Launching, scaling or interested in disrupting the finance industry, raising capital or participating in Canada’s growing fintech, blockchain, digital banking, crypto, web3/4/5, DAOs, digital assets, DeFi, AI, and open banking, sustainable finance, crowdfunding, payments, regtech, insurtech, wealthtech, digital identity, and alternative investing sectors?
Here's a perfect opportunity to connect with stealth and emerging startups, scale-ups, and industry experts, and strategize with partners, pitch investors, and mingle with Toronto’s burgeoning fintech and funding ecosystem.
Presented by DIGTL
7TH ANNUAL SUMMER KICKOFF EVENT
Date: WEDNESDAY, MAY 31, 2023
When: Doors open 5:30PM to 9PM
Venue: SPACES, 7th Floor Loft & Rooftop Patio
Where: 180 John Street, Toronto, ON M5T 1X5
Tickets: $40-50 + HST (SOLD OUT Some Tickets at the Door!!)
Tickets are limited and include access, drinks, food, and entertainment
This event is for entrepreneurs and investors in the Fintech, Blockchain, Digital Finance, Payments, Crypto, Web3/4/5, AI, and Alternative Investing Community AND all innovative companies raising capital
Innovators and investors interested in financial innovation, deal flow, networking and collaborating with startups, investors, angels, early stage-focused VC's and industry experts and developers in alternative finance, fintech, digital banking, blockchain, crypto, metaverse, web3, defi, refi, cefi, challenger banks, payments, open finance, P2P crowdfinance, wealthtech, insurtech, regtech, digital marketing platforms, innovators, investors and entrepreneurs.
Women founders and entrepreneurs actively building
High growth fintech start-ups (stealth mode) and scale-ups. Private or public.
Developers looking for opportunities and to connect with businesses
Funding platforms, dealers, providers and their client networks
Anyone interested in emerging fintech trends, regulations and industry developments
Event Host and Partners:
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 and cryptocurrency, regtech, and insurtech sectors. Join Canada's Fintech & Funding Community today FREE! Or become a contributing member and get perks.
Connecting the world's best assets with global investors through a network of digital securities exchanges, allowing issuers to quickly access the world's capital at a fraction of the cost, and providing investors with exciting investment opportunities.
Invest Hong Kong is the government department created to encourage and facilitate overseas business to set up and expand in Hong Kong. We have teams of business specialists in Canada and Hong Kong dedicated to assist you to advance your business plan in Hong Kong and beyond.
We believe work is about people and ideas. Our Spaces are inhabited by forward thinkers, innovators and game changers who are confident in achieving their goals. Whether you are a small business, entrepreneur or a corporate intrapreneur, at Spaces we help our community to expand their horizon. Our free-spirited vibe attracts an energetic community of positive and open-minded business thinkers who love to meet new people. The full program of professional events and hospitality services, and the inspiring sophisticated European design of our business clubs, involves people in the buzz and energy of Spaces, and make them feel at home. By creating dynamic workspaces with a unique and entrepreneurial spirit we help you think, create and collaborate while our friendly team sees to all of the background logistics and services. At Spaces we make sure that our community can focus on driving their business forward.
Liquid Avatar Technologies Inc. focuses on the verification, management and monetization of Self Sovereign Identity, empowering users to control and benefit from the use of their online identity. The Liquid Avatar Mobile App, available in the Apple App Store and Google Play, is a verified Self Sovereign Identity platform that empowers users to create high quality digital icons representing their online personas. These icons allow users to manage and control their digital identity and Verifiable Access and Identity Credentials, and to use Liquid Avatars to share public and permission based private data when they want and with whom they want.
The Liquid Avatar Verifiable Credentials Ecosystem (LAVCE) has been developed to support all participants in a digital credential ecosystem, including the Holder, Issuer and Verifier, using state-of-the-art blockchain and open standards technologies initially as a node on the Indicio Network. The Company recently announced its LQID CARD, a unique US payment card, and the world's first Metaverse Rewards program. The LQID Card a cash back and reward program that has over 600 leading online merchants and is working to release its own branded network payment card. The Company's subsidiary, Oasis Digital Studios, is a creative and development agency that supports a wide range of artists, talent, and enterprises with Non-Fungible Token (NFT) solutions and has acquired 50% and controls the Aftermath Islands Metaverse program.
