection rules designed to keep players safe. This includes:
- Responsible gambling tools: deposit limits, wagering/loss/session limits, and self-exclusion options.
- Secure transactions: player funds are kept in segregated accounts, separate from casino operating funds.
- Dispute resolution: clear complaint processes and independent Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) options.
- Fair gaming audits: independent testing and certified random number generators ensure that every game is fair.
4. Wide Game Selection and Software Quality
MGA casinos partner with some of the biggest software providers in the industry, including NetEnt, Microgaming, and Evolution Gaming. This means Canadian players have access to thousands of high-quality slot titles, table games, and live dealer experiences. The variety and innovation available at these casinos often surpass what provincial platforms can offer.
5. Flexible Payment Options
Canadian players benefit from a wide range of payment methods at MGA casinos, including:
- Interac (widely used across Canada)
- Credit and debit cards
- E-wallets like Skrill and Neteller
- Cryptocurrencies on some platforms
Withdrawals are often faster, and the variety ensures players can deposit and play in ways that are convenient and secure.
6. Attractive Bonuses and Promotions
MGA casinos are known for offering competitive welcome bonuses, free spins, cashback, and loyalty programs. Compared to provincial platforms, these promotions are generally more varied, giving players extra value and incentives to try new games.
7. Long-Term Operator Commitment
Many MGA licensed casinos are run by established international brands that seek long-term growth rather than short-term profits. Because the MGA is a highly respected regulator, this attracts reputable companies, which in turn gives Canadian players access to stable, trustworthy platforms. For players, this means these casinos are less likely to disappear suddenly and more likely to offer consistent service, fair games, and reliable payouts over time.
How Canadian Players Can Identify an MGA Licensed Casino
The MGA makes it straightforward to verify whether a casino actually holds a valid license. Here is how to check:
- Look at the footer - Legitimate MGA licensed casinos display their license information at the bottom of the page, usually including the license number and a small MGA logo.
- Use the MGA's public register - The authority maintains an online licensee register at org.mt, where anyone can search for an operator by name or license number. If a casino claims to be MGA licensed but doesn't appear in that register, that's a serious red flag.
- Check for responsible gambling links - Licensed sites are required to display responsible gambling information and links to support organisations. If a site has no mention of responsible gambling tools, that's worth paying attention to.
- Look for the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) details - Operators must make their complaints process visible to players, including information about which ADR entity handles disputes. If that information is buried or absent, it may indicate the site isn't fully compliant.
Conclusion
The Malta Gaming Authority has built a reputation as one of the more rigorous online gaming regulators in the world, and that is why Canadian players frequently encounter MGA licensed casinos when looking for options outside provincial platforms.
See: Stablecoins Power Prediction Market Settlement
These casinos offer Canadian players a winning combination of safety, fairness, and variety. With strict regulatory oversight, secure transactions and protections for players, it is no wonder these casinos are so popular. Whether you are a casual gamer or a high-stakes player, exploring MGA licensed platforms can help you find trusted options and enjoy peace of mind while playing.
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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Better And Coinbase Launch Token Backed Mortgages
Mar 26, 2026 | NCFA Fintech Market Activity | Banking And Credit, Digital Assets And Tokenization
Digital Asset Collateral Backs Standard Home Finance Mortgages
On March 26, 2026, Better and Coinbase launched the first token backed conforming mortgage. Qualified borrowers can pledge Bitcoin or USDC to fund a cash down payment while still taking out a standard mortgage that meets Fannie Mae rules. The structure lets borrowers use digital assets without selling them first and without automatically triggering a taxable sale event.
The product targets a large and growing borrower base. Better and Coinbase put the addressable market at 52 million Americans who own digital assets, equal to 20% of American adults. They also mention quite an age split, with 45% of younger investors holding crypto versus 18% of older investors. That age gap means it's much harder for younger buyers to meet traditional down payment cash requirements, yet many already hold part of their savings in digital assets.
See: OSC Opens Door for Tokenized Long-Term Funds
There are no margin calls and no required top ups if Bitcoin falls in value. Price moves alone do not trigger liquidation. Collateral comes into play only if a borrower becomes 60 days delinquent, under the same treatment applied to standard conforming mortgages. Borrowers using USDC can also earn rewards on pledged balances, which may offset mortgage payments and lower the net effective rate.
