Karsten Wenzlaff, Advisor
August 26th, 2025
Karsten Wenzlaff is a Crowdfunding and Fintech Expert from Germany. He is Secretary-General of Digit[...]
Category Archives: Payments, Transfers, Rewards
Bank of Canada Webinar Dec 13, 2023: Retail Payments Registration and Supervision
BoC Webinar | Dec 11, 2023
Image by rawpixel.com on Freepik
The Bank of Canada is hosting an informative webinar on December 13, 2023, where participants will gain insights into the new registration requirements for payment service providers (PSPs) under the Retail Payment Activities Act, effective from November 1, 2024.
This is a crucial time for PSPs to get ready and understand the steps to comply with the registration process starting November 1, 2024.
See:
Canada’s New Retail Payment Regulations: Registration and Compliance
BoC Speech: Essence of the New Retail Payment Activities Act
Final Retail Payment Regulations Released Paving Way For Implementation
During the webinar, attendees will discover:
🔍 Who is required to register
📝 The process of registration
⏰ The appropriate timeline for registration
Featuring a detailed presentation by our Supervision team and an interactive Q&A session, the webinar will be conducted in French at 11:00 ET and in English at 13:00 ET.
Register Now --> here
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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BoC Speech: Essence of the New Retail Payment Activities Act
Canadian Payments Regulation | Nov 30, 2023
Image: Freepik/macrovector
New Retail Payments Regulatory Framework
On November 28, 2023, Ron Morrow, the Executive Director – Supervision at the Bank of Canada delivered a speech about the new Retail Payments Activities Act in Canada at the Central 1 Momentum Summit in Vancouver, BC.
See: Canada’s New Retail Payment Regulations: Registration and Compliance
- Passed in the summer of 2021, the new Retail Payment Activities Act in Canada is a major shift in the supervision of retail payments, expanding the oversight of the Bank of Canada to include a broader range of Payment Service Providers (PSPs), many of which were previously not subject to supervision beyond anti-money laundering regulations. The Bank of Canada is focused on managing risks associated with payment activities. The robustness of national payment systems and rigorous supervisory roles of central banks have increased, especially after events like the Herstatt Bank failure in 1974 and the 2008-09 financial crisis.
Registration and Compliance
Under the new regime, PSPs are required to register with the Bank of Canada and comply with minimum standards for managing operational risks and safeguarding end-user funds. This includes separating end-user funds from operating funds and ensuring their protection through trust, insurance, or guarantees.
Scope and Impact
The Act covers approximately 2,500 providers, both in Canada and internationally, including payment processors, digital wallets, and other payment technology companies. The focus is on the functions performed by these entities rather than their business identity.
Global Alignment
In developing this framework, the Bank of Canada aligned its approach with international standards, drawing insights from similar regulatory regimes in the UK, EU, and Singapore. This global perspective ensures that Canada's approach is in harmony with the best practices worldwide.
Enforcement and Flexibility
The Bank will use various tools for enforcement, including warning letters, public notices of violation, and monetary penalties, with a graduated approach depending on the circumstances. The regime acknowledges the diversity of business models among PSPs and aims for a common standard with enough flexibility to apply across all types of providers.
See: BoC Update on The Digital Canadian Dollar Initiative
For the complete details, you can visit the Bank of Canada's website. The information provided here is based on the first part of the speech, and the remaining part of the speech might contain additional details.
Read the full speech ==> here
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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How Permissioned DeFi Will Transform Global Payments
DeFi Payments | Nov 27, 2023
Image from Fireblocks and BCG Analytics
How Permissioned DeFi is revolutionizing cross-border payments with efficient, cost effective, secure and regulatory compliant transactions
The challenges of both traditional and permissionless DeFi for payments: Traditional cross-border payment systems are often slow, expensive, and lack transparency. Permissionless DeFi, while offering advantages such as near-instant transfers and better traceability, falls short in terms of anti-money laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC) functions, making it vulnerable to fraud and erroneous payments. These shortcomings have hindered its widespread adoption by financial institutions.
See: JPMorgan’s New Programmable Payments in Blockchain
Best of Both Worlds with Permissioned DeFi
Permissioned DeFi solves these concerns by integrating the best of both worlds: the efficiency of DeFi and the necessary compliance controls. This model involves several key steps and 8 key participants, ensuring a secure, compliant, and efficient process for cross-border transactions. Here's the step-by-step process below:
Step 1. KYC Process and Whitelisting: Institutions undergo a platform-level KYC process conducted by whitelisters, who approve users and add their digital wallets to the allowed list. Institutions can act as whitelisters or appoint third parties for this role.
