Karsten Wenzlaff, Advisor
August 26th, 2025
Karsten Wenzlaff is a Crowdfunding and Fintech Expert from Germany. He is Secretary-General of Digit[...]
Category Archives: NCFA Press Releases
Victoria Bennett, Strategic Marketing Principal, Bennett Milner Williams Consulting Ltd., Joins NCFA’s Ambassador Program
About NCFA Canada | Craig Asano | March 21, 2018
CALGARY, Mar 21, 2018 – The National Crowdfunding & Fintech Association of Canada (NCFA Canada) today announced that Victoria Bennett, Strategic Marketing Principal, Bennett Milner Williams Consulting Ltd., has joined the Association’s Ambassadors Program.
NCFA Canada Ambassadors
NCFA Canada Ambassadors are leaders, educators, supporters and advocates of an inclusive and broad-based alternative finance crowdfunding industry in communities across Canada. They are circles of influence and ‘go to resources’ for small businesses, organizations and investors to connect with, share and learn about crowdfunding via locally hosted events and initiatives. Ambassadors are specialists and plugged into an international network of shared resources, thought leadership, and industry professionals striving to cultivate and shape the future of finance in Canada and beyond.
Victoria Bennett, Strategic Marketing Principal, Bennett Milner Williams Consulting Ltd.
Victoria Bennett ran her first successful crowdfund campaign over four years ago, a long time in crowd funding years. A strategic marketer by training, she has worked on many major brands including Tide, Pampers, ENMAX and TD. She has used her skills as a marketer, to identify the solution the product or service provides, the target market, the so-what, and to communicate clearly, effectively and consistently to the crowd; all skills vital to crowdfunding. She has run successful campaigns in Canada and in Europe and her team is currently consulting for a number of Canadian equity and rewards crowdfund campaigns.
"Entrepreneurs are not well served by the current closed networks, if you don’t have a good network of friends and family, any great idea will fail. The Canadian government opened up equity crowdfunding in 2015 and we have seen companies in both the start-up and growth stage benefit. The benefits, whether it be rewards or investment crowdfunding are much more than just the capital, a community of advocates, who believe in the company. The pace of adoption has not been at the same rate as in the US and particularly the UK where government policy has strongly encouraged investment crowdfunding to finance companies. I am pleased to see NCFA lobbying the government for further support and policy change for crowdfunding, and hope to see the benefits across all crowdfunding platforms," said Victoria Bennett, NCFA Ambassador
“The fintech and crowdfunding sectors in Canada need more experienced advocates who truly understand the capital and growth benefits for small businesses launching ventures or products to market inherent in crowdfinancing, along with the wider economic benefits and job creation for the country and welcome Victoria’s sustained expertise and industry support," said Craig Asano, CEO, NCFA Canada.
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The National Crowdfunding & Fintech Association of Canada (NCFA Canada) is a cross-Canada non-profit actively engaged with both social and investment crowdfunding, alternative finance, fintech, P2P, ICO, and online investing stakeholders across the country. NCFA Canada provides education, research, industry stewardship, and networking opportunities to over 1600+ members and works closely with industry, government, academia, community and eco-system partners and affiliates to create a strong and vibrant crowdfunding and fintech industry in Canada. For more information, please visit: ncfacanada.org
Source: NCFA Canada
For more information please contact:
Media Contacts:
Craig Asano
NCFA Canada
Founder and CEO
p. (416) 618-0254
e. casano@ncfacanada.org
Michael R. King, Tangerine Chair in Finance and Co-Director, Scotiabank Digital Banking Lab – Ivey Business School at Western University Joins the National Crowdfunding & Fintech Association of Canada’s Advisory Group
NCFA Canada | Craig Asano | March 19, 2018
Advisor, Fintech Research & Education
TORONTO, MAR 19, 2018 – The National Crowdfunding & Fintech Association of Canada (NCFA) today announced that Prof. Michael R. King, Tangerine Chair in Finance and Co-Director of the Scotiabank Digital Banking Lab at Ivey Business School, Western University, has joined the Association`s growing Advisory Group to advise on the areas fintech research and education.
