Interested in disrupting the finance industry, raising capital or participating in Canada’s growing alternative investing and fintech sectors?
Here's a perfect opportunity to connect with emerging fintech, blockchain, crypto, AI, stealth and marketplace startups and experts, strategize with partners, pitch investors and mingle with Toronto’s burgeoning fintech ecosystem.
ANNUAL SUMMER KICKOFF EVENT
Date: THURSDAY, JULY 11, 2019
When: Registration opens 5:30PM to 9PM+
Venue: SPACES, 7th Floor Loft & Rooftop Patio
Where: 180 John Street, Toronto, ON M5T 1X5
TICKETS - GET'M BEFORE THEY'RE GONE!
$25 Early; $35 Standard; $50 Late
All tickets include entrance to private event, drinks, food, lots of fun and prime networking
Taxes and fees extra. No refunds after Jul 4. Ticket transfers ok.
Checkout photos from last year's Summer networking event here and the year prior here
This event is for all innovative companies raising capital AND the Fintech, Blockchain, AI and Alternative Investing Community
Innovators and investors interested in financial innovation, networking and collaborating with startups, investors, angels, early stage-focused VC's and industry experts and developers in alternative finance, crowdfunding, fintech, payments, crypto-currency, blockchain, ICOs / STOs, Artificial Intelligence-driven investing and other financial innovation sectors.
Women founders
Companies actively raising capital
Investors and syndicates interested in investing
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.
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.
LoanConnect’s technology helps consumers search multiple lenders for competitive loan options in real-time. Since 2016, the company has been driving high quality traffic to lenders at an affordable cost, while giving consumers full control over the loan application process. Over the last few years the company’s substantial growth has been driven through organic traffic, through white-labelled solutions (websites such as RateSupermarket.ca, whose unsecured loan system is “powered by LoanConnect”), and through another 60+ referral partnerships, including several national and international brands.
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.
Coinchange is an innovative Canadian financial services company, offering a range of services for the new digital asset economy. We offer a fast, transparent and digital OTC (Over-the-Counter) exchange service for buying and selling digital currencies for trades as low as $3K (during our Beta launch period). Fees are so yesterday, keep more of your money by using Coinchange.
United Craft’s mantra is “Together is Better” because we believe that, by bringing great people and brands together, we can collectively achieve a lot more. This is especially the case in the craft community as most companies are relatively small and lack “big company” resources. United Craft aims to connect great craft brewers with retailers and restaurants seeking delicious Ontario Craft beverages. We combine our knowledge of the industry, propriety data analytics, business planning experience, online licensee web order portal, and province wide sales and event activation team to grow many of Ontario’s emerging brewers.
We own and currently distribute 12 different craft beers and cider under the brand names of Hops & Robbers, Old Tomorrow, Eden Grove, Lokal, Double Trouble and (new in May) Highlander Scottish Ale and Blacksmith Smoked Porter. We are the sales and marketing agent for Market Brewing brands Leslie Crusher and Bear Hug IPA. Big, foreign competitors are waiting for all of us little guys to run out of steam – but by joining forces to combine resources we can keep fighting. Together IS better.
One of Canada’s top jazz orchestras is returning to the Toronto stage in what will truly be an all-star event.
Toronto Art Orchestra (TAO), led by bass trombonist and jazz educator Timothy Booth, includes many of Canada’s first-call jazz players, including Colleen Allen, Bruce Cassidy, Andrew McAnsh, and John McLeod.
The ensemble features vocalists Jessica Lalonde and Tanya Wills. TAO will present the works of two of the greatest jazz orchestra composers of all time: Maria Schneider and Bob Brookmeyer.
Attend in-person or online
The Toronto Art Orchestra concert will also be video-streamed with professional production values by JazzOvation.org (formerly TheJazzBox.ca) — a platform for Canadian jazz composers and performers that currently serves more than 60 artists. Be on the lookout for a growing series of upcoming JazzOvation concerts, featuring the best of Toronto’s – and Canada’s – jazz artists, as they perform at our finest jazz venues.
About Tim Booth
Tim Booth has been on the Canadian music scene for over 30 years, performing with a wide array of groups in the Montreal and Toronto areas. He has played with such artists as Aretha Franklin, Pavarotti, Yes, John Pizzarelli, George Burns, Chris De Burgh to name just a few. He has also played such musicals as Phantom of the Opera, Les Miserables, Kiss of the Spider Woman, Showboat, Ragtime, Miss Saigon. Lion King and Beauty and the Beast. In 2006 he created the Toronto Art Orchestra, a jazz orchestra devoted to playing the greatest jazz master’s works.