Step 2. Initiating the Transaction: Once KYC-approved, a sender (individual, business, or institution) can initiate a cross-border fiat money transfer.
Step 3. On-Ramp Instruction to OOSP: The sender’s fiat balance is debited by an On- and Off-Ramp Service Provider (OOSP), and the sender’s digital wallet is credited with a token of equivalent value.
Step 4. Token Types: The model can use various tokens, like bank-issued stablecoins or central bank digital currencies (CBDCs), representing the transaction’s main payment format.
See: Insights Into Canada’s Evolving Payments Landscape
Step 5. Wrapping the Token: The token received in the digital wallet is wrapped by a service provider for interoperability across blockchains. The wrapping process involves locking the initial token in a smart contract and minting an equivalent amount of the wrapped token.
Step 6. Smart Contract and AMM: A smart contract deployed on the permissioned DeFi protocol handles the transfer of the wrapped token. An Automated Market Maker (AMM) provides a liquidity pool to facilitate trades and ensure near-instant settlement.
Step 7. Unwrapping and Off-Ramping: Receivers can unwrap the received token on another blockchain network.If fiat currency is preferred, an off-ramp step converts the token back to fiat, crediting it to the receiver’s bank account.
Cost Advantage
The use of permissioned decentralized finance (DeFi) with cross-border payments is estimated to be 80% cheaper than a traditional global payment transaction.
Let's compare the two payment methods by cost category in the table below which clearly illustrates the cost-effectiveness of permissioned DeFi in cross-border payments, highlighting the potential for significant savings for both payment service providers and end customers.
| Cost Category | Traditional Payments | Permissioned DeFi-Based Payments |
|---|---|---|
| Operational & IT Costs | $6.40 (80% of total) | $0.05 to $0.09 |
| Compliance Costs | $1.20 to $1.60 (15%-20% of total) | Assumed same as traditional: $1.20 to $1.60 |
| Total Cost per Transaction | $8.00 | $1.25 to $1.69 |
- There's a significant reduction in operational and IT costs in the permissioned DeFi model, dropping from $6.40 to a mere $0.05 to $0.09 per transaction.
- These costs are assumed to remain the same in both models, ranging from $1.20 to $1.60 per transaction. This assumption is based on the premise that the regulatory and compliance requirements are similar across both platforms.
- The overall cost per transaction in traditional payments is $8.00, whereas in the permissioned DeFi-based model, it ranges from $1.25 to $1.69. This represents a substantial cost reduction of approximately 80% in the permissioned DeFi model compared to traditional payment methods.
See: Bank-Issued Deposit Tokens Emerge and JP Morgan Sees Them Going DeFi
Conclusion
Permissioned DeFi is poised to redefine the landscape of cross-border payments with an efficient, cost-effective and secure solution that is compliant with regulatory standards. By addressing the limitations of both traditional payment systems and permissionless DeFi, this innovative model opens up new possibilities for global financial transactions, making them more accessible, transparent, and efficient.
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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Peloton Technologies Secures $2M in Seed Funding to Simplify SME Payments in Canada
Funding | Nov 27, 2023
Victoria-based Payments fintech, Peloton Technologies, successfully closes a $2 million late seed funding round to simplify payment processes for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) in Canada.
Highlights
- The $2 million investment round, led by a group of undisclosed investors with expertise in payments, banking, and risk management, reflects strong confidence in Peloton's business model and growth potential. Peloton's platform is distinguished by its ability to integrate multiple payment methods across various financial institutions, offering a comprehensive and unified payments platform that is scalable and adaptable, growing alongside businesses.
- ISOs (Independent Sales Organizations): They provide a customizable and white-labeled solution for ISOs, ensuring a unified approach to payment processing.
- Merchants: The platform offers all the necessary tools for merchants to support their business growth.
- CEO/CFO Solution: This solution is tailored to maximize the benefits of corporate rewards cards for high-level executives.
See: CB Insights Global Fintech Q3 2023 & Canada Spotlight
- The Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada declared a substantial investment in July 2023. This initiative, part of the Business Scale-Up and Productivity Program, led to Peloton Technologies receiving a notable $1.5 million funding, marking it as the highest-funded FinTech by PacifiCan. Building on this momentum, Peloton Technologies further expanded its capabilities by acquiring KIS Payments, a prominent Canadian payment processing firm, last month in October.
- Signaling robust expansion plans, the company is preparing for a larger capital raise in the first half of 2024.
Conclusion
Peloton Technologies' seed funding milestone signals the growing vigor of the Canadian fintech payments sector. Peloton Technologies positions itself as a versatile and growth-oriented payment platform, offering tailored solutions for a range of clients from ISOs to corporate executives, underlining their commitment to innovation in the payments industry.
