Karsten Wenzlaff, Advisor
August 26th, 2025
AI Advisor | Sep 26, 2024

Image: Freepik AI
The Israeli Securities Authority (ISA) officially approved "Bridget", a financial AI chatbot created by Tel Aviv-based company Bridgewise, to advise retail investors on what stocks to buy and sell in collaboration with Israel Discount Bank. The ISA are one of the first national regulators to approve an AI tool to provide specific buy/sell stock picking advice, which is unlike a general robo-advisor that provide portfolio management services.
"Bridget" uses the latest machine learning and natural language processing to assess stock data and market news and provides buy/sell recommendations in real-time. Now with regulatory approval, the chatbot can speak with ordinary retail investors directly, giving more individuals access to sophisticated market data.
There are some restrictions. It must prevent conflicts of interest and bias, and also follow a fixed compensation model (not commission based) so there are no incentives based on the performance of recommendations. Investors can ask whatever general questions about thousands of stocks but a key restriction to reduce risk is that 'Bridget' cannot provide personalized AI advice and must remain entirely transparent at all times.
Canada has not authorized a completely autonomous AI adviser. But according to a research conducted by the Ontario Securities Commission (OSC), Canadian investors are open to receiving investing advice from AI, especially when it is paired with human input. Canada's current rules mandate a hybrid model where AI can assist in decision-making but human advisors must make the final investment choice which is compliant with "know your client" (KYC) rules and investment suitability requirements.
Canada is currently exploring how AI may improve retail investing but regulators want to ensure openness, accountability, and investor safety before approving fully automated AI advice models. While AI solutions are currently in use for fraud detection, customer support, and predictive analytics, business models that offer direct financial advising is strictly scrutinized. It will take some time for AI technologies to ensure objective advice and investor protections, determining how quickly adoption can proceed in Canada.
Israel's approval of an autonomous AI advisor is a progressive approach while Canada is open to AI in finance it's taking more measured steps to ensure strong human monitoring and compliance. As AI tech and policymakers converge, a new norm in AI powered financial advise is on the horizon.
The National Crowdfunding & Fintech Association (NCFA Canada) is a financial innovation ecosystem that provides education, market intelligence, industry stewardship, networking and funding opportunities and services to thousands of community members and works closely with industry, government, partners and affiliates to create a vibrant and innovative fintech and funding industry in Canada. Decentralized and distributed, NCFA is engaged with global stakeholders and helps incubate projects and investment in fintech, alternative finance, crowdfunding, peer-to-peer finance, payments, digital assets and tokens, artificial intelligence, blockchain, cryptocurrency, regtech, and insurtech sectors. Join Canada's Fintech & Funding Community today FREE! Or become a contributing member and get perks. For more information, please visit: www.ncfacanada.org
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Sep 25, 2024