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
Crowdfund Insider | JD Alois | June 20, 2019 The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has published a statutory report on Regulation Crowdfunding commonly referenced as Reg CF. The mandated report must be forwarded to Congress three years after Reg CF rules became effective (May 2016). Reg CF is the smallest of three federal “crowdfunding” exemptions allowing issuers to raise just $1.07 million from both accredited and non-accredited investors. According to the report authors: “the number of crowdfunding offerings, as well as the total amount of funding during the considered period, was relatively modest.” The report tallies activity under Reg CF from May 2016 to December 31, 2018. At the end of the period, there were 45 active Portals and 9 Broker-Dealers which had participated in at least one Reg CF offering. See: $5 million Equity crowdfunding extended to private companies Early-stage Investing – The Public gets a Seat at the Table Three platforms accounted for two-thirds of all initiated offerings and proceeds raised. SEC: the number of #RegCF #crowdfunding offerings, as well as the total amount of funding during the considered period, was relatively modest Click to Tweet According to the SEC: Between May 16, 2016, and December 31, ... Read More
Chambers Pivot Industries | Greg Chambers | June 20, 2019 "All I need is an investor, and I’m ready to go," she says. I'm sitting in front of a passionate entrepreneur who knows I've successfully raised millions of dollars for various businesses. After hearing her story, what I'm about to say won't be what she wants to hear, but it's true. Funding isn't her problem. There's more money out looking for a home than there are good ideas to fund. The problem, I tell her, is she hasn't decided if she wants to build a company or master the growing seed and startup capital environment. Lessons from the past I was in her seat in the late 1990s shopping my big idea from investor to investor. Eventually unsuccessful, I was forced to abandon my startup and find a job. I took two big lessons from that experience. One is that if I wanted to get a company off the ground, I needed to get much better at selling a vision to investors. Second, based on the questions the investors were asking, I needed far more evidence from customers that my idea was the right one before they’d invest. Years later, ... Read More
Luge Capital | Karim Gillani | June 2019 Intro: NCFA Fintech Confidential spoke with some of Canada’s experienced fintech investors, on their background, how Canada has evolved, what we should be doing, advice to fintech founders and what keeps them awake at night. This is part 1 of a 4 part series. What is your background, and how did you come to co-found Luge Capital? Karim: My background is in fintech, mobile tech, engineering, finance and strategy. Prior to Luge, I was at PayPal, leading M&A activities in Canada. I joined PayPal through its $890M acquisition of Xoom, a renowned cross-border remittance company, where I started the Corporate Development practice. I have an Engineering degree from the University of Waterloo, a Master of Finance degree from the University of London and a Master of Laws from the University of Toronto. Luge Capital was the byproduct of highly motivated LPs, and a recognition that fintech venture capital needed a kickstart at the early stages. David Nault and I co-founded Luge in early 2018 with a new model to seek out entrepreneurs in the US and Canada that not only had a drive to take over the world, but also built their ... Read More
CDL Team | June 18, 2019 The Libra Association announces a new initiative with the goal of increasing access to financial services and fostering financial inclusion around the world TORONTO, CANADA – Today, Creative Destruction Lab (CDL) – a not-for-profit seed-stage startup program – announces that it will be a Founding Partner of the Libra Association. CDL is keen to contribute to the success of the Libra initiative as the sole Canadian organization and academic institution in the Libra Association at present. The Libra Association will create Libra, a simple global currency and financial infrastructure that can empower billions of people. Libra will be built on a secure, scalable, and reliable blockchain; and it will be backed by a reserve of assets designed to give it intrinsic value. The Libra Association will govern the infrastructure and manage and evolve this new ecosystem. Libra will enable developers and businesses to build inclusive new financial service products for people around the world. See: Facebook’s Libra Cryptocurrency: Everything We Know At this time, CDL is the sole academic Founding Partner of the Libra Association. The initial group of organizations that will work together on finalizing the association’s charter include: Payments: Mastercard, PayPal, PayU ... Read More
PC Mag | Rob Marvin | June 18, 2019 Facebook's Libra Cryptocurrency: Everything We Know Facebook's big blockchain play, consisting of the Libra coin, the nonprofit Libra Foundation, and Facebook's Calibra wallet, will create a crypto-based payments ecosystem across Facebook, Messenger, WhatsApp, and beyond. Facebook's long-rumored cryptocurrency finally got its big debut, and it's called Libra after all. Facebook today released a lengthy white paper, along with a post from Mark Zuckerberg and another from VP of blockchain David Marcus, announcing the ambitious crypto initiative and all that comes with it. The open-source Libra cryptocurrency and blockchain will be governed by the nonprofit Libra Association, while a new Facebook-owned subsidiary called Calibra will release a wallet for Libra tokens and ultimately other banking and finance products—a move that could turn Facebook into a financial services giant in addition to a social and advertising one. See: Facebook’s Cryptocurrency: Great Idea, Wrong Company While the public launch of Libra won't happen until the first half of 2020, the developer testnet of the Libra blockchain is live today. There will also be a new programming language called Move for developers to build distributed applications atop the Libra blockchain, though Facebook said neither itself ... Read More
3iQ and Mavennet | Fred Pye and Kesem Frank | June 18, 2019 Stablecoins are now a necessary step to mass adoption of cryptocurrencies, as proven by the way they’ve been used to hedge the massive volatility of the market over the past couple of years. Their simple premise enables the seamless pairing of crypto-to-fiat pegged cryptocurrency. It might sound overly simplistic, but this straightforward innovation has spurred the growth of a new crypto asset class that measures in billions of dollars in aggregate market cap (e.g. Tether, USD Coin, TrueUSD, Paxos and Gemini Dollar). As much as this asset class is still gaining momentum driven by the current and common use case, the potential of stablecoins goes well beyond the tactical value of a trading tool. Stablecoins are strategically important because they represent a bridge between legacy fiat-based systems and the new digital and decentralized currency underpinnings we collectively call “blockchain.” The dream isn’t necessarily a prediction or extension of the purist’s vision Bitcoin - blockchain’s earliest network - was born from tumultuous years in the traditional financial system. These were years defined by mistrust; not just towards the people at the helm of the financial system, but ... Read More
CNBC | Kate Rooney and Hugh Son | June 10, 2019 Mobility giant Uber is looking to accelerate the creation of financial products with a new fintech outpost in New York, according to people with knowledge of the plan. The ride-hailing company is aiming to hire several dozen engineers and product managers this year, and the New York team could eventually exceed 100 workers, said the people, who declined to be identified speaking about Uber’s plans. Uber, fresh from its IPO last month, is looking to tap New York’s talent pool, which is deeper when it comes to fintech and bank workers than its hometown of San Francisco. By building out its financial ecosystem, the company can increase its lead over rivals like Lyft. The efforts are likely to be focused on ways to increase engagement and loyalty to the Uber platform, according to people who attended a recruitment event earlier this year. Payments chief Peter Hazlehurst and top engineer Johnie Lee spoke at the event, held at Uber’s New York offices, the people said. There are many possible payment and lending innovations Uber could come up with: It has 93 million active users globally, most of whom use linked ... Read More