Michael R. King, PhD CFA - Tangerine Chair in Finance, Co-Director, Scotiabank Digital Banking Lab - Ivey Business School at Western University Professor Michael King is the co-Director of the Scotiabank Digital Banking Lab at Ivey Business School – Canada’s first research centre studying the impact of financial technologies (“FinTech”) on banking and financial services. Michael joined Ivey in 2011 after two decades working in international financial markets.
Between 1990 and 1998 Michael worked in investment banking and trading in New York, London, and Zurich with Credit Suisse and RBC Dominion Securities. After finishing his PhD at the London School of Economics, Michael joined the Bank of Canada in Ottawa from 2001 to 2008 where he worked in the Financial Markets and International Departments. From 2008 to 2011, Michael worked for the Bank for International Settlements (BIS) in Basel, Switzerland studying financial markets, foreign exchange, and banking regulation.
At Ivey, Michael is an Associate Finance Professor and teaches on the undergraduate, MBA and Executive Education programs. His research focuses on fintech, banking, capital markets, and international finance. He is a member of the Responsible Research for Business and Management (RRBM) Network, which believes in producing credible knowledge that is ultimately useful for addressing problems important to business and society.
“It is a privilege to be joining the NCFA Advisory Group at this critical juncture in the development of Canada’s fintech ecosystem. The NCFA has been playing a leading role to advance crowdfunding and fintech through its publications, its conferences, and its outreach to regulators and policymakers. At Ivey, we share the belief that Canada can and should be a leader in fintech globally. We also feel passionately that more needs to be done to educate the public on the benefits of fintech, and to highlight for decision makers the obstacles to innovation. Analysis and advocacy backed by research and data collection are important tools for advancing this vital sector.” -- Michael R. King, PhD CFA
“The growth of fintech in Canada needs the full support of regulators, government and the whole fintech ecosystem to come together to address opportunities and challenges. We’re thrilled and welcome Prof. King’s contributions across the board and look forward to developing a strategic roadmap to advance education and fill data collection gaps to further impact the growth and global competitiveness of crowdfunding and fintech in Canada” – Craig Asano, NCFA Canada
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The National Crowdfunding & Fintech Association of Canada (NCFA Canada) is a cross-Canada non-profit actively engaged with both social and investment crowdfunding, alternative finance, fintech, P2P, ICO, and online investing stakeholders across the country. NCFA Canada provides education, research, industry stewardship, and networking opportunities to over 1600+ members and works closely with industry, government, academia, community and eco-system partners and affiliates to create a strong and vibrant crowdfunding industry in Canada. For more information, please visit: ncfacanada.org
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Craig Asano
Founder and CEO
NCFA Canada
416 618 0254
casano@ncfacanada.org
Global Blockchain Becomes Media Sponsor for FFCON18: VELOCITY
Global Blockchain Release | Shidan Gouran | March 2, 2018
Participating alongside leading names in blockchain, fintech and the finance world, this conference will be where many advances for blockchain will occur in 2018.
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, March 02, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- GLOBAL BLOCKCHAIN TECHNOLOGIES CORP. (CSE:BLOC) (CSE:BLOC.CN) (CSE:BLOC.CNX) (FSE:BWSP) (OTC:BLKCF) ("BLOC" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it will be a media partner for the Fintech and Funding Conference of 2018.
The National Crowdfunding & Fintech Association of Canada (NCFA) and partners are proud to present FFCON18: VELOCITY (2018 Fintech and Funding Conference) on Monday, March 5th and Tuesday, March 6th. Currently in its fourth year, this conference offers a full scope of insights, knowledge and commentary from leaders and innovators in the blockchain industry; as well as regulators, lawyers and several notable names in the world of tech. BLOC is proud to announce that it will be a media partner for this event, giving it presence at what will be a defining conference for the trajectory of the blockchain in Canada for 2018 and beyond.
“We are honoured to have BLOC on board as a media partner,” says Craig Asano - Founder and CEO of NCFA. “Their accomplishments to date in blockchain-related ventures have helped to put Canada on the map as a leading market in this sphere. We’re thrilled to have BLOC participate at FFCON, because we know the amount of influence that they carry in this field - which is very much of interest to our attendees, exhibitors and speakers.”