The buyer profile is also broader than a luxury crypto niche. Better and Coinbase said 67% of token holders are 45 or younger and 26% earn less than US $75,000 a year. They also pointed to Redfin data showing 12.7% of Gen Z and Millennial homebuyers have already sold tokenized assets to fund a down payment, versus 3.5% of Gen X and 0.5% of Baby Boomers.
Digital assets are now included in standard mortgage structure, not just a trading or investment account. Token holdings now help fund a conforming mortgage down payment without forcing a sale first. As this model grows, digital assets will look less like something borrowers need to liquidate and more like collateral lenders may be willing to work with.
Better and Coinbase also plan to expand eligible collateral over time to include tokenized equities, fixed income, and tokenized real estate assets. If that happens, the story will not stop at mortgages. It will continue to proliferate into which consumer lending products can absorb token backed collateral and under what terms.
Talking Point
If digital assets can now help fund a conforming mortgage, which standard lending products could be next to accept token backed collateral?
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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BitGo Adds USDCx And cBTC Custody On Canton
Mar 25, 2026 | NCFA Fintech Market Activity | Digital Assets And Tokenization
Custody And Settlement Infrastructure Deepen On Institutional Tokenization Rails
On March 25, 2026, BitGo added qualified custody support for USDCx and cBTC on the Canton Network. This expands its role on Canton beyond Canton Coin and into CIP-56 assets, the token format Canton uses for regulated financial markets.
The CIP-56 token standard supports private transactions, built in KYC and AML controls, delivery versus payment settlement, and final settlement within seconds. Those features give institutions the controls they need to use tokenized assets in real collateral and settlement workflows.
Canton describes itself as a privacy enabled blockchain network for institutional assets, with about 600 validators live and more than 15 million monthly transactions using Canton Coin in their flows. That's why BitGo's expansion is interesting because it plugs additional assets into a network that's already being built for regulated financial activity, not retail token trading.
See: SEC Crypto Interpretation Resets Market Structure
USDCx already serves as the settlement currency for out of hours repo settlement and tokenized collateral workflows on Canton. It is issued through Circle’s xReserve framework. cBTC adds bitcoin backed liquidity to the same environment, giving firms another asset they can use across collateral and settlement activity. This isn't just broader token support. It makes the settlement layer more usable.
Qualified custody for Canton Coin launched in October 2025, and token support followed in less than six months. The work is no longer just about putting assets onchain. It is about building the custody, collateral, and settlement stack that institutions need around them.
Canton is also drawing in more institutional infrastructure, including tokenized money market fund infrastructure from Goldman Sachs and BNY. This BitGo move adds another piece to the same buildout. If tokenized finance is going to work at scale, firms need more than issuance. They need custody that institutions trust, settlement assets they can use, and compliant rails that hold up under real volume. That's where commercial value is starting to concentrate.
Talking Point
As tokenized markets add stablecoin settlement, bitcoin backed liquidity, and qualified custody, which firms become hardest to replace?
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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Chexy Raises $14M To Build A Broader Payments Business
Mar 25, 2026 | NCFA Fintech Market Activity | Payments And Money Movement
From Rent Payments To Recurring Money Movement
On March 25, 2026, Chexy closed a $14M Series A led by Khosla Ventures. Co-founder and CEO Liza Akhvledziani Carew said the company started by helping renters earn rewards on their biggest monthly expense, then grew into “something much bigger: a new way for money to move in Canada.”
Chexy’s own numbers speak for themselves. The company says it now supports 5,000+ businesses, $1B+ in annual payments, and $20M in rewards value. That's certainly not a narrow rent rewards story and points to a scaling payments company for businesses.
See: Peoples Group, Fiserv to Modernize Payments Infrastructure
The company has already shown that rent can work as an entry point. In its first year, the company said it processed $30M in rental payments and generated $1M in rewards value. Now Chexy’s business offering has expanded considerably, including supplier payments, commercial rent, payroll, corporate tax, GST and HST remittance, payroll remittance, and property tax. This wider mix of recurring payments gives the company more ways to increase usage and build a deeper payments relationship.
