Karsten Wenzlaff, Advisor
August 26th, 2025
Karsten Wenzlaff is a Crowdfunding and Fintech Expert from Germany. He is Secretary-General of Digit[...]
Category Archives: Online Funding / Investing Portals
Coinbase Secures Bermuda License and Plans to launch Derivatives Exchange
Fortune | Jeff John Roberts | Apr 19, 2023
Image: Wikipedia, Brian Armstrong, CEO, Coinsquare
Coinbase's disclosure that it's received a license to operate in Bermuda comes at a time when the U.S. crypto industry is exploring offshore alternatives.
- The news follows a report by Bloomberg in March that Coinbase Global has been contacting institutional customers about a new offshore trading platform, and working with market makers and investment firms to launch such a service apart from its primary Coinbase marketplace.
- The news of the Bermuda license comes a day after Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong warned that crypto firms may seek to relocate offshore in the absence of a clear regulatory framework in the U.S.
- Coinbase plans to launch an offshore derivatives exchange in the country as early as next week, according to an anonymous source. The exchange will reportedly offer perpetual swaps and other exotic crypto derivatives that are mostly unavailable in the US due to regulatory restrictions.
- The move will allow Coinbase to diversify its revenue base and challenge Binance's dominance in the global crypto trade. Coinbase also plans to expand its operations in Abu Dhabi as part of its "Go Broad & Go Deep" strategy.
See: Coinbase and Kraken Reaffirm Plans to Stay Operational in Canada Amidst Changing Regulatory Landscape
- Should we stay or should we go now: The crypto industry is increasingly considering locations such as Hong Kong, Dubai, and Singapore as primary business locations. This news came after Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong warned that crypto firms may seek to relocate offshore in the absence of a clear regulatory framework in the US. However, it is unlikely that Coinbase has immediate plans to leave the US given its history of compliance in its home country.
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The National Crowdfunding & Fintech Association (NCFA Canada) is a financial innovation ecosystem that provides education, market intelligence, industry stewardship, networking and funding opportunities and services to thousands of community members and works closely with industry, government, partners and affiliates to create a vibrant and innovative fintech and funding industry in Canada. Decentralized and distributed, NCFA is engaged with global stakeholders and helps incubate projects and investment in fintech, alternative finance, crowdfunding, peer-to-peer finance, payments, digital assets and tokens, blockchain, cryptocurrency, regtech, and insurtech sectors. Join Canada's Fintech & Funding Community today FREE! Or become a contributing member and get perks. For more information, please visit: www.ncfacanada.org
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Twitter and eToro Partner to Offer Real-time Trading Data and Buy/Sell Options for Stocks and Cryptocurrencies
Forbes | Robert Hart | Apr 13, 2023
Twitter will allow users to trade stocks and cryptocurrencies as part of a new deal with social investing company eToro, CNBC reported Thursday, the latest step towards achieving owner Elon Musk’s expansive vision of transforming the platform into a multifaceted “everything app”
- Twitter has partnered with eToro to allow users to view market charts and buy and sell stocks, cryptocurrencies, and other assets through the social media platform's mobile app. The move will expand the real-time trading data available to Twitter users, offering access to a wider range of financial instruments and asset classes.
- This partnership will also allow users to buy and sell assets through eToro's platform with just a click of a button. eToro's CEO hopes that the deal will help the company expand and reach new audiences. Meanwhile, Twitter's CEO, Elon Musk, is looking to transform the social media platform into an "everything app," similar to China's WeChat, which combines multiple functionalities in one. This move towards becoming a superapp could provide new opportunities for potential investors and users of Twitter.
See: Elon Replaces Twitter Logo With ‘Doge’ Meme Despite Lawsuit
- For investors, the partnership between Twitter and eToro could signal new opportunities for growth and revenue as the social media platform expands its offerings and attracts a broader user base interested in financial services. It is also noteworthy that Elon Musk, who now owns Twitter, aims to transform the platform into a superapp, which could provide even more potential for growth and profitability.