See: Fintech and Funding 2018 Conference March 5-6, Toronto, Blockchain, Crypto and Alternative Investing
At the conference, there will be five different streams of content, several learning and networking events, VIP one-on-one meetings, 12 pitching companies, and over 50 speakers - including the President of BLOC, Mr. Shidan Gouran.
“I’m really happy that we’re getting to be part of this conference,” says Mr. Gouran. “As blockchain jumps past the initial hurdles of adoption, everyone is trying to understand all of the different angles of it - taking somewhat of a holistic approach. The team behind FFCON has done a great job to bring in experts from nearly every relevant area, and this is going to be an event that you don’t want to miss if you want to be part of Canada’s climb to the top of the blockchain world.”
In light of substantial changes to and developments in cryptocurrencies and the blockchain over the past year, this will be the most impactful FFCON event so far. With even greater changes and developments coming on an even larger scale, the insights that come from this event will be essential both for active blockchain participants and for entities who are just getting introduced to it.
For more information, please contact info@globalblockchain.io
On behalf of the Company:
Shidan Gouran, President
(416) 854-3017
About Global Blockchain Technologies Corp.
The Company provides investors access to a basket of direct and indirect holdings within the blockchain space, managed by a team of industry pioneers and early adopters of all major cryptocurrencies.
BLOC is listed on the Canadian Securities Exchange (“CSE”) and its common shares trade under the ticker symbol "BLOC". Additional information relating to BLOC is available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com, the CSE at www.theCSE.com, as well as on the Company's website at www.globalblockchain.io.
About FFCON18: VELOCITY
FFCON (Fintech and Funding Conference) is an annual conference hosted by NCFA Canada in its fourth year, with an educational objective that brings together professionals and innovators in blockchain, cryptocurrency, and alternative investing. It is being held on Monday, March 5th and Tuesday, March 6th, 2018 in downtown Toronto. The VELOCITY theme is all about speed, efficiency, and reducing friction; all of which are commonly shared objectives among participants in the blockchain ecosystem. Additional information about the conference can be found at www.fintechandfunding.com.
Money No Object? Blockchain and Cryptocurrency Feature at Fintech and Funding Conference
Announcing the 4th Annual Fintech and Funding Conference Focusing on the VELOCITY of Blockchain, Cryptocurrency, and Alternative Investing Markets on March 5-6, 2018 at the Design Exchange in Toronto
TORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / February 14, 2018 / The National Crowdfunding & Fintech Association of Canada announces Canada's leading financial technology and funding conference, FFCON18. The conference will be held March 5-6, 2018 at the Design Exchange in Toronto.
If you are a fintech investor, a company actively raising capital, or a key decision-maker / stakeholder in technology and capital markets innovation initiatives and programs, FFCON18 is a must-attend event that will deliver the most comprehensive thought leadership, education, networking, and investment and pitching opportunities to more than 500 global participants.
In its fourth year, FFCON18 offers an expanded platform on the theme VELOCITY, which is all about speed, efficiency, and reducing friction. It will feature Blockchain, Cryptocurrency, and Alternative Investing. There will be 5 different streams of content, 50+ speakers, and 12 pitching companies, as well as company demos, workshops, and opportunities for immersive learning and networking.
Tech-enabled financial innovation is advancing at such an incredible speed that regulations, innovators, markets, and investors are all at the intersection of change. ''The web forever changed content distribution. Social media forever changed marketing. Cryptocurrency will forever change money. We are a proud supporter of FFCON18,'' says Steven Dryall, Founding Director at Nikola Tesla Unite Ltd., the Presenting Partner of FFCON18. While the pace of change is exciting for innovators and market makers, it causes enormous friction for traditional institutions who control financial services today, as well as for regulators who are grappling with rules that were not meant to govern financial transactions using the latest technologies. Lou Kerner, Co-Founder and Partner at CryptoOracle, says: ''We're excited to participate at FFCON18 which is bringing key innovators together. Crypto's impact in terms of disruption and wealth creation will dwarf the impact of the internet.''