Image: Unsplash/Glenn Carstens Peters
If you are looking to grow your wealth, one of the most effective and convenient ways is to get involved in online trading. If you do it right, you can make a lot of money this way. Trading online allows you to buy and sell different types of securities, including stocks, bonds, futures, options, commodities, and currencies.
Certain online trading sites will incentivize you to take part on their platforms. You can find a no deposit bonus forex that will give you a handy bonus for getting started.
You should be sure to familiarize yourself with the rules and standards, though, because you can just as easily lose money in the process if you’re not careful. Let’s take a closer look at some of the benefits of online trading, as well as some of the things you should look out for.
Real-time trading. Thanks to advanced technology that is bringing information to people instantly. Real-time trading allows for increased accuracy in trading, which is critical for making the most beneficial choices and giving traders an advantage over their competitors.
Reduced risk. When you trade online and in real time, you can carefully monitor your position and level of risk exposure. This allows you to make better decisions about when to buy and sell, and consequently reduce the level of risk that you face. Traditional trading requires that you wait until the end of a business day or possibly even longer, depending on the type of purchase or sale that you make, and this can make you subject to the vagaries of the market.
More sophisticated strategizing. When you trade online and in real time, you gain valuable insight into market trends and patterns, which consequently allows you to develop more effective strategies when trading. Things such as breakouts and trend reversals become much clearer, and traditional trading methods don’t necessarily reveal these things.
Greater profits. When you trade online and in real time, you can make a greater profit than you would be able to using traditional trading methods. Because you can make more informed and timely decisions, you can avoid making trades that aren’t as profitable.
Cost effectiveness. In addition to making greater profits, online trading allows you to save costs and other charges that you might incur with traditional investing. If you choose a zero brokerage plan, for example, you can cut your brokerage costs potentially to nothing at all.
Access to more different kinds of data. When you trade online, you have instant access to a whole range of different types of data, including price data, order book data, volume data, etc. This gives traders a more complete view of what is happening in the market, and enables them to better understand the trends that are building within the market. Traditional trading does not provide this kind of insight.
Customization. When you trade online, you can set your configurations however you choose. Different people have different interests when it comes to investing, of course, so when you choose the right site you can adjust your settings and only see the information that you want to see.
Increased flexibility and convenience. Online trading is extremely convenient. Traders can conduct activity from laptops, mobile phones, or any device that connects to the Internet. And all of your information will be connected, so if you need to change devices you can do so easily.
Customer support when you need it. The better online trading sites will offer you prompt and efficient customer support, which can be very helpful if you run into a problem. Customer support representatives can provide both technical support - if you have a problem with a site - and other types of assistance as necessary. Furthermore, help is available 24 hours a day. So regardless of when you trade or what time zone you are in, there is always someone available to help you.
Transparency. Online trading platforms will give transparent information about fees, site rules, and any other charges that might come up in the course of trading. This can include taxes, brokerage fees, and other associated administrative costs. This helps traders gain a more accurate picture of the whole process.
Online trading can be an excellent way to make money. It is far superior to traditional trading in many respects. It is more efficient, informative, and potentially profitable for those who conduct their activities that way than traditional trading is. If you choose to trade online, be sure that you find a reputable site that meets regulatory standards and will give you adequate customer service when you need it.
The National Crowdfunding & Fintech Association (NCFA Canada) is a financial innovation ecosystem that provides education, market intelligence, industry stewardship, networking and funding opportunities and services to thousands of community members and works closely with industry, government, partners and affiliates to create a vibrant and innovative fintech and funding industry in Canada. Decentralized and distributed, NCFA is engaged with global stakeholders and helps incubate projects and investment in fintech, alternative finance, crowdfunding, peer-to-peer finance, payments, digital assets and tokens, artificial intelligence, blockchain, cryptocurrency, regtech, and insurtech sectors. Join Canada's Fintech & Funding Community today FREE! Or become a contributing member and get perks. For more information, please visit: www.ncfacanada.org
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Aug 30, 2024

The worlds of FinTech and online gaming are colliding in the best way possible. FinTech companies are taking cues from iGaming, where gamification has been driving user engagement for years. Think rewards, personalized recommendations, and loyalty programs—all designed to make financial tasks more engaging and fun. By following the lead of iGaming, FinTech is finding new ways to keep customers hooked and coming back for more.
Engaging customers in FinTech through gamification is not an idea but is becoming more popular as companies seek innovative ways to connect with their digital clientele effectively. The concept is transforming ordinary financial activities into interactive experiences by incorporating gaming features. This strategy not boosts user satisfaction but also encourages increased interaction and loyalty leading to improved financial performance in the long run. For instance FinTech applications could incentivize individuals for saving habits, encourage them to participate in educational challenges related to finance or foster a competitive spirit through leaderboards showcasing the most dedicated savers or investors. These features, commonly found on gaming platforms such as iLucki Casino, are proving to be effective in the financial services sector as well.
The iGaming sector has a strong grasp on maintaining user interest and engagement, and now FinTech is adopting similar approaches to transform financial tasks into enjoyable experiences that resemble a game plan of sorts:

Gamification is not just a buzzword—it’s creating a stir in the FinTech industry, with certain companies already leading the pack! By implementing these game-influenced strategies, they are transforming services into an engaging and enjoyable experience. Let’s explore a few instances:
To stay relevant in today’s fast-paced digital world and meet the changing needs of online consumers effectively, FinTech can benefit from adopting strategies inspired by the iGaming industry playbook. From enhancing user involvement to tailoring services to individual preferences, there are valuable lessons that FinTech can embrace and apply for success. Here are the key teachings that FinTech should internalize and prioritize:

As the FinTech industry progresses further, the implementation of gamification tactics is expected to become increasingly advanced and nuanced. The goal will not just be to increase user involvement, but to establish beneficial financial behaviors that have long-term advantages for users. Insights from iGaming experiences where gamification has demonstrated its effectiveness will play a role in defining the upcoming trends in financial technology.
Ultimately despite the contrast between FinTech and iGaming the integration of gamification indicates a shared connection between these sectors that may not be immediately apparent. Drawing inspiration from the achievements of platforms such as iLucki Casino, FinTech firms can develop tailored services that not only draw in users but also encourage their continued involvement.
The National Crowdfunding & Fintech Association (NCFA Canada) is a financial innovation ecosystem that provides education, market intelligence, industry stewardship, networking and funding opportunities and services to thousands of community members and works closely with industry, government, partners and affiliates to create a vibrant and innovative fintech and funding industry in Canada. Decentralized and distributed, NCFA is engaged with global stakeholders and helps incubate projects and investment in fintech, alternative finance, crowdfunding, peer-to-peer finance, payments, digital assets and tokens, artificial intelligence, blockchain, cryptocurrency, regtech, and insurtech sectors. Join Canada's Fintech & Funding Community today FREE! Or become a contributing member and get perks. For more information, please visit: www.ncfacanada.org
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Crowdfunding | Aug 27, 2024