Schulte Research | Paul Schulte | June 17, 2019 Digital banking finally arrives in HK --all in one go! Be careful what you wish for — you might get it. Hong Kong People have been kvetching for years about the poor quality of banking services. Now, they will have a deluge of ultra-efficient and essentially free new services. These services will offer strictly online banking services without branches and ALL of them have very deep pockets. The first batch below, which I will enumerate in a moment, have capital to burn of about USD 250 million. This can go a long way in eroding the highly profitable cartel of HSBC and Hang Seng Bank. Hang Seng Bank has consistently had among the highest ROE globally north of 20-21%. And its revenue per customer has been among the world’s highest as well. HSBC owns more than 40% of HSB, so it has been a cash cow for the bank. Hong Kong is really the center of profitability for HSBC, since its ROE for commonwealth countries is the single digits and it has basically given up on the US financial market. It’s European business, like all Euro banking franchises, is in the ... Read More
Forbes | Enrique Dans | June 17, 2019 All the signs are that Facebook is about to launch its cryptocurrency on June 18, a project known internally as Libra, and that soon, apparently, we will all be using. So what are the implications of a company with 2.4 billion users launching its own currency? Strategically, the movement makes sense for Facebook: at a time when many question the its dominance of social networks and when a majority of its own shareholders say they want to see the back of Mark Zuckerberg, the company announces a very ambitious project of universal appeal giving it a central role in the world economy, in the wake of innumerable cryptocurrency projects of dubious legality, irresponsibly speculative and wasteful in terms of energy, aimed among others at people in countries with unstable currencies or limited banking penetration. As Jack Dorsey has said, this maybe the perfect moment to create a universal currency for the Internet era, reflecting the trend toward a universalization of the world. However, what is less clear is whether this currency should be in the hands of Facebook. See: FaceCoin: Here’s What Facebook Could Build In Blockchain And Cryptocurrency Technically, the project ... Read More
PATIO TIME! Join the National Crowdfunding & Fintech Association of Canada, Spaces, Gowling WLG, LoanConnect, FrontFundr, Exponential Ventures, CoinChange, United Craft, Highlander Brew, partners and Canada's leading Fintech & Funding community in the heart of trendy Queen West for a celebratory night and prime networking mixer. Interested in disrupting the finance industry, raising capital or participating in Canada’s growing alternative investing and fintech sectors? Here's a perfect opportunity to connect with emerging fintech, blockchain, crypto, AI, stealth and marketplace startups and experts, strategize with partners, pitch investors and mingle with Toronto’s burgeoning fintech ecosystem. ANNUAL SUMMER KICKOFF EVENT Date: THURSDAY, JULY 11, 2019 When: Registration opens 5:30PM to 9PM+ Venue: SPACES, 7th Floor Loft & Rooftop Patio Where: 180 John Street, Toronto, ON M5T 1X5 TICKETS - GET'M BEFORE THEY'RE GONE! $25 Early; $35 Standard; $50 Late All tickets include entrance to private event, drinks, food, lots of fun and prime networking Taxes and fees extra. No refunds after Jul 4. Ticket transfers ok. Want to pay in Crypto? Email us for an address info@ncfacanada.org If it rains, we're covered literally inside. Checkout photos from last year's Summer networking event here and the year prior here This event is for ... Read More
5th annual Fintech and Financing Conference in Toronto addressed challenges and successes of entrepreneurs and innovators transforming the financial industry
TORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / April 16, 2019 / The National Crowdfunding & Fintech Association (NCFA), the non-profit cross-body organization that promotes and supports fintech and funding throughout Canada, closed its 5th annual flagship Fintech and Financing Conference - FFCON - which featured numerous fintech market leaders, as well as industry experts, government officials, and prominent tech investors.
"FEARLESS" was the theme for this year's conference, celebrating the boldness and innovative nature of the FinTech industry, where entrepreneurs constantly challenge pre-existing financial systems with innovative new products and services. The conference brought together more than 500 attendees who experienced keynote speeches, immersive learning, workshops, startup pitch presentations and awards, an exhibitor floor, and networking receptions.
Key themes explored at FFCON19: FEARLESS:
RISK is a conscious choice and necessary to innovate;
Digital trust and security are essential for mass adoption;
The digital bank and future of fintech is already here;
Collaboration and new social (decentralized) models can revitalize markets controlled by incumbents with too much power and no incentive to change;
Private-public market funding trends shifting - seek low-cost liquidity, online funding does work, needs aligned critical mass, can unlock value;
Digital asset markets evolving (EIO, STO, stablcoins). Revisit playbooks, diversify, invest/build/prep for growth in securities, currency, record keeping, smart contracts;
Canadian fintech lacks a national strategy; regulation is complex, costly and needs to be streamlined and government at all levels are encouraged to collaborate with industry.
Conference Highlights include:
Over 50+ leading fintech, blockchain, AI and alternative finance experts, 9 pitching finalists and 40+ innovation ecosystem partners gathered to discuss the latest industry developments, trends, insider views and best practices.
The 2019 FFCON Pitch Competition Winner was Vacation Fund - an employer-matched travel savings program for employees. The winning pitch was by Erica Pearson, co-founder & CEO, who accepted the award on behalf of Vacation Fund from Richard Carlton, CEO of the Canadian Securities Exchange (CSE).
Jon Medved, CEO of OurCrowd, who has raised over $1 billion for their companies gave a special keynote speech on the first day. OurCrowd was recently named the most active investor in Israel by PitchBook, with investments in 170 startups, and 18 funds, along with 29 exits so far.
FFCON19 FEARLESS was proud to have screened the Toronto premiere of TRUST MACHINE: The Story about Blockchain. The documentary and Q&A with John Lyotier, RightMesh CEO, was well received by the sold-out room at Gowlings and shone a light on the history and advancements of blockchain technology.
FFCON19 held an extremely popular consultation with The Honorable Bill Walker, Minister of Consumer and Government Services in Ontario, and steward of the province's new data policy.
NCFA expanded this year's program with the formal launch of its inaugural online Global Fintech Education program for entrepreneurs in conjunction with Next Decentrum Technologies. Attendees had an exclusive first look at the program with VIP attendees having received complimentary enrolment with conference registration. Early access to the program is now open and program directors are encouraging partners and fintech experts globally to connect to explore opportunities here.
Announcements at FFCON19
NCFA announced a partnership with Export Canada that will provide opportunities for qualifying Canadian fintech ventures to connect with global markets and investors with its first mission to enter Asia in early 2020.
Coinsquare, the Toronto based cryptocurrency exchange, announced the launch of eCAD™, the first stablecoin pegged to the Canadian Dollar. eCAD™ marks the beginning of a new era for cryptocurrency mass adoption as it will create the first transparent, affordable, and secure way of transferring value in Canada and beyond, without the risk of instability of the traditional cryptocurrency market. Coinsquare continues to cement their place as one of Canada's most reliable cryptocurrency exchanges.
3iQ Corp, the investment fund manager with a focus on cryptocurrency holdings, announced that it signed a letter of intent (LOI) to acquire First Block Capital's FBC Bitcoin Trust and Distributed Ledger Technology Adopters ETF.
The organizers offer special thanks to the conference partners, all the speakers, companies, and volunteers that helped make FFCON19 an informative and memorable event.
About the NCFA
The National Crowdfunding & Fintech Association (NCFA) 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 Insuretech sectors. To learn more about NCFA visit www.ncfacanada.org.