Liquid Avatar Technologies Inc. is publicly listed on the Canadian Securities Exchange (CSE) under the symbol "LQID" (CSE:LQID). The Company also trades in the United States, on the OTCQB under the symbol "LQAVF" and in Frankfurt under the symbol "4T51".
Bitvo is on a mission to become Canada’s premier cryptocurrency trading platform. With a focus on customer service, security, and transparency, we make cryptocurrency trading accessible for all Canadians.
Pateno is the only business payment solutions you will ever need. Our innovative payment solutions ensure a more streamlined, secure and flexible way to transfer money. Via our API technology, you can initiate payments from existing web pages, portals, and apps, scaling your capabilities as your industry changes. From tip disbursement to loan management payments, our highly intuitive and simple-to-use system can be easily integrated, instantly enhancing and streamlining your money transfers. Safe, secure and advanced, experience the next generation to online business payment solutions with Pateno. Contact our sales representative to learn more today about our online payment solutions.
DCBank is a Canadian leader in digital payment solutions for corporate online banking, empowering financial institutions and FinTech entrepreneurs to effortlessly scale their business. DCBank offers extended functionality thru our best-in-class API developer tools, so that you have full control over the services you provide.
Gowling WLG is an international law firm created by the combination of Gowlings, a leading Canadian law firm, and Wragge Lawrence Graham & Co (WLG), a leading UK-based international law firm. With more than 1,400 legal professionals in 19 cities across Canada, the UK, Continental Europe, the Middle East and Asia, Gowling WLG provides clients with top-tier legal advice at home and abroad in a range of areas. Our clients have access to in-depth expertise and experience in key global sectors, including advanced manufacturing, energy, financial services, infrastructure, life sciences, natural resources, real estate and tech. We see the world through our clients’ eyes, and collaborate across countries, offices, service areas and sectors to help them succeed – no matter how challenging the circumstances. Our culture is, above all, about people and teams, based on our belief in the power of relationships to deliver tangible business results.
United Craft is an Ontario-based craft beverage company that is all about flavour innovation. We offer new flavours and styles of alcoholic beverages that suit today's lifestyles and emerging consumer preferences.
United Craft works with some of Ontario's best craft beverage producers to create natural, better-for-you recipes using unique combinations of hops, herbs, flowers, fruits, grains, specialty yeasts, and (new in 2022) nutrient-rich maple water. Our beverage offerings are all made in small batches and range from those with low alcohol and/or low sugar to traditional award-winning favourites as well as tasty seasonals flavoured with coffee, pecan, hibiscus, ginger, honey, blackberry, pineapple, peach and other popular fruits.
New for 2022 is Hail Caesar Korean BBQ (a vodka-based bold and tasty drink), Eden Grove Zero Sugar Apple Cider, Sip Elderflower Cherry and Juniper Line Maple Water Radlers, and Flair Los Sangria. YUP lager won the GOLD medal at the Canadian Brewing Awards and Tomorrow Brew Co's Honey Ginger Shandy and Coffee Milk Stout won GOLD at the Ontario Brewing Awards. Moi Mosa and Moi Jito are now top-selling malt-based radlers inspired by popular cocktails.
Founded in 2017, Take It Easy Group’s mission is to help your Seed & Series A start-up scale for success. Our team of experienced Executive Assistants are your strategic partners, with proven methods to keep your business organized and efficient, so you can focus on growth.
eThereLIVE is the streaming and broadcast division of Soundbox Productions, one of the largest providers of lighting, audio & staging production services in Ontario, Canada. Our Professional Services include live and digital events, town halls, conferences, live sports, webinars, and more both virtually and on location across North America.
Since our start in 2017, the Peninsula Canada family has grown from a few people to hundreds. And we are all committed to providing exceptional service to over 5000 small businesses across the great white north. We help small businesses grow. This is what we all come into work for every day. By giving them an affordable alternative to an in-house human resources team, we help them save time and money. Peninsula started as a small business and our mission is to help other small businesses achieve their version of success!