Image: Pixabay/geralt
While many know Revolut to be a robust global financial powerhouse, they may not be aware of the strategic and innovative crowdfunding success which opened the door to 433 retail investor to take part in their extraordinary growth journey. In 2016, Revolut raised a £1 million crowdfunding round at a valuation of just £42 million on equity crowdfunding platform Crowdcube. At that time, investors funded on average just £2,152 per investor. The demand was overwhelmingly successful that investors had to be randomly chosen from over 10,000 interested investors, and the campaign achieved its funding goal in a matter of days.
Fast forward to today, Revolut's valuation in 2024 has skyrocketed in true hockey stick fashion to $45 billion making those early crowdfunding investments ultra profitable with shares now valued at over £860,000 profit for up to 40,000% gains.
Looking back to that successful campaign over 8 years prior, Revolut together with Crowdcube demonstrated the power of crowdfunding where everyday retail investors could invest as remote 'armchair dragons' (a nod to entrepreneur's pitch show Dragon's Den) and achieve outsized returns in a world typically reserved for venture capitalists and early institutional investors.
Revolut's equity crowdfunding campaign provided retail investors the opportunity to join one of the biggest startup success stories in Europe highlighting the roadmap for innovation, strategic funding, smart investment, and the potential of equity crowdfunding as the firm contemplates an IPO.
The National Crowdfunding & Fintech Association (NCFA Canada) is a financial innovation ecosystem that provides education, market intelligence, industry stewardship, networking and funding opportunities and services to thousands of community members and works closely with industry, government, partners and affiliates to create a vibrant and innovative fintech and funding industry in Canada. Decentralized and distributed, NCFA is engaged with global stakeholders and helps incubate projects and investment in fintech, alternative finance, crowdfunding, peer-to-peer finance, payments, digital assets and tokens, artificial intelligence, blockchain, cryptocurrency, regtech, and insurtech sectors. Join Canada's Fintech & Funding Community today FREE! Or become a contributing member and get perks. For more information, please visit: www.ncfacanada.org
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Aug 13, 2024

Image: Freepik/DC Studio
Fintech or financial technology and online gaming are complementary industries. Integrating fintech within the gaming industry opens many opportunities to bridge the gap between the two distinct sectors. Technology continues to drive these two industries, which have experienced commendable growth over the last few decades. This article will seek to explore the logical symbiotic relationship between the fintech and gaming industries.
Online gaming has evolved, and players can buy skins and other in-game features to strengthen their characters. In-game economies provide extra revenue streams for gaming companies and their designers.
We also have play-to-earn games in which players can earn real money by completing various tasks. Most play-to-earn games are based on blockchain technology, which allows players to cash out tokens and trade them in secondary markets.
Fintech also allows microtransactions that allow users to spend virtual and real currencies easily. Tokenization, enabled by Blockchain and other distributed technologies, allows users to trade small game items for virtual currencies or real money.
Fintech solutions such as digital wallets, card payments, and cryptocurrencies have revolutionized transaction processes in online gaming. Players on reputable platforms like Casino Days in Ontario can now transact securely through various payment processors designed by fintech companies.
The demand for payment processors that enable cross-border transfers has led gaming companies to adopt forms such as cryptocurrencies. Fintech has also allowed players to enjoy instant deposits and withdrawals through various payment processors.
Huge sums of money change hands in the gaming sector, making it prone to fraud and a big target for cybercriminals. FinTech companies are addressing these challenges through technologies like Blockchain, which make it hard for hackers to access private information. Players can also make anonymous transactions through crypto payments.
Gaming companies also partner with FinTech companies to implement AI-driven fraud detection systems. Payment processors provide features such as two-factor authentication and One-Time Passwords (OTP) to protect users from hackers. All these measures protect both players and the gaming platforms.
Online gaming, particularly for real money, requires serious regulations to avoid fraud and money laundering. FinTech companies help gaming companies develop Know Your Customer (KYC) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) measures. These measures help gaming companies comply with local regulations and also enter international markets.
Gaming companies can use data analytics from FinTech companies to understand customer spending habits, preferences, and behavior. They can also use such data to create personalized in-game promotions for players. Such models can be a good reference point for identifying problem gamblers and developing responsible gambling measures.
The logical symbiosis between FinTech and online gaming companies is a testament to how two distinct industries can collaborate and drive innovation.
FinTech companies enable gaming companies to process payments, create in-game economies, and comply with regulations. On the other hand, gaming companies help FinTech companies come up with innovative solutions and increase their revenue margins.
The National Crowdfunding & Fintech Association (NCFA Canada) is a financial innovation ecosystem that provides education, market intelligence, industry stewardship, networking and funding opportunities and services to thousands of community members and works closely with industry, government, partners and affiliates to create a vibrant and innovative fintech and funding industry in Canada. Decentralized and distributed, NCFA is engaged with global stakeholders and helps incubate projects and investment in fintech, alternative finance, crowdfunding, peer-to-peer finance, payments, digital assets and tokens, artificial intelligence, blockchain, cryptocurrency, regtech, and insurtech sectors. Join Canada's Fintech & Funding Community today FREE! Or become a contributing member and get perks. For more information, please visit: www.ncfacanada.org
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Launch Release | Jul 18, 2024