About FFCON
FFCON (Fintech and Financing Conference) is an annual conference hosted by Canada's National Crowdfunding and Fintech Association (NCFA). Now in its fifth year, FFCON19 brought together professionals and innovators in fintech, blockchain, cryptocurrency, and alternative finance. The theme of FFCON19 was FEARLESS which exudes the boldness of the fintech space where small players are challenging orthodoxy, going against convention and transforming the financial industry with innovative models and thinking. Further information about the conference series can be found at www.fintechandfunding.com.
Crowdfund Insider | JD Alois | June 20, 2019 The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has published a statutory report on Regulation Crowdfunding commonly referenced as Reg CF. The mandated report must be forwarded to Congress three years after Reg CF rules became effective (May 2016). Reg CF is the smallest of three federal “crowdfunding” exemptions allowing issuers to raise just $1.07 million from both accredited and non-accredited investors. According to the report authors: “the number of crowdfunding offerings, as well as the total amount of funding during the considered period, was relatively modest.” The report tallies activity under Reg CF from May 2016 to December 31, 2018. At the end of the period, there were 45 active Portals and 9 Broker-Dealers which had participated in at least one Reg CF offering. See: $5 million Equity crowdfunding extended to private companies Early-stage Investing – The Public gets a Seat at the Table Three platforms accounted for two-thirds of all initiated offerings and proceeds raised. SEC: the number of #RegCF #crowdfunding offerings, as well as the total amount of funding during the considered period, was relatively modest Click to Tweet According to the SEC: Between May 16, 2016, and December 31, ... Read More
Chambers Pivot Industries | Greg Chambers | June 20, 2019 "All I need is an investor, and I’m ready to go," she says. I'm sitting in front of a passionate entrepreneur who knows I've successfully raised millions of dollars for various businesses. After hearing her story, what I'm about to say won't be what she wants to hear, but it's true. Funding isn't her problem. There's more money out looking for a home than there are good ideas to fund. The problem, I tell her, is she hasn't decided if she wants to build a company or master the growing seed and startup capital environment. Lessons from the past I was in her seat in the late 1990s shopping my big idea from investor to investor. Eventually unsuccessful, I was forced to abandon my startup and find a job. I took two big lessons from that experience. One is that if I wanted to get a company off the ground, I needed to get much better at selling a vision to investors. Second, based on the questions the investors were asking, I needed far more evidence from customers that my idea was the right one before they’d invest. Years later, ... Read More
Luge Capital | Karim Gillani | June 2019 Intro: NCFA Fintech Confidential spoke with some of Canada’s experienced fintech investors, on their background, how Canada has evolved, what we should be doing, advice to fintech founders and what keeps them awake at night. This is part 1 of a 4 part series. What is your background, and how did you come to co-found Luge Capital? Karim: My background is in fintech, mobile tech, engineering, finance and strategy. Prior to Luge, I was at PayPal, leading M&A activities in Canada. I joined PayPal through its $890M acquisition of Xoom, a renowned cross-border remittance company, where I started the Corporate Development practice. I have an Engineering degree from the University of Waterloo, a Master of Finance degree from the University of London and a Master of Laws from the University of Toronto. Luge Capital was the byproduct of highly motivated LPs, and a recognition that fintech venture capital needed a kickstart at the early stages. David Nault and I co-founded Luge in early 2018 with a new model to seek out entrepreneurs in the US and Canada that not only had a drive to take over the world, but also built their ... Read More
CDL Team | June 18, 2019 The Libra Association announces a new initiative with the goal of increasing access to financial services and fostering financial inclusion around the world TORONTO, CANADA – Today, Creative Destruction Lab (CDL) – a not-for-profit seed-stage startup program – announces that it will be a Founding Partner of the Libra Association. CDL is keen to contribute to the success of the Libra initiative as the sole Canadian organization and academic institution in the Libra Association at present. The Libra Association will create Libra, a simple global currency and financial infrastructure that can empower billions of people. Libra will be built on a secure, scalable, and reliable blockchain; and it will be backed by a reserve of assets designed to give it intrinsic value. The Libra Association will govern the infrastructure and manage and evolve this new ecosystem. Libra will enable developers and businesses to build inclusive new financial service products for people around the world. See: Facebook’s Libra Cryptocurrency: Everything We Know At this time, CDL is the sole academic Founding Partner of the Libra Association. The initial group of organizations that will work together on finalizing the association’s charter include: Payments: Mastercard, PayPal, PayU ... Read More
PC Mag | Rob Marvin | June 18, 2019 Facebook's Libra Cryptocurrency: Everything We Know Facebook's big blockchain play, consisting of the Libra coin, the nonprofit Libra Foundation, and Facebook's Calibra wallet, will create a crypto-based payments ecosystem across Facebook, Messenger, WhatsApp, and beyond. Facebook's long-rumored cryptocurrency finally got its big debut, and it's called Libra after all. Facebook today released a lengthy white paper, along with a post from Mark Zuckerberg and another from VP of blockchain David Marcus, announcing the ambitious crypto initiative and all that comes with it. The open-source Libra cryptocurrency and blockchain will be governed by the nonprofit Libra Association, while a new Facebook-owned subsidiary called Calibra will release a wallet for Libra tokens and ultimately other banking and finance products—a move that could turn Facebook into a financial services giant in addition to a social and advertising one. See: Facebook’s Cryptocurrency: Great Idea, Wrong Company While the public launch of Libra won't happen until the first half of 2020, the developer testnet of the Libra blockchain is live today. There will also be a new programming language called Move for developers to build distributed applications atop the Libra blockchain, though Facebook said neither itself ... Read More
3iQ and Mavennet | Fred Pye and Kesem Frank | June 18, 2019 Stablecoins are now a necessary step to mass adoption of cryptocurrencies, as proven by the way they’ve been used to hedge the massive volatility of the market over the past couple of years. Their simple premise enables the seamless pairing of crypto-to-fiat pegged cryptocurrency. It might sound overly simplistic, but this straightforward innovation has spurred the growth of a new crypto asset class that measures in billions of dollars in aggregate market cap (e.g. Tether, USD Coin, TrueUSD, Paxos and Gemini Dollar). As much as this asset class is still gaining momentum driven by the current and common use case, the potential of stablecoins goes well beyond the tactical value of a trading tool. Stablecoins are strategically important because they represent a bridge between legacy fiat-based systems and the new digital and decentralized currency underpinnings we collectively call “blockchain.” The dream isn’t necessarily a prediction or extension of the purist’s vision Bitcoin - blockchain’s earliest network - was born from tumultuous years in the traditional financial system. These were years defined by mistrust; not just towards the people at the helm of the financial system, but ... Read More