FFCON18 showcases an amazing lineup of speakers including securities regulators from B.C., Alberta, Ontario, and Quebec, as well as leading blockchain, fintech, and cryptocurrency experts from Nikola Tesla Unite, CryptoOracle, Gowling WLG, Pegasus Fintech, Equibit Group, Coinlist, TMX Group, Ci3, Progressa, CoinPayments, CoinTraffic, Polymath, Vanbex Group, Crowdfund Insider, Token Funder, and many more. Twelve pre and post-revenue companies selected to pitch live at FFCON18 include Cinchy, Coder, ColliderX, Distributed ID, FintruX, JustGotThat! Inc., Kick City, Kodisoft, Neptune Dash Technologies, SENSO.AI, Swiggle and Voleo, with sessions led by TechStars Toronto, Brightspark Ventures, McCarthy Tétrault and Launch Academy.
Check out the conference website for more details: FintechandFunding.com (Event hashtag: #FFCON18)
The National Crowdfunding Association of Canada (NCFA Canada) is a cross-Canada non-profit actively engaged with both social and investment crowdfunding, alternative finance, fintech, P2P, ICO, and online investing stakeholders across the country. NCFA Canada provides education, research, industry stewardship, and networking opportunities to over 1600+ members and works closely with industry, government, academia, community and eco-system partners and affiliates to create a strong and vibrant crowdfunding industry in Canada. For more information, please visit: ncfacanada.org
Alan Wunsche, CEO, TokenFunder Joins National Crowdfunding Association of Canada’s Advisory Group
NCFA Canada | Craig Asano | Jan 3, 2018
TORONTO, JAN 3, 2018 – The National Crowdfunding Association of Canada (NCFA) today announced that Alan Wunsche, Co-founder and CEO of TokenFunder, has joined the Association`s growing Advisory Group to advise on the areas of fintech, blockchain and cryptocurrency.
Alan Wunsche, MBA, CPA, CA, CBP – Founder, TokenFunder and Co-founder/Chair, Blockchain Canada
Alan is a leading blockchain finance technologist focused on new blockchain business models and the disruptive impacts of blockchain on global wealth distribution. He is CEO & Chief Token Officer of TokenFunder, a regulatory-compliant blockchain venture funding platform with Ontario's first regulated Initial Token Offering. A Certified Bitcoin Professional (CBP), Alan is also Chair & Co-Founder of Blockchain Canada, a Canadian federal not-for-profit corporation with a mission to help Canada innovators be a leader in blockchain technology, and elected Canadian Chair of Canada’s ISO/TC307 Blockchain Standards Committee. A trusted business partner to numerous CIO’s, CFO’s CRO’s, CMO’s and CHRO’s, he brings hands-on technology experience as a finance, governance and risk transformation executive at a global bank (Scotiabank), management consulting (Deloitte, PwC), and various startups.
"Blockchain technology has ushered in a new world of digital finance, offering innovative businesses an entirely new financing mechanism and a new asset class for innovative investors. Through a powerful new combination of cryptography, game theory, and economic incentives, businesses can now offer their investors digital tokens that live on a global public blockchain, posing a threat to traditional venture capital. These tokens can be programmed to represent equity, debt, royalty streams, or a variety of derivatives. Launched as initial coin offerings or initial token offerings, these tokens now represent cryptoassets that token holders can securely own or will transfer amongst themselves without traditional securities exchanges. As adoption of this financial innovation accelerates, regulators seek to promote the innovation and balance with investor protections. Associations such as NCFA and Blockchain Canada are at the forefront of this regulatory dialogue." -- Alan Wunsche, Founder and CEO, TokenFunder
“Alan has been the driving force behind TokenFunder, Ontario’s first approved ICO in the province and soon to be regulated dealer of tokens and Initial Coin Offerings. As a new wave of financial innovation in capital markets is upon us, we welcome Alan’s expertise and collaborative efforts as the fintech infrastructure of 2018 unfolds to a massively growing audience.” – Craig Asano, Founder and CEO, NCFA Canada
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About National Crowdfunding Association of Canada
The National Crowdfunding Association of Canada (NCFA Canada) is a national non-profit actively engaged with social and investment crowdfunding, alternative finance, fintech, peer-to-peer (P2P), initial coin offerings (ICO), and online investing stakeholders across the country. NCFA Canada provides education, research, industry stewardship, networking opportunities and services to thousands of community members and works closely with industry, government, academia and eco-system partners and affiliates to create a vibrant and innovative fintech and online financing industry in Canada. For more information, please visit: ncfacanada.org
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Craig Asano
Founder and CEO
NCFA Canada
416 618 0254
casano@ncfacanada.org
VanFUNDING 2017 Brings Over 50+ Leading Blockchain, Fintech & Capital Innovation Experts to Vancouver NOV 28 @Morris Wosk Centre
NCFA Canada | Craig Asano | Nov 15, 2017
Looking for world class education, funding, partnerships and growth within the blockchain and financial tech sector?