- For users, the partnership with eToro could provide a more convenient and seamless experience for buying and selling financial assets. With the new option to access eToro's platform through Twitter, users will have access to a wider range of real-time trading data and financial instruments, making it easier for them to stay informed and make informed investment decisions. Twitter's move towards becoming a superapp could offer a more integrated and streamlined experience for users who want multiple functionalities in one platform.
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The National Crowdfunding & Fintech Association (NCFA Canada) is a financial innovation ecosystem that provides education, market intelligence, industry stewardship, networking and funding opportunities and services to thousands of community members and works closely with industry, government, partners and affiliates to create a vibrant and innovative fintech and funding industry in Canada. Decentralized and distributed, NCFA is engaged with global stakeholders and helps incubate projects and investment in fintech, alternative finance, crowdfunding, peer-to-peer finance, payments, digital assets and tokens, blockchain, cryptocurrency, regtech, and insurtech sectors. Join Canada's Fintech & Funding Community today FREE! Or become a contributing member and get perks. For more information, please visit: www.ncfacanada.org
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Gambling e-wallets: A Trending Niche for Fintechs
April 15, 2023
The demand for safe, effective, user-friendly payment solutions has increased as the gaming business grows. Gambling e-wallets are a brand-new market in the finance industry. These digital wallets cater specifically to the unique needs of the gambling sector, providing seamless transactions to and from gambling sites.
The top gambling platforms, recognizing the increasing popularity of cryptocurrencies, have incorporated e-wallet payment methods on their websites. Players can now use these digital wallets to join the platform and transfer their winnings, including any bonuses they've earned, directly to their e-wallets. This seamless integration of e-wallets has made it even more convenient for users to enjoy the full range of betting options available on options like here. Given the high risk of fraud associated with gambling payments, this niche represents a potentially lucrative opportunity for fintech looking to innovate in the payments space.
Understanding the Challenges of Gambling Payments
High Risk of Fraud
Payments related to gambling sites are considered high risk due to the increased potential for fraudulent activities, such as identity theft and chargebacks. This poses challenges for payment processors and gambling operators alike.
User Privacy and Security
Gamblers value their privacy and the security of their financial information. Therefore, payment solutions must prioritize protecting users' personal and financial data.
How Gambling E-wallets Address These Challenges
Robust Security Features
Gambling e-wallets are equipped with advanced security measures to protect users' data and minimize the risk of fraud. These features may include encryption, multi-factor authentication, and real-time transaction monitoring.
Compliance with Gambling Regulations
By focusing specifically on the gambling niche, fintechs can develop e-wallet solutions that adhere to the industry's unique regulatory requirements. This ensures that gambling operators and users can trust the e-wallet to facilitate transactions in compliance with the law.
Enhanced User Experience
Gambling e-wallets provide gamblers with a seamless, user-friendly experience, allowing them to deposit and withdraw funds quickly. This convenience can enhance users' overall gambling experience and encourage customer loyalty.
Opportunities for Fintechs in the Gambling e-wallet Niche
Global Market Expansion
As gambling grows worldwide, the demand for secure and efficient payment solutions is expected to rise. Fintechs that develop gambling e-wallets have the potential to tap into this expanding market and benefit from the industry's growth. Fintechs can diversify their revenue streams and reduce reliance on traditional financial services. This diversification can help fintechs achieve long-term stability and growth.
Innovation in Payments Technology
The gambling e-wallet niche presents an opportunity for fintechs to innovate and develop new technologies that cater to the specific needs of the gambling industry. These innovations could be adapted to other sectors, opening up additional growth opportunities.
Strategies for Success in the Gambling E-wallet Niche
Understand the Target Market
Fintechs entering the gambling e-wallet space should thoroughly research the gambling industry, its users, and their unique challenges. This understanding will help them develop tailored solutions that address the market's needs effectively.
Focus on Security and Compliance
Prioritizing security and compliance is essential in the high-risk gambling industry. Fintechs should invest in robust security measures and ensure their solutions adhere to the relevant regulations in each jurisdiction.
Conclusion
the development of gambling e-wallets is an emerging and promising niche for fintechs to explore.
See: Will Top of Digital Wallets Threaten Traditional Credit Card Markets?