CNBC | Kate Rooney and Hugh Son | June 10, 2019 Mobility giant Uber is looking to accelerate the creation of financial products with a new fintech outpost in New York, according to people with knowledge of the plan. The ride-hailing company is aiming to hire several dozen engineers and product managers this year, and the New York team could eventually exceed 100 workers, said the people, who declined to be identified speaking about Uber’s plans. Uber, fresh from its IPO last month, is looking to tap New York’s talent pool, which is deeper when it comes to fintech and bank workers than its hometown of San Francisco. By building out its financial ecosystem, the company can increase its lead over rivals like Lyft. The efforts are likely to be focused on ways to increase engagement and loyalty to the Uber platform, according to people who attended a recruitment event earlier this year. Payments chief Peter Hazlehurst and top engineer Johnie Lee spoke at the event, held at Uber’s New York offices, the people said. There are many possible payment and lending innovations Uber could come up with: It has 93 million active users globally, most of whom use linked ... Read More
Schulte Research | Paul Schulte | June 17, 2019 Digital banking finally arrives in HK --all in one go! Be careful what you wish for — you might get it. Hong Kong People have been kvetching for years about the poor quality of banking services. Now, they will have a deluge of ultra-efficient and essentially free new services. These services will offer strictly online banking services without branches and ALL of them have very deep pockets. The first batch below, which I will enumerate in a moment, have capital to burn of about USD 250 million. This can go a long way in eroding the highly profitable cartel of HSBC and Hang Seng Bank. Hang Seng Bank has consistently had among the highest ROE globally north of 20-21%. And its revenue per customer has been among the world’s highest as well. HSBC owns more than 40% of HSB, so it has been a cash cow for the bank. Hong Kong is really the center of profitability for HSBC, since its ROE for commonwealth countries is the single digits and it has basically given up on the US financial market. It’s European business, like all Euro banking franchises, is in the ... Read More
Forbes | Enrique Dans | June 17, 2019 All the signs are that Facebook is about to launch its cryptocurrency on June 18, a project known internally as Libra, and that soon, apparently, we will all be using. So what are the implications of a company with 2.4 billion users launching its own currency? Strategically, the movement makes sense for Facebook: at a time when many question the its dominance of social networks and when a majority of its own shareholders say they want to see the back of Mark Zuckerberg, the company announces a very ambitious project of universal appeal giving it a central role in the world economy, in the wake of innumerable cryptocurrency projects of dubious legality, irresponsibly speculative and wasteful in terms of energy, aimed among others at people in countries with unstable currencies or limited banking penetration. As Jack Dorsey has said, this maybe the perfect moment to create a universal currency for the Internet era, reflecting the trend toward a universalization of the world. However, what is less clear is whether this currency should be in the hands of Facebook. See: FaceCoin: Here’s What Facebook Could Build In Blockchain And Cryptocurrency Technically, the project ... Read More
PATIO TIME! Join the National Crowdfunding & Fintech Association of Canada, Spaces, Gowling WLG, LoanConnect, FrontFundr, Exponential Ventures, CoinChange, United Craft, Highlander Brew, partners and Canada's leading Fintech & Funding community in the heart of trendy Queen West for a celebratory night and prime networking mixer. Interested in disrupting the finance industry, raising capital or participating in Canada’s growing alternative investing and fintech sectors? Here's a perfect opportunity to connect with emerging fintech, blockchain, crypto, AI, stealth and marketplace startups and experts, strategize with partners, pitch investors and mingle with Toronto’s burgeoning fintech ecosystem. ANNUAL SUMMER KICKOFF EVENT Date: THURSDAY, JULY 11, 2019 When: Registration opens 5:30PM to 9PM+ Venue: SPACES, 7th Floor Loft & Rooftop Patio Where: 180 John Street, Toronto, ON M5T 1X5 TICKETS - GET'M BEFORE THEY'RE GONE! $25 Early; $35 Standard; $50 Late All tickets include entrance to private event, drinks, food, lots of fun and prime networking Taxes and fees extra. No refunds after Jul 4. Ticket transfers ok. Want to pay in Crypto? Email us for an address info@ncfacanada.org If it rains, we're covered literally inside. Checkout photos from last year's Summer networking event here and the year prior here This event is for ... Read More
NCFA and FFCON19 to host Toronto’s first screening of the Alex Winter documentary, TRUST MACHINE: The Story of Blockchain and exclusive fireside chat with John Lyotier, RightMesh CEO
TORONTO – March 26, 2019 – The National Crowdfunding & Fintech Association (NCFA) will kick off FFCON19 – its annual FinTech, blockchain, and AI conference taking place in Toronto April 3-4, with the Toronto screening premiere of Alex Winter’s deep-dive blockchain documentary, “TRUST MACHINE: The Story of Blockchain”.
TRUST MACHINE, written and directed by award-winning filmmaker Alex Winter (DeepWeb, Downloaded) and narrated by Rosario Dawson, explores the evolution of blockchain, cryptocurrency and decentralization and examines the implications from ethical, political and social perspectives. Winter follows tech innovators striking a raw nerve, as banks and network pundits rush to condemn volatile cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology. He reveals how proponents of blockchain are already using the technology to build networks that address real world problems such as fighting income inequality, the refugee crisis, and world hunger.
Now in its 5th year, FFCON19 will bring together prominent industry experts, entrepreneurs, professionals, regulatory bodies and ecosystem stakeholders in fintech, blockchain, digital assets, AI, capital markets innovation, and alternative finance to discuss Canadian fintech and its ability to innovate and globally compete, the latest industry developments, emerging regulation, trends and thought leadership in a fearless framework and forum.
The two-day event, taking place April 3-4 in Toronto, will feature inspiring keynote addresses and panel discussions with industry leaders, pitching competitions, awards, and prime networking opportunities.
FFCON19 will screen TRUST MACHINE on Wednesday, April 3rd at 1:10 p.m. followed by an exclusive fireside chat with John Lyotier, CEO of RightMesh, who features in the documentary. John Lyotier is also participating on a panel the following day April 4th, discussing how disruptive technologies are transforming finance, culture and society.
“Alex Winter’s documentary is dramatic, poignant and thought-provoking for all audiences from those new to blockchain to those who work deep in the industry”, says Lyotier. “FFCON is an ideal event for the Toronto premiere screening as there is no doubt that blockchain is fundamentally changing the future of finance.”