DIFC-led dialogue hosts ten heads of banks and FinTechs for discussion on current financial stability and outlook
Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 11 April 2023: Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), the leading international financial hub in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA) region hosted the second Dubai FinTech Summit (DFS) Dialogues this week, powered by the Innovation Hub. Heads of 10 leading regional banks and FinTechs were invited to unpack the challenges facing the financial sector and deliberate on how the industry can de-risk and build resilient, sustainable financial institutions.
According to recent research by Report Ocean, the global FinTech Lending Market was valued at approximately USD573.05 bn in 2021 and is anticipated to grow with a healthy growth rate of more than 27.4% over the forecast period 2022-2029.
The age of Banks vs. FinTechs is behind us
The FinTech sector, widely recognised as a major competitor to banks, is expected to double in size from USD135.9 bn in 2021 to USD266.9 bn in 2027, according to DIFC FinTech Hive's 2022 FinTech Report. Additionally, with approximately 50 per cent of the MENA region currently unbanked or underbanked, FinTechs have been playing a crucial role in promoting inclusive economic growth in the region.
However, a unanimous takeaway from all banks at the DFS Dialogue captured how both entities are in fact symbiotic.
Sanjay Sethi, Senior Managing Director, Head of Global Transaction Banking at First Abu Dhabi Bank:
This is an age of collaboration and co-creation where leading financial institutions and pioneering FinTechs can embark on a journey of innovative discovery together. This is especially true when we look at opportunities to expand into new geographies, improve product capabilities, grow revenues, or scale or optimise our business faster and more efficiently. Alongside this, FinTech solutions in transaction banking are growing in agility every day. As we look to the future, FAB will continue collaborating with pioneering FinTechs to deliver impactful advances across the financial industry.
Google predicts that the financial services and banking industry will emerge as the primary spender for AI technology in the MENA. The industry will make up nearly 25 per cent of all AI investments in the region, with banking tech alone expected to contribute 13.6 per cent to the region’s gross domestic product by 2030.
The onset of Web 3.0 ushers in a transformative moment for financial services, capital markets and banking, shifting customer expectations and revolutionising the sector. The total transaction value of embedded finance is said to reach USD7 tn in 2026, as per Rakesh Reddy, CEO, Cloud4u, “This is particularly useful for Platform as a Service (PaaS) providers who will strongly benefit from this growth, undeniably becoming a key industry disruptor.”
Mehdi Tazi, Chief Operating Officer, Lean Technologies:
I believe customers still trust banks more than FinTechs – they are larger more established institutions. However, something FinTechs do very well is streamlining processes when helping onboard customers into these larger banks. As a result, we are seeing a marriage between FinTech and banking that enhances the customer’s journey, ultimately building trust.
Dubai Fintech Summit (DFS): Dubai is gearing up for continued growth and innovation, so how can policymakers, entrepreneurs and investors come together to further advance during these volatile times? With a unified goal to enhance inclusive, stable banking solutions for the region, traditional financial establishments are increasingly optimistic in growing their partnerships with promising FinTechs to help bridge gaps and strategically stay ahead of the curve. Join the dialogue at the Dubai FinTech Summit at Madinat Jumeirah in Dubai.
Visitors can now purchase tickets with early bird prices available until 15 April 2023.
About Dubai International Financial Centre
Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) is one of the world’s most advanced financial centres, and the leading financial hub for the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA), which comprises 72 countries with an approximate population of 3 billion and an estimated GDP of USD 8 trillion. With a close to 20-year track record of facilitating trade and investment flows across the MEASA region, the Centre connects these fast-growing markets with the economies of Asia, Europe and the Americas through Dubai. The Centre’s vision is to drive the future of finance through cutting-edge technology, innovation, and partnerships. Today, it is the global future of finance and innovation hub offering one of the region’s most comprehensive FinTech and venture capital environments, including cost-effective licensing solutions, fit-for-purpose regulation, innovative accelerator programmes, and funding for growth-stage start-ups. For further information, please visit our website: difc.ae, or follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter @DIFC.
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
Date and Time: November 23rd, 2022 at 8:00 am – 7:00 pm Location: The Omni King Edward Hotel (37 King St E, Toronto, ON M5C 1E9)
Cost: $150 + HST
Description
The Canada-Ukraine Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the Business Council of Canada (BCC), Embassy of Ukraine in Canada, Embassy of Canada in Ukraine and the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade in Ukraine invite you to the Rebuild Ukraine Business Conference on November 23rd, 2022, at the Omni King Edward Hotel in Toronto.