Image: GO Alberta, Equity crowdfunding portal
July 17, 2024, Calgary AB - A new equity crowdfunding portal, Go Alberta, has announced it's launch, and is aimed at helping Alberta's small businesses. Throughout the province, small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) will be able to access a community-driven finance solution. Go Alberta's goal is to empower local companies by introducing them to a variety of investors so they can raise the capital they require to expand and prosper. By democratizing investment options, this platform enables regular Albertans to contribute to and profit from the success of regional businesses.
There are numerous of benefits to raising an equity crowdfunding campaign, such as:
In Alberta and across Canada, equity or investment crowdfunding is governed by laws that safeguard investors and encourage SMEs to raise cash responsibly. National Instrument 45-110 (NI 45-110), which describes the Start-Up Crowdfunding Registration and Prospectus Exemptions, is the main regulatory framework.
Equity crowdfunding provides a crucial option in the present funding environment, when the volume of traditional venture capital funding has decreased. Many prospective SMEs struggle to get the capital they need since traditional venture capital funding frequently favours larger, more established enterprises. Go Alberta fills in this void by:
Equity crowdfunding is a movement to democratize investment in local communities. By connecting businesses with passionate investors, Go Alberta is paving the way for a more vibrant and resilient local business ecosystem.
The National Crowdfunding & Fintech Association (NCFA Canada) is a financial innovation ecosystem that provides education, market intelligence, industry stewardship, networking and funding opportunities and services to thousands of community members and works closely with industry, government, partners and affiliates to create a vibrant and innovative fintech and funding industry in Canada. Decentralized and distributed, NCFA is engaged with global stakeholders and helps incubate projects and investment in fintech, alternative finance, crowdfunding, peer-to-peer finance, payments, digital assets and tokens, artificial intelligence, blockchain, cryptocurrency, regtech, and insurtech sectors. Join Canada's Fintech & Funding Community today FREE! Or become a contributing member and get perks. For more information, please visit: www.ncfacanada.org
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M&A | Investing Services | Jul 8, 2024

Robinhood and Pluto (Image: Robinhood)
Robinhood recently announced the acquisition of Pluto Capital inc., an AI-driven investment advice platform, which has the potential to democratize finance by providing personalized investment strategies and real-time analytics to a broader audience.
Mayank Agarwal, VP of Engineering, Robinhood:
“We are thrilled to welcome Pluto and Jacob Sansbury to Robinhood. They have built an impressive platform that is highly regarded in the financial services industry. Importantly, their expertise in artificial intelligence coupled with a mission-aligned passion to democratize finance will complement our team’s effort to bring AI powered tools to our customers.”
Access to optimized personal financial portfolios previously only exclusively available to richer clients—will become more accessible to a wider audience with the integration of Pluto's AI capabilities into Robinhood's ecosystem. There will be other noteworthy effects from this levelling of the playing fields:
Pluto's advanced AI capabilities will be integrated, giving every day investors access to tools and insights that were previously only available to their richer clientele. This will promote financial inclusion and will help lessen gaps in investment returns. With AI technology developing at a rapid pace for retail investors, Robinhood is well positioned to capture the value by enabling complex investment tools available to all investors.
The National Crowdfunding & Fintech Association (NCFA Canada) is a financial innovation ecosystem that provides education, market intelligence, industry stewardship, networking and funding opportunities and services to thousands of community members and works closely with industry, government, partners and affiliates to create a vibrant and innovative fintech and funding industry in Canada. Decentralized and distributed, NCFA is engaged with global stakeholders and helps incubate projects and investment in fintech, alternative finance, crowdfunding, peer-to-peer finance, payments, digital assets and tokens, artificial intelligence, blockchain, cryptocurrency, regtech, and insurtech sectors. Join Canada's Fintech & Funding Community today FREE! Or become a contributing member and get perks. For more information, please visit: www.ncfacanada.org
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