The National Crowdfunding & Fintech Association (NCFA) 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. To learn more about NCFA visit www.ncfacanada.org
About FFCON19: FEARLESS
FFCON19 (2019 Fintech and Funding Conference) is an annual conference hosted by Canada’s National Crowdfunding and Fintech Association (NCFA). Now in its fifth year, FFCON19 will bring together professionals and innovators in fintech, blockchain, cryptocurrency, and alternative finance. The theme of FFCON19 is FEARLESS which exudes the boldness of the fintech space where small players are challenging orthodoxy, going against convention and transforming the financial industry with innovative models and thinking. The event is being held April 3-4 in downtown Toronto. #FFCON19
Media Contact Michele McDermott-Fox
The Top Floor Public Relations pr@thetopflooragency.com
(905) 379-1893
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
Crowdfund Insider | JD Alois | June 20, 2019 The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has published a statutory report on Regulation Crowdfunding commonly referenced as Reg CF. The mandated report must be forwarded to Congress three years after Reg CF rules became effective (May 2016). Reg CF is the smallest of three federal “crowdfunding” exemptions allowing issuers to raise just $1.07 million from both accredited and non-accredited investors. According to the report authors: “the number of crowdfunding offerings, as well as the total amount of funding during the considered period, was relatively modest.” The report tallies activity under Reg CF from May 2016 to December 31, 2018. At the end of the period, there were 45 active Portals and 9 Broker-Dealers which had participated in at least one Reg CF offering. See: $5 million Equity crowdfunding extended to private companies Early-stage Investing – The Public gets a Seat at the Table Three platforms accounted for two-thirds of all initiated offerings and proceeds raised. SEC: the number of #RegCF #crowdfunding offerings, as well as the total amount of funding during the considered period, was relatively modest Click to Tweet According to the SEC: Between May 16, 2016, and December 31, ... Read More
Chambers Pivot Industries | Greg Chambers | June 20, 2019 "All I need is an investor, and I’m ready to go," she says. I'm sitting in front of a passionate entrepreneur who knows I've successfully raised millions of dollars for various businesses. After hearing her story, what I'm about to say won't be what she wants to hear, but it's true. Funding isn't her problem. There's more money out looking for a home than there are good ideas to fund. The problem, I tell her, is she hasn't decided if she wants to build a company or master the growing seed and startup capital environment. Lessons from the past I was in her seat in the late 1990s shopping my big idea from investor to investor. Eventually unsuccessful, I was forced to abandon my startup and find a job. I took two big lessons from that experience. One is that if I wanted to get a company off the ground, I needed to get much better at selling a vision to investors. Second, based on the questions the investors were asking, I needed far more evidence from customers that my idea was the right one before they’d invest. Years later, ... Read More
Luge Capital | Karim Gillani | June 2019 Intro: NCFA Fintech Confidential spoke with some of Canada’s experienced fintech investors, on their background, how Canada has evolved, what we should be doing, advice to fintech founders and what keeps them awake at night. This is part 1 of a 4 part series. What is your background, and how did you come to co-found Luge Capital? Karim: My background is in fintech, mobile tech, engineering, finance and strategy. Prior to Luge, I was at PayPal, leading M&A activities in Canada. I joined PayPal through its $890M acquisition of Xoom, a renowned cross-border remittance company, where I started the Corporate Development practice. I have an Engineering degree from the University of Waterloo, a Master of Finance degree from the University of London and a Master of Laws from the University of Toronto. Luge Capital was the byproduct of highly motivated LPs, and a recognition that fintech venture capital needed a kickstart at the early stages. David Nault and I co-founded Luge in early 2018 with a new model to seek out entrepreneurs in the US and Canada that not only had a drive to take over the world, but also built their ... Read More
CDL Team | June 18, 2019 The Libra Association announces a new initiative with the goal of increasing access to financial services and fostering financial inclusion around the world TORONTO, CANADA – Today, Creative Destruction Lab (CDL) – a not-for-profit seed-stage startup program – announces that it will be a Founding Partner of the Libra Association. CDL is keen to contribute to the success of the Libra initiative as the sole Canadian organization and academic institution in the Libra Association at present. The Libra Association will create Libra, a simple global currency and financial infrastructure that can empower billions of people. Libra will be built on a secure, scalable, and reliable blockchain; and it will be backed by a reserve of assets designed to give it intrinsic value. The Libra Association will govern the infrastructure and manage and evolve this new ecosystem. Libra will enable developers and businesses to build inclusive new financial service products for people around the world. See: Facebook’s Libra Cryptocurrency: Everything We Know At this time, CDL is the sole academic Founding Partner of the Libra Association. The initial group of organizations that will work together on finalizing the association’s charter include: Payments: Mastercard, PayPal, PayU ... Read More
PC Mag | Rob Marvin | June 18, 2019 Facebook's Libra Cryptocurrency: Everything We Know Facebook's big blockchain play, consisting of the Libra coin, the nonprofit Libra Foundation, and Facebook's Calibra wallet, will create a crypto-based payments ecosystem across Facebook, Messenger, WhatsApp, and beyond. Facebook's long-rumored cryptocurrency finally got its big debut, and it's called Libra after all. Facebook today released a lengthy white paper, along with a post from Mark Zuckerberg and another from VP of blockchain David Marcus, announcing the ambitious crypto initiative and all that comes with it. The open-source Libra cryptocurrency and blockchain will be governed by the nonprofit Libra Association, while a new Facebook-owned subsidiary called Calibra will release a wallet for Libra tokens and ultimately other banking and finance products—a move that could turn Facebook into a financial services giant in addition to a social and advertising one. See: Facebook’s Cryptocurrency: Great Idea, Wrong Company While the public launch of Libra won't happen until the first half of 2020, the developer testnet of the Libra blockchain is live today. There will also be a new programming language called Move for developers to build distributed applications atop the Libra blockchain, though Facebook said neither itself ... Read More