The Rebuild Ukraine Business Conference will showcase investment projects aimed at rebuilding and modernizing Ukraine in the agriculture, energy, construction/infrastructure, and digital sectors. It will also highlight the tools and instruments offered by Export Development Canada, European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, World Bank, and International Finance Corporation to support Canadian companies interested in investing in Ukraine.
Conversations about rebuilding Ukraine have already started in Europe and the U.S. The time is ripe to start these conversations in Canada to give Canadian businesses the opportunity to be a part of the rebuilding process and to help Ukraine fight on the economic front.
Event Partners
Embassy of Ukraine in Canada Business Council of Canada Ukraine Invest Ministry of Economic Development and Trade of Ukraine Ministry of Digital Transformation of Ukraine CEO Club Ukraine Embassy of 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, 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
The recent amendments to the Proceeds of Crime (Money Laundering) and Terrorist Financing Regulations (PCMLTFR) and the Proceeds of Crime (Money Laundering) and Terrorist Financing Administrative Monetary Penalties (PCMLTFAMP) Regulations now cover crowdfunding platforms as money services businesses (MSBs) or foreign money services businesses (FMSBs) under the Proceeds of Crime (Money Laundering) and Terrorist Financing Act.
Businesses engaged in crowdfunding platform services now have the following obligations:
Register with FINTRAC
Develop and maintain a compliance program
Carry out know your client requirements, including verifying the identity of persons and entities for certain activities and transactions
Keep certain records, including records related to transactions and client identification
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
On June 22, 2022Loop,the banking platform for international ecommerce brands, will be hosting the first ever in-person Canadian Startup CPG event for ecommerce and CPG brands to gather, share best practices and learn about solutions to help them grow.
During the event, startup CPG brands will have an opportunity to pitch their product with one company being selected to be carried across all of GoodGood’s Toronto locations. At a time when it’s more difficult than ever to acquire new customers online, GoodGood’s retail presence gives CPG brands access to a new channel to be discovered.
This event is the first of its kind in Canada and the Startup CPG community & Startup CPG hosts will select one winning brand to take their brand to the next level with retail distribution.
If you’d like to demo at the event join the CPG Slack Channel and reach out to community manager, Patricia Menegoto.
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
Launching, scaling or interested in disrupting the finance industry, raising capital or participating in Canada’s growing fintech, blockchain, crypto, web3/4/5, DAOs, digital assets, DeFi, AI, and open banking, sustainable finance, crowdfunding, payments, digital identity, and alternative investing sectors?
Here's a perfect opportunity to connect with stealth and emerging startups, scale-ups, and industry experts, and strategize with partners, pitch investors, and mingle with Toronto’s burgeoning fintech and funding ecosystem.
This event is for entrepreneurs and investors in the Fintech, Blockchain, Digital Finance, Payments, Crypto, Web3/4/5, AI, and Alternative Investing Community AND all innovative companies raising capital
Innovators and investors interested in financial innovation, deal flow, networking and collaborating with startups, investors, angels, early stage-focused VC's and industry experts and developers in alternative finance, fintech, blockchain, crypto, metaverse, web3, defi, refi, cefi, challenger banks, payments, open finance, P2P crowdfinance, wealthtech, insurtech, regtech, digital marketing platforms, innovators, investors and entrepreneurs.
Fintech advisors, consultants, and development experts (startups, institutions, researchers, academia, government)
Financial innovators and developers looking to partner or collaborate
High growth fintech start-ups (stealth mode) and scale-ups. Private or public.
Developers looking for opportunities and to connect with businesses
Funding platforms, dealers, providers and their client networks
Anyone interested in emerging fintech trends, regulations and industry developments
Event Host and Partners:
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 and cryptocurrency, regtech, and insurtech sectors. Join Canada's Fintech & Funding Community today FREE! Or become a contributing member and get perks.
We believe work is about people and ideas. Our Spaces are inhabited by forward thinkers, innovators and game changers who are confident in achieving their goals. Whether you are a small business, entrepreneur or a corporate intrapreneur, at Spaces we help our community to expand their horizon. Our free-spirited vibe attracts an energetic community of positive and open-minded business thinkers who love to meet new people. The full program of professional events and hospitality services, and the inspiring sophisticated European design of our business clubs, involves people in the buzz and energy of Spaces, and make them feel at home. By creating dynamic workspaces with a unique and entrepreneurial spirit we help you think, create and collaborate while our friendly team sees to all of the background logistics and services. At Spaces we make sure that our community can focus on driving their business forward.
