Mahi Sall, Advisor, Fintech-Bank Partnerships, Payments and Financial Inclusivity
January 25th, 2023
FT | March 16
Image: Unsplash/Adeolu Eletu
Nicolas Véron, a regulation expert at the Washington think-tank the Peterson Institute:
From a financial stability perspective, they really killed a fly with a sledgehammer. Designating SVB as systemic was, Véron added, a “very questionable” decision that set a dangerous precedent for further bailouts of uninsured deposits.
The National Crowdfunding & Fintech Association (NCFA Canada) is a financial innovation ecosystem that provides education, market intelligence, industry stewardship, networking and funding opportunities and services to thousands of community members and works closely with industry, government, partners and affiliates to create a vibrant and innovative fintech and funding industry in Canada. Decentralized and distributed, NCFA is engaged with global stakeholders and helps incubate projects and investment in fintech, alternative finance, crowdfunding, peer-to-peer finance, payments, digital assets and tokens, blockchain, cryptocurrency, regtech, and insurtech sectors. Join Canada's Fintech & Funding Community today FREE! Or become a contributing member and get perks. For more information, please visit: www.ncfacanada.org
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MLSDev | Anastasiia Lastovetska | March 17, 2023
Image: Unsplash/Mapbox
When it comes to motivating team members, every leader has their style. Some leaders prefer a more hands-on approach, while others prefer a more laissez-faire stance. So let's discuss the methods to inspire and motivate teammates as a leader. Come along!
Establishing trust is one of the most important contributions you can bring to a team. Trust is the glue that holds groups together and allows them to accomplish great things. Moreover, it spreads over customers who come to get the help of dedicated software developers. But how do you build trust?
It starts with being authentic and honest with your team members. Here are a few examples of what you can do:
Most importantly, keep your word and follow through on your commitments. When team members trust each other, they are more likely to cooperate, collaborate, and be creative. They are also more likely to stick with the team through thick and thin. So if you want your team to achieve its full potential, prioritize building trust.
Celebrating successes is a great way to encourage team members. It makes everyone feel appreciated, and it also lets everyone know what the goals are. It also shows that the company cares about its employees and wants to see them succeed.
One of the best ways to encourage team members to take ownership of their work is to allow them to lead. It doesn't mean that you should hand over the reins entirely, but rather allow team members to take on additional responsibility and make decisions within their area of expertise.
For example, if you have a team member knowledgeable about how to make a social media app, ask them to lead a discussion or presentation. It will not only demonstrate your faith in their abilities, but it will also give them a sense of ownership and responsibility for the team's success.
Another way to encourage team members to take ownership of their work is to provide regular feedback. It should be specific, objective, and focused on the individual's strengths and weaknesses. Giving team members regular feedback helps them identify areas where they need to improve and celebrate their successes.
One of the most important aspects of being a good leader is fostering a collaborative environment. It means creating an atmosphere where team members feel comfortable working together towards a common goal. Achieving this cannot be easy, but it's worth it.
When team members feel like they're part of a supportive community, they're more likely to be creative and productive. Here are the tips for remotely working teams. So how do you foster a collaborative environment?
First, promote open communication. Encourage team members to share their ideas, even if they still need to develop fully. Second, encourage debate and discussion. Allow team members to challenge each other respectfully. And third, show respect for all team members, no matter their position on the totem pole. Promoting these values will create a collaborative environment to help your team succeed.
At its best, a workplace is a supportive environment where every employee can thrive. Consider each worker's unique needs and circumstances to create such an environment. For example, parents may need flexible hours or access to child care. And employees with chronic health conditions may need accommodations such as a standing desk or extra breaks. And employees who are dealing with personal challenges may appreciate a supportive conversation with a manager.
It takes a high emotional intelligence to see these aspects. However, by taking the time to understand the needs of each individual, employers can create a work environment that meets everyone's needs and helps them reach their full potential.
A role model is someone other people look up to as an example of how to live their life. Of course, there are different types of role models for other people. For example, developers might look up to Bill Gates or Mark Zuckerberg as examples of how to create successful businesses. And so on.
We all have role models, whether we realize it or not. So, how can you inspire and lead others? First, do your work the best. Second, showing off your achievements is okay, but make sure you don't come across as arrogant or condescending. Then, be approachable. If you're aloof or unapproachable, people will be less likely to look up to you as a role model.