While Chexy is part of the trend where rent and housing payments pull more fintech models into consumer finance, it's broadening it's model built around payments rather than point of sale credit. And the capital gives the fintech more runway to build and grow.
Talking Point
If rent brings users in, which payment flows give Chexy the best chance to become a durable Canadian money product?
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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Prediction Markets Tighten As Wealthsimple Enters
Mar 25, 2026 | NCFA Insight | Regulation And Policy, Capital Markets And Market Infrastructure
Rules, Product Limits, And A Narrower Canadian Lane
Sports volume built the business. Now rules, surveillance, and product limits will decide who lasts. On March 23, 2026, a bipartisan Senate bill moved to ban sports and casino style contracts on CFTC registered prediction market venues. The Senate release said a March Madness winner contract had already passed $100M in trading volume and that Super Bowl prediction market volume topped $1B in 2026.
Those numbers explain why prediction markets are now under direct pressure from lawmakers. Prediction markets are no longer fringe. They now sit in a fight over who regulates them, which contracts stay allowed, and whether the business still works under tighter rules.
Why Sports Contracts Triggered The Fight
Sports helped prediction markets reach a wide audience fast, but that same growth put them in direct competition with state regulated sportsbooks and tribal gaming interests. The Prediction Market Senate bill to ban sports contracts is aimed straight at that overlap. It would prohibit any CFTC registered entity from listing contracts that closely resemble a sports bet or a casino style game. If it advances, sports contracts would be the first part of the business to take a hit. That in itself wouldn't kill prediction markets, but it would force a reset around contracts that look more like economic, financial, or commercial forecasting and less like entertainment wagering.
Sports contracts brought scale, attention, and league partnerships. NCFA looked at that earlier when the NHL partnered with Kalshi and Polymarket. Sports now look like the part of the business most likely to trigger a stronger federal and state response.
Why Platforms Tightened Rules Now
Polymarket and Kalshi tightened their controls on the same day. On March 23, Polymarket tightened its market integrity rules across both its DeFi venue and its CFTC regulated US exchange. The updated rules ban trading on stolen confidential information, illegal tips, and outcomes a trader can influence.
Kalshi added candidate and athlete trading bans covering political candidates, athletes, referees, coaches, and team staff, and introduced a whistleblower feature to tighten insider risk controls.
These aren't minor changes. They prove Kalshi and Polymarket understand that insider risk is now a live issue. Prediction markets want to be treated as financial infrastructure, but financial infrastructure has to show it can police insiders, document rules, and respond fast when abuse appears. NCFA covered that tension earlier when prediction markets started pricing geopolitical events.
Canada Is Drawing A Different Line
Canada is taking a narrower approach. The Globe and Mail reported today that Wealthsimple cleared a regulatory hurdle to offer forecast contracts in Canada, but only for economic indicators, financial markets, and climate trends. Sports and election contracts are out. Wealthsimple is the second firm to receive this approval in Canada, after Interactive Brokers Canada.
Interactive Brokers Canada has positioned contracts around government, economic, finance, and climate events, not sports books in a different wrapper. The product is already live in Canada on that basis.
Wealthsimple now brings local retail distribution, stronger brand reach, and a better chance of testing whether forecast contracts can find a market here without leaning on the sports volume that pushed the US fight into the open.
What This Means For Business Models
Can a prediction market still grow once sports contracts face a ban, insider screening gets tighter, and compliance costs rise? Some firms may adapt by leaning into macro, rates, inflation, climate, earnings, and other information markets. Others may find that the most profitable contracts were also the ones most likely to trigger a crackdown.
See: Kalshi Fines MrBeast Editor In Insider Trading Case
The CFTC is also reviewing the rules. On March 12 2026, the CFTC opened an Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on prediction markets and asked for public comment on which event contracts may be contrary to the public interest, how current rules apply, and what changes may be needed. That means this fight is not limited to one Senate bill or one week of headlines. The federal rule in the U.S. is now under review.
For Canadian dealers, fintechs, and market operators, there is room to build forecast products here, but the lane is narrower than in the US.
Insight
Prediction markets already proved they can attract users and volume. The next test is whether prediction markets can still grow once product limits tighten, regulators draw a harder line around what is allowed, and compliance demands rise.
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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