Liquid Avatar Technologies Inc. focuses on the verification, management and monetization of Self Sovereign Identity, empowering users to control and benefit from the use of their online identity. The Liquid Avatar Mobile App, available in the Apple App Store and Google Play, is a verified Self Sovereign Identity platform that empowers users to create high quality digital icons representing their online personas. These icons allow users to manage and control their digital identity and Verifiable Access and Identity Credentials, and to use Liquid Avatars to share public and permission based private data when they want and with whom they want.
The Liquid Avatar Verifiable Credentials Ecosystem (LAVCE) has been developed to support all participants in a digital credential ecosystem, including the Holder, Issuer and Verifier, using state-of-the-art blockchain and open standards technologies initially as a node on the Indicio Network. The Company recently announced its LQID CARD, a unique US payment card, and the world's first Metaverse Rewards program. The LQID Card a cash back and reward program that has over 600 leading online merchants and is working to release its own branded network payment card. The Company's subsidiary, Oasis Digital Studios, is a creative and development agency that supports a wide range of artists, talent, and enterprises with Non-Fungible Token (NFT) solutions and has acquired 50% and controls the Aftermath Islands Metaverse program.
Liquid Avatar Technologies Inc. is publicly listed on the Canadian Securities Exchange (CSE) under the symbol "LQID" (CSE:LQID). The Company also trades in the United States, on the OTCQB under the symbol "LQAVF" and in Frankfurt under the symbol "4T51".
Gowling WLG is an international law firm created by the combination of Gowlings, a leading Canadian law firm, and Wragge Lawrence Graham & Co (WLG), a leading UK-based international law firm. With more than 1,400 legal professionals in 19 cities across Canada, the UK, Continental Europe, the Middle East and Asia, Gowling WLG provides clients with top-tier legal advice at home and abroad in a range of areas. Our clients have access to in-depth expertise and experience in key global sectors, including advanced manufacturing, energy, financial services, infrastructure, life sciences, natural resources, real estate and tech. We see the world through our clients’ eyes, and collaborate across countries, offices, service areas and sectors to help them succeed – no matter how challenging the circumstances. Our culture is, above all, about people and teams, based on our belief in the power of relationships to deliver tangible business results.
Hypercycle is an initiative for a new layer 2 blockchain network designed to supply massively scalable, low-cost infrastructure for decentralized AI applications and other associated software. Hypercycle will operate as a sidechain of Cardano, one of the top chains globally, leveraging Cardano’s Hydra sidechain framework, along with SingularityNET’s “proof of reputation” methodology and core algorithms and data structures from the TODA ledgerless blockchain framework. The Hypercycle project will be led by TODA co-founder Toufi Saliba along with Dr. Goertzel and a team of technical experts drawn from the SingularityNET and TODA ecosystems.
United Craft is an Ontario-based craft beverage company that is all about flavour innovation. We offer new flavours and styles of alcoholic beverages that suit today's lifestyles and emerging consumer preferences.
United Craft works with some of Ontario's best craft beverage producers to create natural, better-for-you recipes using unique combinations of hops, herbs, flowers, fruits, grains, specialty yeasts, and (new in 2022) nutrient-rich maple water. Our beverage offerings are all made in small batches and range from those with low alcohol and/or low sugar to traditional award-winning favourites as well as tasty seasonals flavoured with coffee, pecan, hibiscus, ginger, honey, blackberry, pineapple, peach and other popular fruits.
New for 2022 is Hail Caesar Korean BBQ (a vodka-based bold and tasty drink), Eden Grove Zero Sugar Apple Cider, Sip Elderflower Cherry and Juniper Line Maple Water Radlers, and Flair Los Sangria. YUP lager won the GOLD medal at the Canadian Brewing Awards and Tomorrow Brew Co's Honey Ginger Shandy and Coffee Milk Stout won GOLD at the Ontario Brewing Awards. Moi Mosa and Moi Jito are now top-selling malt-based radlers inspired by popular cocktails.