VanFUNDING 2017 GOING MAINSTREAM is the premier West Coast conference dedicated to connecting people looking to form long-lasting partnerships, investment and business opportunities.
In less than 2 weeks, VanFUNDING2017 Blockchain, Fintech & Funding Conference and Regtech Hackathon descends on Vancouver November 28th, 8am-6pm at the Morris Wosk Centre for Advanced Dialogue. There is also a VIP networking event on November 27 from 530-8pm at the Diamond cocktail lounge where you can meet the biggest names in Fintech.
VanFUNDING 2017 offers world class program and education delivered via keynotes, TEDx-style presentations, panels and workshops covering Blockchain, Fintech, Regtech, and Innovation Finance topics from a diverse range of perspectives including technology, finance, legal, global innovation and humanity.
The title sponsor is Raymond James, with Gowling WLG, Victory Square Technologies, Blockchain Intelligence Group, and Etherparty as platinum partners.
“We are proud to sponsor The National Crowdfunding Association of Canada,” says Sean Martin, Managing Director, Investment Banking at Raymond James Ltd. “There has been an explosion of blockchain technology that has proven 2017 to be the tipping point of financial innovation.”
The conference features over 50+ expert speakers and mentors from companies and organizations such as Microsoft, IBM, TSX Venture Exchange, Blockchain Intelligence Group, RightMesh, Grow VC, AIBB.io, CoinPayments, Pegasus Fintech and TokenFunder. They will be covering ground-breaking topics such as Blockchain smart contacts, Initial Coin Offerings, emerging regulations, and opportunities in PeerToPeer crowdfinancing, investment opportunities, cryptocurriences, intelligence applications and global financial marketplaces.
"Vancouver is quickly establishing itself as a prominent market for blockchain innovation on the global scene. Victory Square has always supported events that facilitate discussion and collaboration on disruptive new technologies and the VanFUNDING conference falls in line with this mandate. We look forward to an excellent event that will allow our local tech community access to some of the global thought leaders in the blockchain space," said Shafin Diamond Tejani, CEO of Victory Square Technologies.
"We look forward to a great conference & BCs first ever Regtech Hackathon and would like to thank everyone involved from organizers, volunteers, sponsors, community partners and of course our awesome speaking roster! Special thanks to the BC Securities Commission for their support, and a growing list of Regtech Hackathon partners such as Vancity, Supirio and Launch Academy who all recognize the need for a collaborative approach to developing innovative Regtech solutions.
While Regtech is new in Canada, its gaining significant traction globally, and firms are gaining a competitive advantage. Participation in the hackathon is inclusive and we encourage entrepreneurs and regulatory experts, innovators, data analysts, designers and developers to all join us in helping discover and launch some amazing BC Regtech-focused projects", said Craig Asano, CEO VanFUNDING.
VanFUNDING 2017 brings together start-ups and leading industry professionals in a unique venue, selected to promote interactive dialogue and discussion. Combined with workshops and a Regtech Hackathon co-hosted with the BC Securities Commission where $20,000 is up for grabs in cash and prizes, this is a not to be missed event that provides opportunities for all types of businesses in the blockchain and financial technology sector to innovate, learn and network.