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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UK’s Digital Pound Initiative Sparks Privacy Discussions
Regulation | Nov 24, 2023
Image by storyset on Freepik
UK's Approach to CBDCs and Privacy
On November 7, 2023, a question raised in the UK Parliament by Mr. David Davis, a Conservative MP, brought to light the critical issue of privacy in the context of a UK CBDC. The response from Andrew Griffith, also a Conservative MP, emphasized the UK Government's commitment to ensuring rigorous standards of privacy and data protection in the design of a digital pound.
Notably, the government assures that neither it nor the Bank of England would have access to personal data or insights into consumer spending habits.
A recent development in the UK Parliament highlights the growing concern and attention towards the privacy implications of these digital currencies. As Canada's fintech community closely monitors global trends, the discussion around the UK's potential digital pound offers valuable insights.
Implications for Fintechs and Canada
For fintech companies and stakeholders in Canada, the UK's stance on privacy in the realm of digital currencies is both a benchmark and a learning opportunity. It highlights the importance of balancing innovation with consumer rights, particularly in a domain as sensitive as financial transactions. The UK's consultative approach, involving feedback from February to June 2023, also highlights the role of stakeholder engagement in shaping fintech policies.
See: Jon Conliffe Speech: A digital pound will be needed in this decade
As Canada explores the possibility of its own CBDC digital currency, the UK's model provides a framework for considering privacy and data protection. It is important for Canadian fintech innovators, regulators, and policymakers to prioritize user privacy and control while designing digital financial solutions.
The dialogue in the UK Parliament about the privacy aspects of a potential digital pound is a significant moment for the global fintech community.
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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Final Retail Payment Regulations Released Paving Way For Implementation
Payments Regulation | Nov 24, 2023
Image: Pexels/Breakingpic
The final regulations for the Retail Payment Activities Act (RPAA) have been published in the Canada Gazette, Part II.
These regulations help clarify the details of the legislation and outline the intentions of the law. Payment service providers (PSPs) will be required to register with the Bank of Canada starting on November 1, 2024.
The Bank’s related supervisory requirements will follow in September 2025. More information is now available.
More resources:
- Canada’s New Retail Payment Regulations: Registration and Compliance
- Summary: This article explores Canada's Retail Payment Activities Framework, impacting PSPs in 2024. It discusses compliance, exemptions, and its effect on the fintech sector.
- Published: Nov 16, 2023
- Read more
- Preparing for Retail Payment Act Changes
- Summary: Discusses the final regulations under the Retail Payment Activities Act in Canada, expected to be published in the Canada Gazette II, and the significant changes and preparations in retail payments supervision.
- Read more
- Regulatory Consultation (Feedback by March 28, 2023): Retail Payment Activities Act (RPAA)
- Summary: Covers the Department of Finance Canada’s proposed regulations on the RPAA, published for public comment, and the importance of the public comment period.
- Read more
- McCarthy Tetrault: Fintech Regulatory Developments: 2021 Year in Review
- Summary: Discusses the introduction and enactment of the Retail Payment Activities Act (RPAA) in 2021, including requirements for payment service providers in Canada.
- Read more
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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Feds Promise Open Banking Laws in 2024 and to Broaden Access to Payments Canada
Open Banking | Nov 23, 2023
Image: Unsplash/Viktor Forgacs
In this weeks Fall Economic Statement the federal government announced plans to introduce open banking laws in 2024, and to expand Payments Canada membership eligibility.
See: Bill C-365: Paving the Way for Open Banking in Canada?
Open Banking Legislation Coming 2024
- The Canadian government has announced plans to introduce open banking legislation in Budget 2024.
- Open Banking will enable consumers to securely share their financial data with trusted third-party providers, unlocking a new era of personalized financial services.
- The legislation aims to enhance consumer control over financial data, promote competition, and foster the development of innovative financial solutions, marking a significant shift towards a more consumer-centric financial landscape in Canada.
Payments Canada to Expand Membership
- Another key announcement affecting fintech is the expansion of Payments Canada eligibility. This change will allow companies beyond the traditional big banks to participate in Payments Canada who are leading the development of a new Real-Time Rail payment system, such as payment service providers supervised by the Bank of Canada and local credit unions.
See: Insights Into Canada’s Evolving Payments Landscape
- This expansion is expected to drive down transaction costs and accelerate the transition to faster, more secure payment systems, significantly enhancing the efficiency and inclusivity of Canada's financial infrastructure.
Believe It When You See It?
Checkout the statements for yourself: See Section 2.1: Making Life More Affordable
Together, these initiatives will reshape how Canadians interact with their finances, offering more choices, better services, and a stronger, more resilient financial system for the future.
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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