Finliti is an immersive dimension where you will meet your financial self. Through simulation missions, interactive quests, and narrative storytelling, you will explore your financial potential and join a community of knowledge-hungry investors. Unlock exciting virtual lands, deep dive into complex financial concepts, and evolve your Faction Guide from civilian form to Wealth Warrior. Our revolutionary Investor Risk Profile assigns you a Faction Guide, a customizable avatar whose stats develop simultaneously with your knowledge-base. You will leave Finlitiverse with tangible tools to implement in the real world. Leave emotionally-charged decision-making behind, experience better judgement, and cut down time spent on investment research by 80%.
GenBlock Financial aims to bring all North American investors within the rapidly advancing decentralized financial space, with a focus on ease of access and compliance without compromising on security, privacy, or decentralization.
We aim to bridge the gap between the two worlds of traditional and decentralized finance – all under GenBlock and in collaboration with our global entity blockbank. A reliable, convenient and integrated toolset for your financial empowerment, topped-off with an AI financial companion to assist in your decision making.
Grant Thornton LLP is a leading Canadian accounting and business advisory firm providing audit, tax and advisory services—locally and across Canada to dynamic privately owned, publicly listed and public sector organizations. We offer your organization the best of both worlds: a global outlook of what’s important plus our experience and insights in your local business market. We are dedicated to helping our clients, colleagues, and communities thrive.
Founded in 2017, Take It Easy Group’s mission is to help your Seed & Series A start-up scale for success. Our team of experienced Executive Assistants are your strategic partners, with proven methods to keep your business organized and efficient, so you can focus on growth.
Craig brings over 20 years of experience as a marketing strategist, software technologist and start-up entrepreneur in technology, finance, manufacturing and real estate sectors. He founded the National Crowdfunding & Fintech Association of Canada (NCFA Canada), a nationally organized non-profit that is Canada’s dynamic and inclusive advocate for the advancement of fintech, open finance, capital markets innovation, digital assets and currencies, P2P, crowdfinance and emerging technologies such Blockchain and AI that are transforming the future of financial services. Craig advocated for and is a key contributor to the birth of disruptive online financing marketplaces, and the P2P Fintech economy in Canada. Learn more about NCFA.
After a successful career in international banking, he immigrated to Canada in 2010 and chose the entrepreneurial path in finance and investing. He embarked on a mission to create the New Capital Market – Democratizing funding and investing in private companies. In 2013, Peter-Paul founded FrontFundr to address the challenge that young companies face in generating capital and to unlock investing in private companies to the wider community, the public. FrontFundr is now Canada’s leading online funding and investment platform in the private capital markets. For more info please visit the website.
Alan started his career as a software developer/scientist and identified Ethereum early as a game-changer, and envisioned a decentralized future powered by blockchain. He’s implemented enterprise technology-driven business transformations, and was a capital markets and credit risk systems executive at a global bank. Alan founded Token Funder Inc., a Canadian leader in exempt market digital securities investing and trading, and is business building this venture. He launched Canada's first regulatory-compliant security token on Ethereum public blockchain; 1st security token as an EMD (@TokenGX); 1st secondary market security token trading platform for private markets (FreedomX). For more info please visit the website.
Securities Lawyer and Advisor, Founder of Venture Law Corporation who works with privately-held and public companies, mergers and acquisitions, private placement investments, financial transactions, reverse mergers, initial public offerings and licensing matters, as well as general corporate matters. For more info please visit the website.
Sherwood Neiss, is a Principal at Crowdfund Capital Advisors and a Partner at Crowd Capital Ventures. He’s a serial entrepreneur and investor and was instrumental in helping the JOBS Act get passed. He created the first database that aggregates all online investment offerings under the JOBS Act including research and analysis of securities-based crowdfunding (used by the SEC and policy makers) and works to support local economies right across the United States. For more info please visit the website.
Crowdfund Insider is the leading news and information web site covering the emerging global industry of disruptive finance including crowdfunding and peer-to-peer / marketplace lending. Recognizing the overlapping aspects of the new forms of finance, Crowdfund Insider’s coverage includes both rewards and investment based segments of crowdfunding. The site provides extensive coverage, and industry leading perspective, from a team of staff writers and leading industry expert contributors from around the world. For more info please visit the website.