For more information about VanFUNDING 2017, please visit: http://vanfundingconf.ca/
The National Crowdfunding Association of Canada (NCFA Canada) is a cross-Canada non-profit actively engaged with both social and investment crowdfunding, alternative finance, fintech, P2P, ICO, and online investing stakeholders across the country. NCFA Canada provides education, research, industry stewardship, and networking opportunities to over 1600+ members and works closely with industry, government, academia, community and eco-system partners and affiliates to create a strong and vibrant crowdfunding industry in Canada. For more information, please visit: ncfacanada.org
How to Take Advantage of the New Trends in Blockchain, Cryptocurrency and Financial Technology
VanFUNDING 2017 | November 6, 2017 | Morris Wosk Centre for Advanced Dialogue, Vancouver
In just 3 weeks timing, on Nov 28 the 3rd VanFUNDING 2017 (#VF2017) takes place in downtown Vancouver at the Morris Wosk Centre for Advanced Dialogue, an immersive financial innovation forum and premiere hackathon dedicated to connecting people looking for leading education, funding, investment opportunities and partnerships within the financial tech sector.
Hosted by the National Crowdfunding Association of Canada in partnership with Raymond James, Gowling WLG and Blockchain Intelligence Group, VanFUNDING is back for a third year. This year’s theme is “Financing Infrastructure Eruption – Going Mainstream” and features:
- Nov 27: Pre-event networking on November 27 from 5:30 – 8:00pm at the Diamond Cocktail Lounge
- Nov 28: First ever BC ‘Regtech Sandbox Hackathon’ co-hosted by the BC Securities Commission, with $20,000 value of cash and prizes for winners on November 28
- Nov 28: Full-day interactive conference including keynotes, panel discussions, workshops and a facilitated Town Hall on November 28
VanFUNDING showcases an amazing lineup of speakers from leading blockchain, fintech and crytocurrency experts from Raymond James, Gowling WLG, Blockchain Intelligence Group, Launch Academy, Robocoder, Sweetbridge, Responsive.AI, Katipult, LendingLoop, Blocksale, NewsBTC, PrivacyShell, RightMesh, Digital Futures, Frontfundr, Venture Law, Grow VC Group, Pegasus Fintech and many more, with 40+ speakers / 30 sessions discussing ground-breaking topics such as:
- 2017 Fintech Disruption and the Future of Money
- The Explosive Nature of Bitcoin and Investing in Crypto Assets
- The ICO Revolution and Global Token Economy
- The Potential of Distributed Ledger Technologies to De-risk Unsecured Loans (for the masses)
- GOING MAINSTREAM: Scaling Opportunities & Challenges of Global Finance: Blockchain, Regtech, AI, Crypto, P2P and Fintech
- How to spot a fraudulent ICO
- SAFTs do they protect investors or entrepreneurs?
- Workshop: Public Initial Blockchain Offering (PIBCO) - The process and benefits for your business
- Best Practices of Raising Capital Online
- Why the Benefits of Fintech Partnerships May Outweigh Competing
- Regulatory Perspectives: Can Canada Unlock its Blockchain and Fintech Potential?
- Regulation of Tokens Offerings and the Value of Self-regulating Code of Conduct
- Transacting in a Global Digital World: What P2P Technology Can do for Humanity
#VF2017 is a not-to-be missed BLOCKCHAIN and FINTECH FUNDING conference that pushes boundaries to discuss the latest developments, educate, inspire, and connect leading innovators, entrepreneurs, investors, service providers, thought leaders and policy makers in the quickly emerging sectors of fintech, P2P, crowdfinance, blockchain ICOs, digital currencies and alternative finance. Learn more at: vanfundingconf.ca
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Register BEFORE NOV 8 and Save 30%: Get a Discounted Ticket Now
Register today and get 10% off with promo code NCFA_COIN Link to apply deal
Chance to win a free pass to #VF2017: Tweet 2 Win Contest
Sign-up and become a VanFUNDING affiliate partner
The National Crowdfunding Association of Canada (NCFA Canada) is a cross-Canada non-profit actively engaged with both investment and social crowdfunding, blockchain ICO, alternative finance, fintech, P2P and online investing stakeholders across the country. NCFA Canada provides education, research, leadership, support, and networking opportunities to over 1600+ members and works closely with industry, government, academia, community and eco-system partners and affiliates to create a vibrant and innovative online financing industry in Canada. Learn more About Us or visit ncfacanada.org.