In conclusion, consider what will work best for your team to motivate them. Each answer fits only some groups or all members of the same team. The key is to be observant and understand each individual so you can help them find intrinsic motivation. Then, as you grow as a leader, keep these different types of extrinsic motivation in mind and use them accordingly.
Author’s bio: Anastasiia Lastovetska is a technology writer at MLSDev, a software development company that builds web & mobile app solutions from scratch. She researches the area of technology to create great content about app development, UX/UI design, tech & business consulting.
The National Crowdfunding & Fintech Association (NCFA Canada) is a financial innovation ecosystem that provides education, market intelligence, industry stewardship, networking and funding opportunities and services to thousands of community members and works closely with industry, government, partners and affiliates to create a vibrant and innovative fintech and funding industry in Canada. Decentralized and distributed, NCFA is engaged with global stakeholders and helps incubate projects and investment in fintech, alternative finance, crowdfunding, peer-to-peer finance, payments, digital assets and tokens, blockchain, cryptocurrency, regtech, and insurtech sectors. Join Canada's Fintech & Funding Community today FREE! Or become a contributing member and get perks. For more information, please visit: www.ncfacanada.org
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Boardroom | Mar 14, 2023
Image: Strandberg Consulting Inc., association ESG rating system
(one that implements measures that result in continuous improvement of the environmental and social performance of its own operations, the sector or profession it represents and its members. A real game changer, as explains Vancouver-based Coro Strandberg in her latest contribution to Boardroom.)
The National Crowdfunding & Fintech Association (NCFA Canada) is a financial innovation ecosystem that provides education, market intelligence, industry stewardship, networking and funding opportunities and services to thousands of community members and works closely with industry, government, partners and affiliates to create a vibrant and innovative fintech and funding industry in Canada. Decentralized and distributed, NCFA is engaged with global stakeholders and helps incubate projects and investment in fintech, alternative finance, crowdfunding, peer-to-peer finance, payments, digital assets and tokens, blockchain, cryptocurrency, regtech, and insurtech sectors. Join Canada's Fintech & Funding Community today FREE! Or become a contributing member and get perks. For more information, please visit: www.ncfacanada.org
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Betakit | | March 10, 2023
Image: Unsplash/Koen Emmers
“For the sector, the repercussions aren’t entirely knowable at this stage,” McQueen wrote. “Entrepreneurs will have a harder time raising debt, at least temporarily. LPs will frown, for sure, which could make it harder for VCs to raise their next fund. The risk managers at competing banks will conclude what they’ll conclude, but SVB will no longer be easily held out as a proof-point of the appeal of lending to the innovation economy, even if this crisis had nothing to do with the credit quality of SVB’s loan book.”
The National Crowdfunding & Fintech Association (NCFA Canada) is a financial innovation ecosystem that provides education, market intelligence, industry stewardship, networking and funding opportunities and services to thousands of community members and works closely with industry, government, partners and affiliates to create a vibrant and innovative fintech and funding industry in Canada. Decentralized and distributed, NCFA is engaged with global stakeholders and helps incubate projects and investment in fintech, alternative finance, crowdfunding, peer-to-peer finance, payments, digital assets and tokens, blockchain, cryptocurrency, regtech, and insurtech sectors. Join Canada's Fintech & Funding Community today FREE! Or become a contributing member and get perks. For more information, please visit: www.ncfacanada.org
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IBN Media Partner Release | March 8, 2023
TORONTO, March 07, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- via CryptoCurrencyWire -- The National Crowdfunding & Fintech Association (“NCFA”), a financial innovation ecosystem that provides education, market intelligence, industry stewardship, networking and funding opportunities and services to thousands of community members across Canada, announced that it will host the 8th Annual Fintech & Financing Conference and Expo (“FFCON23: REGEN”) in a hybrid format every Tuesday afternoon from March 14 to April 4, 2023.
All Speakers | Program | Pitching | Partners | Tickets
The hybrid conference will conclude with an in-person event on May 31st, 2023, in the bustling city of Toronto, which offers an ideal location as a leading hub for disruptive technologies and financial innovation, and is well-known for its thriving startups and highly educated workforce. The remaining sessions will be conducted in a friendly, business-oriented and cybersecure digital environment.
Now running in its eighth year, FFCON23: REGEN brings together marquee market players, established thought leaders and industry experts with a view to propel Canadian fintech businesses forward, explore emerging opportunities, exchange strategies on negotiating headwinds and to strengthen the national and cross-border fintech ecosystem.