By focusing on the unique challenges of the gambling industry, such as the high risk of fraud, regulatory compliance, and user privacy, Fintechs can create innovative and secure payment solutions that cater specifically to the needs of this expanding market.
The National Crowdfunding & Fintech Association (NCFA Canada) is a financial innovation ecosystem that provides education, market intelligence, industry stewardship, networking and funding opportunities and services to thousands of community members and works closely with industry, government, partners and affiliates to create a vibrant and innovative fintech and funding industry in Canada. Decentralized and distributed, NCFA is engaged with global stakeholders and helps incubate projects and investment in fintech, alternative finance, crowdfunding, peer-to-peer finance, payments, digital assets and tokens, blockchain, cryptocurrency, regtech, and insurtech sectors. Join Canada's Fintech & Funding Community today FREE! Or become a contributing member and get perks. For more information, please visit: www.ncfacanada.org
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Equity Crowdfunding Demystified: Insights from Wefunder and Equivesto
Forbes | Hessie Jones | Apr 3, 2023
Image: Johnny Price Wefunder and Alexander Morsink Equivesto
The time for startups to rethink venture capital alternatives has been gaining momentum.
- Is this the moment for Equity Crowdfunding (ECF) to emerge and become a viable alternative for startups? For startups domiciled in Canada vs the United States, jurisdiction and laws vary when it comes to choosing equity crowdfunding platforms. Qualification, campaign execution and benefits can also be different. What should you consider when getting ready to do your first capital raise?
- I reached out to two ECF platforms: Jonny Price, VP of Fundraising at Wefunder (US) and Alexander Morsink, Managing Partner at Equivesto (Canada) to understand these disparities but also demystify the many stereotypes associated with this emerging fundraising alternative.
See: Australian Equity Crowdfunding Markets Raised $72 Million in 2022
- The Legal Differences between Canada and the US
- Morsink illustrates that the publicly known concept of equity crowd funding is an umbrella term used to describe different ways private companies can raise capital in Canada. Private companies raising capital in Canada use prospectus exemptions, which are legal doorways that any company raising must bring their potential shareholders through.
- The first national ECF rules (NI 45-110 Startup Crowdfunding - similar to RegCF in the US) introduced in 2021 now allow companies raising capital to do so via an online investment platform.
- Offering Memorandum exemption (part of NI 45-106) “which is similar to the Regulation A (US) still allows the company to raise from the general public in Canada, but at no maximum raise limit.” In Canada, this option requires private companies to have ongoing audited financial statements and annual reports filed to regulators where 45-110 does not.
- “Accredited Investor” exemption allows high net worth individuals (HNW) to invest in private companies with no regulatory reporting.
- “Equivesto uses multiple prospectus exemptions at the same time for one issuer, so while a deal on the platform will be listed as an ECF deal open to the public, Angel investors will use the ‘Accredited Investor’ exemption, not the NI45-110 ‘Startup Crowdfunding’ exemption, as the legal doorway to make the investment.”
- Handling large number of investors?
- Wefunder has a lead investor who signs on behalf of all investors via special purpose vehicle (SPV)
- Equivesto recommends issuing a new class of non-voting shares and requiring investors to sign a voting trust agreement. Quarterly updates are recommended to keep investors engaged, and having many smaller investors can benefit the company by providing support and assistance in various ways.
See: Equity Crowdfunding Growth: It Took UK Seedrs 8 Years to Raise the First £1Billion and Only 2 Years for the Next Billion
- Social media is good for ECF because it reaches a lot of people and makes it easy to keep records, but scammers can use it to trick people. How do Wefunder and Equivesto protect people from scams?
- Wefunder and Equivesto both take measures to protect investors from fraudulent ventures in the ECF space, with Wefunder implementing fraud checks and offering features such as Lead Investors to provide signals for investors.
- Equivesto complying with regulatory requirements including verifying company information, conducting background checks on directors, and requiring companies to certify information is truthful before making it available to investors. Companies raising via ECF in Canada must also adhere to strict guidelines when using social media and other platforms to promote their campaigns, and investors are subject to a KYC and suitability review to ensure they are aware of the riskiness of their investments.