Kim Wales is a securities-based crowdfunding, P2P online lending, and digital banking pioneer. She brings a deep and broad background in corporate governance, risk management, and banking regulation. Ms. Wales is an author, adjunct professor, and business owner. Since 2017, Ms. Wales is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of CrowdBureau Corporation, which provides rules-based stock indices for financial products such as ETFs and managed account platforms. The Company also provides research, data analytics, and risk management tools for the peer-to-peer lending and digital banking industry. Kim has been cited over 100 times in U.S. Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act, 2012 final rules for Titles III (Regulation Crowdfunding) and IV (Regulation A+). Kim is also an author and adjuct professor and sits on several boards. For more info please visit the website.
About this episode:
10 years ago in 2012, the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act (JOBS Act) was signed into law in the U.S. (and eventually a similar exemption was approved in Canada) to encourage more capital to flow to startups, support innovation, and, create jobs. It's significance cannot be understated as the rule change allowed private companies to raise capital by selling securities digitally for the first time via registered online platforms and dealer-brokers. Regulation crowdfunding also democratized previously excluded retail investors (non-accredited) by allowing them to invest directly in startup ventures empowering a new era of digital finance.
A tremendous amount of advocacy and regulatory change efforts took place to make this happen, and since then the original JOBS Act rules have been improved for investment crowdfunding in the U.S., such as increasing the fundraising cap from US$1 million to US$5 million (not in Canada though, we've asked for years ahem).
But there are still many challenges and myths to be debunked. While venture financings are at an all time high in sectors like fintech, it does not mean that startups are awash with capital. While there is growing interest among retail investors to participate directly in these offerings, and take control of their investment future, education and awareness still remains a top priority if industry is to grow in the right ways. Having said that, in the United States, RegCF recently surpassed $1billion raised. Canadian figures are more modest with at least $100 million in equity financings raised on a leading platform.
Today there's also a JOBS Act 2022 proposal on the table but will these changes be sufficient to support evolving technologies and their capabilities while also protecting investors? Regulatory change is slow and regulators should support innovation and competition. All stakeholders need to continue to support efforts to make capital markets whole, so EVERYONE can benefit from the advancements in technology or the wealth gap will continue to widen.
This is a not to be missed episode for anyone interested in the past or future of digital finance and capital markets. Join investment crowdfunding pioneers in both Canada and the U.S. who discuss the 10 year journey from a wide variety of perspectives including the evolution of first generation marketing platforms to the arrival of second generation decentralized finance models powered by blockchain technologies.
Duration: 92mins
Timestamps:
00:00:00 NCFA Fintech Fridays Intro 00:00:17 Craig Asano, NCFA Canada 00:02:06 Andrew Dix, Crowded Media Group 00:02:49 Sherwood 'Woodie' Neiss, Crowdfund Capital Advisors 00:03:32 Kim Wales, CrowdBureau Corp 00:04:23 Alixe Cormick, Venture Law Corporation 00:04:13 Peter-Paul Van Hoeken, FrontFundr 00:05:48 Alan Wunsche, Tokenfunder 00:08:21 RegCF advocacy (SEC, Congress, White House) 00:10:47 Designing the framework 00:11:58 Purpose of the JOBS Act 00:15:10 Road to Equity Crowdfunding in Canada: Change is hard (and long) 00:26:22 Blockchain finance: education and regulatory challenges 00:33:38 Crowdfunding’s Impact and opportunity: first US$1 billion 00:38:39 RegCF to digital finance 00:41:57 Evolution of digital finance Gen1 to Gen2 00:49:23 Digitalizing private capital markets 00:55:03 Ontario’s exemption 45-108 setup to fail 00:59:46 JOBS Act 2022 bill proposed to improve rules in the U.S. 01:00:10 Canada harmonizes equity crowdfunding rules Sep 2021 01:04:00 Educating regulators 01:06:00 Regulators need to support innovation and competition 01:09:00 Financial inclusion 01:11:00 Canadian ECF $100 million and beyond 01:17:00 Decentralized Finance is the future 01:19:00 Convergence and reducing wealth gaps 01:23:00 Regulatory culture change and sandbox 01:25:00 Capital markets need to work for everyone 01:30:00 Closing remarks
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
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. 
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