The event offers a once in a year opportunity that can be truly transformative for businesses by facilitating meaningful conversations with experts from fintech, open banking, blockchain, digital assets, web3, metaverse, decentralized finance, virtual commerce, capital markets innovation, payments, wealthtech, regtech, crypto, emerging tech and alternative finance sectors. FFCON23: REGEN will leverage deep domain know-how in regenerative finance and thinking to benefit investors, business owners and broader stakeholders.
Attendees will be immersed in the accelerating fintech landscape over once-a-week but deeply interconnected sessions in March and April 2023. Budding entrepreneurs, investors, financial institutions, government officials and major financial stakeholders will engage in lively debates and insightful knowledge-exchange activities to drive the ideas of the future and shape deeper collaboration between industry peers. Sessions will delve deep into a wide spectrum of the hottest multidisciplinary themes, including fintech, embedded finance, AI/ML, ReFi, DeFi, GreenFi, GameFi, crypto, DAOs, alternative assets and funding sources, lending, cyber security, decentralization and privacy, digital identity and payments.
As a tech and channel agnostic event, attendees will have the rare opportunity to interact with the who’s who of Canadian fintech and funding all under one umbrella, and build a robust educational foundation by learning directly from pioneers and industry veterans across the latest financial technologies, investment approaches, emerging regulations and best practices.
At the heart of proceedings, the event will feature a packed-roster of over 50 renowned speakers such as James Wallace, Chairman, DIGTL; Alex Tapscott, Co-founder, Author, VC, Blockchain Research Institute; King Leung, Head of Fintech, Invest Hong Kong; Sharon Karuga Kinyanjui, EMEA Director, Europe, Middle East & Africa, WorldRemit; Pam Draper, President & CEO, Bitvo; and Shidan Gouran, Executive Chairman, Bluesphere Ventures.
Highly engaging sessions will be presented through a variety of precisely catered formats, including open discussions, deep dives, inspiring keynotes, expert interviews, intimate fireside chats, wide-ranging debates, and dedicated breakout streams.
With each format optimized for business efficiency and durable rapport-building, attendees will be privy to key insights and real-time strategies to strengthen the intrinsic value of their businesses, absorb lessons from innovative ventures and participate in prime networking events with myriad stakeholders. This forum will also facilitate the launching and scaling-up of fintechs, as well as exploration of strategies to future-proof businesses in turbulent economic conditions.
Inspired by sports league drafts, the annual FFCON Fintech Draft will provide a unique platform for growth-oriented fintech startups and scaleups to be reviewed by expert scouts, while offering senior management with invaluable exposure to investors, media, prospective buyers and partners, as well as the chance to win exciting prizes.
Via tailored e-booths, participating companies will also showcase state-of-the-art product and service innovations to an audience of highly connected and industry-savvy attendees. The event offers a great low-cost exhibitor opportunity to drive recognition, connect with potential investors, collaborate with prospective mentors or even identify that next key employee who will prove pivotal to growth.
FFCON23: REGEN is a must-attend event that will pave the way to craft new ventures, drive growth and leave attendees inspired to take the next big step. By networking with Toronto’s foremost investors and business people, attendees will foster lasting relationships with key stakeholders and explore potential synergies to commercialize the next great fintech and funding ventures. The event series is at the cutting-edge of promoting vital industry education and high-powered networking. Each event presents limitless learning and partnership opportunities with diverse parties, including specialist investors, key influencers, well-established industry networks, exciting startup founders, leading regulatory bodies and influential economic development agencies.
To register and explore different ticket options, visit https://fintechandfunding.com/tickets/
To view the detailed agenda, visit https://fintechandfunding.com/ffcon23_program/
The National Crowdfunding & Fintech Association (NCFA Canada) is a financial innovation ecosystem that provides education, market intelligence, industry stewardship, networking and funding opportunities and services to thousands of community members and works closely with industry, government, partners and affiliates to create a vibrant and innovative fintech and funding industry in Canada. Decentralized and distributed, NCFA is engaged with global stakeholders and helps incubate projects and investment in fintech, alternative finance, crowdfunding, peer-to-peer finance, payments, digital assets and tokens, blockchain, cryptocurrency, regtech, and insurtech sectors. Join Canada's Fintech & Funding Community today FREE! Or become a contributing member and get perks. For more information, please visit: www.ncfacanada.org
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Want to get insider access to some of the most innovative advances happening in #fintech. Register for #FFCON23 and hear from global thought leaders what’s next! Click below for Open Access tickets to all virtual programming and on-demand content from FFCON23. |
Guest Post | March 5, 2023
Image: Depositphotos.com
A strong personal brand is what sets your business apart from the competition and allows you to connect with potential clients on a deeper level. It can also increase your credibility and authority in your industry, creating more opportunities and growth for your business.