3iQ and Mavennet | Fred Pye and Kesem Frank | June 18, 2019 Stablecoins are now a necessary step to mass adoption of cryptocurrencies, as proven by the way they’ve been used to hedge the massive volatility of the market over the past couple of years. Their simple premise enables the seamless pairing of crypto-to-fiat pegged cryptocurrency. It might sound overly simplistic, but this straightforward innovation has spurred the growth of a new crypto asset class that measures in billions of dollars in aggregate market cap (e.g. Tether, USD Coin, TrueUSD, Paxos and Gemini Dollar). As much as this asset class is still gaining momentum driven by the current and common use case, the potential of stablecoins goes well beyond the tactical value of a trading tool. Stablecoins are strategically important because they represent a bridge between legacy fiat-based systems and the new digital and decentralized currency underpinnings we collectively call “blockchain.” The dream isn’t necessarily a prediction or extension of the purist’s vision Bitcoin - blockchain’s earliest network - was born from tumultuous years in the traditional financial system. These were years defined by mistrust; not just towards the people at the helm of the financial system, but ... Read More
CNBC | Kate Rooney and Hugh Son | June 10, 2019 Mobility giant Uber is looking to accelerate the creation of financial products with a new fintech outpost in New York, according to people with knowledge of the plan. The ride-hailing company is aiming to hire several dozen engineers and product managers this year, and the New York team could eventually exceed 100 workers, said the people, who declined to be identified speaking about Uber’s plans. Uber, fresh from its IPO last month, is looking to tap New York’s talent pool, which is deeper when it comes to fintech and bank workers than its hometown of San Francisco. By building out its financial ecosystem, the company can increase its lead over rivals like Lyft. The efforts are likely to be focused on ways to increase engagement and loyalty to the Uber platform, according to people who attended a recruitment event earlier this year. Payments chief Peter Hazlehurst and top engineer Johnie Lee spoke at the event, held at Uber’s New York offices, the people said. There are many possible payment and lending innovations Uber could come up with: It has 93 million active users globally, most of whom use linked ... Read More
Schulte Research | Paul Schulte | June 17, 2019 Digital banking finally arrives in HK --all in one go! Be careful what you wish for — you might get it. Hong Kong People have been kvetching for years about the poor quality of banking services. Now, they will have a deluge of ultra-efficient and essentially free new services. These services will offer strictly online banking services without branches and ALL of them have very deep pockets. The first batch below, which I will enumerate in a moment, have capital to burn of about USD 250 million. This can go a long way in eroding the highly profitable cartel of HSBC and Hang Seng Bank. Hang Seng Bank has consistently had among the highest ROE globally north of 20-21%. And its revenue per customer has been among the world’s highest as well. HSBC owns more than 40% of HSB, so it has been a cash cow for the bank. Hong Kong is really the center of profitability for HSBC, since its ROE for commonwealth countries is the single digits and it has basically given up on the US financial market. It’s European business, like all Euro banking franchises, is in the ... Read More
Forbes | Enrique Dans | June 17, 2019 All the signs are that Facebook is about to launch its cryptocurrency on June 18, a project known internally as Libra, and that soon, apparently, we will all be using. So what are the implications of a company with 2.4 billion users launching its own currency? Strategically, the movement makes sense for Facebook: at a time when many question the its dominance of social networks and when a majority of its own shareholders say they want to see the back of Mark Zuckerberg, the company announces a very ambitious project of universal appeal giving it a central role in the world economy, in the wake of innumerable cryptocurrency projects of dubious legality, irresponsibly speculative and wasteful in terms of energy, aimed among others at people in countries with unstable currencies or limited banking penetration. As Jack Dorsey has said, this maybe the perfect moment to create a universal currency for the Internet era, reflecting the trend toward a universalization of the world. However, what is less clear is whether this currency should be in the hands of Facebook. See: FaceCoin: Here’s What Facebook Could Build In Blockchain And Cryptocurrency Technically, the project ... Read More
PATIO TIME! Join the National Crowdfunding & Fintech Association of Canada, Spaces, Gowling WLG, LoanConnect, FrontFundr, Exponential Ventures, CoinChange, United Craft, Highlander Brew, partners and Canada's leading Fintech & Funding community in the heart of trendy Queen West for a celebratory night and prime networking mixer. Interested in disrupting the finance industry, raising capital or participating in Canada’s growing alternative investing and fintech sectors? Here's a perfect opportunity to connect with emerging fintech, blockchain, crypto, AI, stealth and marketplace startups and experts, strategize with partners, pitch investors and mingle with Toronto’s burgeoning fintech ecosystem. ANNUAL SUMMER KICKOFF EVENT Date: THURSDAY, JULY 11, 2019 When: Registration opens 5:30PM to 9PM+ Venue: SPACES, 7th Floor Loft & Rooftop Patio Where: 180 John Street, Toronto, ON M5T 1X5 TICKETS - GET'M BEFORE THEY'RE GONE! $25 Early; $35 Standard; $50 Late All tickets include entrance to private event, drinks, food, lots of fun and prime networking Taxes and fees extra. No refunds after Jul 4. Ticket transfers ok. Want to pay in Crypto? Email us for an address info@ncfacanada.org If it rains, we're covered literally inside. Checkout photos from last year's Summer networking event here and the year prior here This event is for ... Read More
FFCON19 FEARLESS to address the challenges and successes of entrepreneurs and innovators in the vanguard of transforming the financial industry
TORONTO, BC / ACCESSWIRE / March 19, 2019 / The National Crowdfunding & Fintech Association (NCFA), the non-profit cross-body organisation that promotes and supports fintech and funding throughout Canada, is proud to announce additions to the speaker line-up and programme for its flagship Fintech and Financing Conference - FFCON19: FEARLESS - taking place in Toronto April 3-4.
Now in its 5th year, FFCON19 will bring together prominent industry experts, entrepreneurs, professionals, regulatory bodies and ecosystem stakeholders in fintech, blockchain, crypto, AI, capital markets innovation and alternative finance to discuss Canadian fintech and its ability to innovate and globally compete, the latest industry developments, emerging regulation, trends and thought leadership in a fearless framework and forum.
The two-day event will feature inspiring keynote addresses and panel discussions with industry leaders, pitching competitions, awards, and prime networking opportunities.
Prominent speakers include The Honorable Bill Walker, Minister of Consumer and Government Services, Ontario, and steward of the Province's new Data policy; and Teri Kirk, Founder & CEO of Fundingportal who will discuss Open Data vs. Proprietary Data, examining public and private sector values, views, and issues.
Notable investors speaking at FFCON19 include Robert Antoniades General Partner and Co-Founder Information Venture Partners, Karim Gillani General Partner Luge Capital, Christian Lassonde Founder & Managing Partner Impression Ventures, Russell Samuels Partner Whitecap Venture Partners, and Sunil Sharma Managing Director Techstars Toronto.
''FFCON19 is very honoured to have such influential speakers at this year's conference,'' said Craig Asano, Founder and CEO of NCFA. ''FFCON is proving to be an increasingly important event for promoting innovation in the fintech and funding industry in Canada. The support and contributions of these authoritative leaders will serve to further advance innovation in the sector.''