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The National Crowdfunding & Fintech Association (NCFA Canada) is a financial innovation ecosystem that provides education, market intelligence, industry stewardship, networking and funding opportunities and services to thousands of community members and works closely with industry, government, partners and affiliates to create a vibrant and innovative fintech and funding industry in Canada. Decentralized and distributed, NCFA is engaged with global stakeholders and helps incubate projects and investment in fintech, alternative finance, crowdfunding, peer-to-peer finance, payments, digital assets and tokens, blockchain, cryptocurrency, regtech, and insurtech sectors. Join Canada's Fintech & Funding Community today FREE! Or become a contributing member and get perks. For more information, please visit: www.ncfacanada.org
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Coinbase and Kraken Reaffirm Plans to Stay Operational in Canada Amidst Changing Regulatory Landscape
CryptoSlate | Mike Dalton | Mar 30, 2023
Image: Unsplash/Hermes Rivera
Crypto exchanges Coinbase and Kraken have stated that they plan to continue operating in Canada
- Coinbase said in a March 30 blog post that Coinbase Canada has signed an enhanced pre-registration undertaking with Canadian securities regulators. The company added that its Canadian presence is part of its international expansion efforts.
- They created a “tech hub” in Canada with more than 200 engineers and said that its global team will visit Canada on a regular basis.
- They hired Lucas Matheson, a former Senior Director of Operations at Shopify, to direct Coinbase’s Canadian operations from Ottawa.
- Coinbase is currently locked in a dispute with U.S. Securities regulators, which have sent the firm a Wells notice in advance of possible legal action.
See: Canadian Securities Regulators Publish Enhanced Investor Protection Expectations of Crypto Trading Platforms
- Kraken also said it has filed a pre-registration undertaking with Canada’s Ontario Securities Commission (OSC) and aims to become a registered Restricted Dealer in the country.
- COO David Ripley called Canada a region that is “critical to [Kraken’s] mission.” The company emphasized its local presence by stating that it has served Canadian users for over ten years and has more than 250 employees in the country.
- They will make “certain changes” to the services that it offers in Canada in order to remain in line with the new rules. Under the new rules, exchanges must segregate crypto assets held by Canadian users and refrain from offering certain services.
- However Blockchain.com has stated on its website that it will suspend Canadian custodial and exchange services. OKX has also told users that it will discontinue Canadian services.
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The National Crowdfunding & Fintech Association (NCFA Canada) is a financial innovation ecosystem that provides education, market intelligence, industry stewardship, networking and funding opportunities and services to thousands of community members and works closely with industry, government, partners and affiliates to create a vibrant and innovative fintech and funding industry in Canada. Decentralized and distributed, NCFA is engaged with global stakeholders and helps incubate projects and investment in fintech, alternative finance, crowdfunding, peer-to-peer finance, payments, digital assets and tokens, blockchain, cryptocurrency, regtech, and insurtech sectors. Join Canada's Fintech & Funding Community today FREE! Or become a contributing member and get perks. For more information, please visit: www.ncfacanada.org
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3 Canadian Crypto Firms Merge to Create Country’s Largest Regulated Trading Platform
Image: Pexels/Thought Catalog
Three Canadian crypto companies are combining to create the country’s largest regulated crypto asset trading platform, and executives said the merger will give them a new edge for business success in an industry that’s been roiled by regulatory concerns.
- Three Canadian crypto companies, WonderFi, Coinsquare, and CoinSmart, have announced their merger to create the country's largest regulated crypto asset trading platform.
- Of the combined company, WonderFi shareholders will own 38 per cent, Coinsquare shareholders will own 43 per cent and CoinSmart shareholders will own 19 per cent on a partially diluted basis.
- The combined company aims to provide a regulated, safe environment for users, with over 1.65 million registered Canadian users and $600 million in combined assets under custody.
See:
Bloomberg: Coinsquare and WonderFi in Advanced Merger Talks
Competition Bureau Reacts to Wonderfi’s Crypto Consolidation
- The merger comes amidst increasing regulatory scrutiny in the crypto industry, with the collapse of Bahamas-based FTX Trading Ltd. and its founder facing financial crimes charges in the U.S.