Whether you offer essay writing help, online education courses, or handcrafted goods, we're here to help strengthen your personal brand. Today, we're going to share five tips for young businesses that are sure to help improve their personal brand. Keep reading to find out more!
A personal brand is a representation of one's unique identity, values, skills, and passions that differentiate them from others in their field or industry. It reflects the way they communicate, present themselves, and interact with others. A personal brand is an essential aspect of establishing a professional reputation and success in a career or business. Without it, a business may find it difficult to attract and retain customers, leading to increased marketing and advertising costs to acquire new customers.
Regardless of whether you are just starting out a new endeavor or have been on the market for a while, professional advice won't hurt. Below, you will find valuable tips that are bound to improve your personal brand and set your business apart from the competition. Let’s go!
Your unique traits and proposition help establish who you are as a brand. At the same time, a recognizable name, logo, motto, or visual identity makes you stick in people's minds. These two elements combined help create a strong personal brand.
To set your brand apart, focus on your unique value proposition. Then, communicate it consistently across all your branding platforms. This will create a clear and memorable image for your brand in the minds of your audience, leading to better recognition and loyalty in the long run.
Modern marketing is impossible without an online presence for most businesses today. Thus, you should take advantage of social media platforms. It will help you showcase your expertise and reach a wider audience. Additionally, investing in search engine optimization can significantly increase your online visibility. As a result, make it easier for potential customers to find you.
Look at how other businesses are using SEO tactics to increase their online presence. An example of that would be a review by NoCramming of EssayPro services. Another example is Airbnb. The company optimizes its listings with specific keywords to rank higher in Google search results. These tactics can greatly improve a company's visibility and attract more potential customers.
Whether you are marketing your business online or offline, your message should be consistent across all channels.
First, being consistent with your messaging helps to develop your brand's identity and makes it memorable to customers.
Second, it reinforces trust and credibility with your audience, which can lead to increased customer loyalty and sales.
That's why your brand's tone of voice, key information, and visuals should not differ from one place to the next.
Networking with industry leaders is another piece of advice that can help you improve your personal brand. It not only opens up opportunities for projects and collaboration, but it also allows you to learn from those who have already established their personal brand.
Attending networking events also allows you to expand your network and gain visibility in your industry.
If you struggle to identify industry leaders at networking events, you may do it online. Just enter "best paper writing services" or any other query into Google to get lists and articles with the best companies in your industry or field. You might also try using social media platforms such as LinkedIn to find and connect with industry leaders. Once you find at least a couple of them, the platform will suggest other professionals who may be relevant to your interests or industry.
As a young business, you can reach out to other young businesses to cross-promote your product or service. People are more likely to follow recommendations from people or organizations they have trusted. This way, you can strengthen your personal brand as well as expand your reach.
Cross-promotion can also help two businesses work together in a mutually beneficial way. They can both gain new customers, increase brand awareness, and save money by sharing marketing costs.
Image: Depositphotos.com
Developing a strong personal brand may help you become well-known in your industry and constantly attract new clients. Building one will almost certainly be a lifelong endeavor for your business.
Thus, we hope our professional advice can help you get started on the right track and make the process more manageable. Remember to be authentic, consistent, and showcase your unique value proposition to stand out from the competition.
The National Crowdfunding & Fintech Association (NCFA Canada) is a financial innovation ecosystem that provides education, market intelligence, industry stewardship, networking and funding opportunities and services to thousands of community members and works closely with industry, government, partners and affiliates to create a vibrant and innovative fintech and funding industry in Canada. Decentralized and distributed, NCFA is engaged with global stakeholders and helps incubate projects and investment in fintech, alternative finance, crowdfunding, peer-to-peer finance, payments, digital assets and tokens, blockchain, cryptocurrency, regtech, and insurtech sectors. Join Canada's Fintech & Funding Community today FREE! Or become a contributing member and get perks. For more information, please visit: www.ncfacanada.org
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Want to get insider access to some of the most innovative advances happening in #fintech. Register for #FFCON23 and hear from global thought leaders what’s next! Click below for Open Access tickets to all virtual programming and on-demand content from FFCON23. |