Among the featured entrepreneurs and innovators sharing their FEARLESS strategies for innovation and growth are Anthony Di Iorio Co-Founder, Founder & CEO of Ethereum, and Jaxx & Decentral; Dr. Dan Rosen Chief Executive Officer d1g1t Inc., the enterprise financial technology company serving the wealth management industry; Eli Fathi President and CEO Mindbridge AI, recognised as a CIX Top 20 in 2017; and Toufi Saliba Founder and CEO TODA Network.
Day 1 will feature an afternoon program of interactive sessions to discuss topics key to industry growth, regulatory challenges in fintech sectors, and advanced workshops such as applying design thinking to develop consumer-centric, data-driven products followed by a VIP networking reception at Gowling WLG (Canada) LLP.
Day 2 will feature the full day FFCON19 conference that showcases new technologies and fresh thinking around challenging topics from open banking, digital securities, crypto commodities and investment crowdfunding to the latest developments in AI finance models and enterprise blockchain adoption, use cases and projects. Twelve people's choice emerging fintech start-ups will pitch and the main stage will host a consultation with the Ontario Government, CSA Regulators and fearless dialogues on Canada's ability to innovate, compete, grow and sustain industry.
Building on the success of last year's sold-out conference, NCFA has expanded this year's program with the formal launch its inaugural Global Fintech Education program for entrepreneurs in conjunction with Next Decentrum Technologies. Attendees will get an exclusive first look at the program and VIP attendees will receive complimentary enrolment with conference registration.
Supporting Start-Ups
To promote innovation and funding for early stage companies FFCON19 is offering start-ups discounted tickets which can be applied for via this link:
The National Crowdfunding & Fintech Association (NCFA) 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 Insuretech sectors. To learn more about NCFA visit www.ncfacanada.org
About FFCON19: FEARLESS
FFCON19 (2019 Fintech and Financing Conference) is an annual conference hosted by Canada's National Crowdfunding and Fintech Association (NCFA). Now in its fifth year, FFCON19 will bring together professionals and innovators in fintech, blockchain, cryptocurrency, and alternative finance. The theme of FFCON19 is FEARLESS which exudes the boldness of the fintech space where small players are challenging orthodoxy, going against convention and transforming the financial industry with innovative models and thinking. The event is being held April 3-4 in downtown Toronto. #FFCON19
Ryan Aceman, special to BNN Bloomberg | March 15, 2019
#FFCON19 is set to showcase the importance of being fearless to succeed in Fintech
12 cutting-edge companies will compete in a ground-breaking pitch competition
Key emerging trends from tech and investment realms will be highlighted
Where finance and technology meet, lies one of the most fascinating sectors of the modern world. From its inception, the financial technology (Fintech) space has been built on inventive thinking and unconventional concepts. This crucial intersection has the power to transform global banking, investing, and many other sectors that people and businesses interact with on a daily basis.
"The Canadian Fintech industry is leading the way in revolutionizing financial services and events such as FFCON19 to help create a strong ecosystem that cultivates innovation and growth. Excited to be a part of it!"
From April 3rd–4th in Toronto, Ontario, FFCON2019: Fearless will aim to embody this innovative essence, hosting a variety of influential thought leaders, industry experts, and 750 attendees. The event will function as a comprehensive and daring expo showcasing innovators and disrupters that are having significant impacts within Fintech. Attendees will learn vital content delivered from fearless experts and will explore more about the economic progress, regulations, and insights from the industry.
“This year’s annual conference will feature risk takers that are challenging orthodoxy, and overcoming obstacles to commercialize fintech innovations that unlock value and impact people’s lives”
Further, the NCFA will launch its inaugural Global Fintech Education program at the conference, created for entrepreneurs to explore the foundational aspects of Fintech and learn about the current state of the industry. The program will also cover the key drivers of Fintech success, as well as explore the building blocks and framework of this sector.
“Transforming the financial industry requires going against convention with fresh insights, innovative thinking, and robust frameworks.”
With more than $39 billion invested in the global Fintech realm in 2018 alone, this event is not to be missed. The expenditure in this industry signals the significant potential for Fintech to become a
multi-trillion-dollar market in the near future.
Get your tickets for FFCON 2019 Fearless before they’re gone here: fintechandfunding.com
5th ANNUAL 2019 FINTECH & FINANCING CONFERENCE HOSTED BY NCFA AND PARTNERS
FEARLESS
Day(s)
:
Hour(s)
:
Minute(s)
:
Second(s)
APR 3-4 TORONTO
FINTECH 360. BLOCKCHAIN. AI CONFIDENTIAL. FUNDING INNOVATION. ALTERNATIVE FINANCE. GLOBAL EDUCATION. INDUSTRY WORKSHOPS. PITCHING. PRIME NETWORKING. AWARDS
The National Crowdfunding & Fintech Association of Canada (NCFA) and partners are delighted to present the 2019 Fintech & Financing Conference and Expo (#FFCON19) taking place April 3-4, 2019 in downtown Toronto.
In its 5th year, FFCON19 remains inclusive and one of the most engaging platforms in Canada for high growth and emerging startups-scaleups, professionals, regulatory bodies and ecosystem stakeholders to launch, build, connect, invest and scale the next generation of rising stars at the intersection of finance, technology, entrepreneurship and global digital markets.
The theme of FFCON19 is FEARLESS. The theme exudes the boldness of the fintech space where small players are challenging orthodoxy, going against convention and transforming the financial industry with fresh insights and thinking. Our mission is to drive all the advantages of technology to help transform the financial industry at home and abroad with innovative initiatives. This means an emphasis on network effects, collaboration, thinking strategically and bold visions with a global appeal. If you are a fintech, blockchain, peer finance, AI innovator, investor or a company actively raising capital or key decision maker/stakeholder in technology and capital markets innovation initiatives and programs, FFCON19 is a must attend event.
5th ANNUAL 2019 FINTECH & FINANCING CONFERENCE HOSTED BY NCFA AND PARTNERS
FEARLESS
Day(s)
:
Hour(s)
:
Minute(s)
:
Second(s)
APR 3-4 TORONTO
FINTECH 360. BLOCKCHAIN. AI CONFIDENTIAL. FUNDING INNOVATION. ALTERNATIVE FINANCE. GLOBAL EDUCATION. INDUSTRY WORKSHOPS. PITCHING. PRIME NETWORKING. AWARDS
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. 