- The executives of the merging companies believe that the increased regulatory costs will lead to more consolidation and acquisition opportunities in the sector, and that their merger represents a path to profitability in a challenging environment.
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The National Crowdfunding & Fintech Association (NCFA Canada) is a financial innovation ecosystem that provides education, market intelligence, industry stewardship, networking and funding opportunities and services to thousands of community members and works closely with industry, government, partners and affiliates to create a vibrant and innovative fintech and funding industry in Canada. Decentralized and distributed, NCFA is engaged with global stakeholders and helps incubate projects and investment in fintech, alternative finance, crowdfunding, peer-to-peer finance, payments, digital assets and tokens, blockchain, cryptocurrency, regtech, and insurtech sectors. Join Canada's Fintech & Funding Community today FREE! Or become a contributing member and get perks. For more information, please visit: www.ncfacanada.org
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Why You Should Start Your Forex Trading Journey With a Broker
March 29, 2023
Image: Unsplash/Marga Santoso
Forex trading involves changing one currency into another. While some people undertake this action purely for tourism reasons, others make a living out of it. There can be many benefits associated with forex trading, such as low costs, easy short-term sales, and an abundance of currency options. However, forex investment can be risky, and you might like to align yourself with a forex trading broker for some of the following reasons.
You’re New to Forex Trading
We all have to start somewhere in the investment world, but the complexities surrounding forex methodology and forex markets can make it easy for beginners to make costly mistakes. Many beginner forex traders entrust their money with forex brokers to make sound investment decisions on their behalf. This can be a worthwhile decision when you lack the skills to undertake trading yourself but understand the many benefits of getting involved.
You Don’t Have Time
Forex trading takes a considerable amount of time and effort. While the investment itself can take just a few seconds, you also have to study and analyze forex market data to ensure you’re making wise investment decisions. Hiring a forex broker can sometimes be in your best interest if you’re busy with work and family life. They already understand how the forex market works, and their full-time job is watching it evolve and change. They can put your money to work when life commitments mean you don’t have time to.
You Want Sign-Up Bonuses
Many forex brokers want to make themselves stand out from their competition, as thousands of forex brokers are likely fighting for new customers. As a result, they sometimes offer incentives to bring new customers on board, such as free credit or extra money for each deposit you make.
After ensuring the forex brokers you’re considering working with are legitimate, you can compare their bonus offerings and decide which sounds most appealing. If you still can’t decide which broker to choose based on their bonus offerings, ask them what else makes them stand out from their competition.
You Want to Improve Your Chances of Making Money
Forex trading is often considered a high-risk investment, which means you won’t always make money. Sometimes, you’ll lose it. However, you might be less likely to lose money if you enlist the services of a professional. They understand the intricacies of the market and can keep an eye on your investment hour-by-hour. While they take a commission from profits earned, that can be a far better option than losing money because you’re an inexperienced trader.
They Have Technology You Don’t
While the average forex trader can visit a website and enjoy a live feed of currency exchange rates, they don’t typically have the same technology as most brokers. The best forex trading brokers use various software to analyze currencies, predict future trends, and calculate risks based on their own strategies. This technology helps them to make sound trading decisions to potentially boost your profit potential.
See: Trading and the Power of Expectations (including your own)
There’s no reason why you can’t start your forex trading journey on your own and spend time learning how to make the best investment decisions. However, you might enjoy some of these benefits above by hiring a forex broker to lead the way.
The National Crowdfunding & Fintech Association (NCFA Canada) is a financial innovation ecosystem that provides education, market intelligence, industry stewardship, networking and funding opportunities and services to thousands of community members and works closely with industry, government, partners and affiliates to create a vibrant and innovative fintech and funding industry in Canada. Decentralized and distributed, NCFA is engaged with global stakeholders and helps incubate projects and investment in fintech, alternative finance, crowdfunding, peer-to-peer finance, payments, digital assets and tokens, blockchain, cryptocurrency, regtech, and insurtech sectors. Join Canada's Fintech & Funding Community today FREE! Or become a contributing member and get perks. For more information, please visit: www.ncfacanada.org
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