Karsten Wenzlaff, Advisor
August 26th, 2025
Payment Regulations | Nov 16, 2023

Image by Freepik
BLG (Borden Ladner Gervais LLP) recently provided an insightful summary of the upcoming changes in Canada's payment industry titled "Canada’s Retail Payment Activities Framework to take off in November 2024". Here are the key points:
It is estimated that approximately 2,500 PSPs will be impacted due to the Framework's broad scope.
The Framework applies to any retail PSP, regardless of their location (inside or outside Canada), when they perform one or more of the following payment functions in the context of an electronic funds transfer (EFT):
To prevent regulatory and supervisory duplication, the Act empowers the Governor of the Bank to exempt certain entities or classes of entities from certain provisions of the Framework if they are already subject to substantially similar provisions in another Canadian federal or provincial law.
Specific Exclusions
The Framework, therefore, includes a wide range of PSPs, particularly those involved in electronic funds transfers and related activities. However, it also provides for exemptions to avoid overlapping regulations and includes specific exclusions for certain types of transactions and activities. This approach aims to ensure comprehensive oversight of the payment services sector while avoiding unnecessary regulatory burdens on entities already governed by other laws.
The Framework isn't just about registration. It demands a strategic rethink of your risk management, fund safeguarding, reporting, and record-keeping practices. Annual reviews and board-level approvals are now part of the playbook.
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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Payments | Nov 13, 2023

Image: Unsplash/Soliman Cifuentes
Effective from June 30, this policy covers customers who were duped into sending money to scammers posing as legitimate entities. This move significantly exceeds the current legal and regulatory requirements, which mandate refunds only for unauthorized transactions, such as those made by hackers.
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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Regulation | Nov 8, 2023

Image: Unsplash/Rami Al zayat
The agency has made clear its intention to supervise larger nonbank companies, such as PayPal, that offer services akin to digital wallets and payment apps. This move is poised to bring a new level of regulatory scrutiny to tech giants like Google, Apple, and Amazon, which have been increasingly active in the financial services sector.
The CFPB's proposed rule would mandate that nonbank financial companies handling more than five million transactions annually adhere to the same rules as large banks and other financial institutions under its supervision. This proposal is part of a broader effort to ensure that all players in the financial services market, regardless of their technological prowess, operate on a level playing field.
According to the CFPB, this market would cover activities previously managed by supervised banks. CFPB Director Rohit Chopra emphasized that the proposed rules are designed to "crackdown on one avenue for regulatory arbitrage" by ensuring that large technology firms and other nonbank payments companies are subjected to appropriate oversight.
The CFPB's proposal has sparked a debate on the balance between innovation and regulation. Patrick McHenry, Chairman of the House Financial Services Committee, has criticized the CFPB's attempt to broaden its regulatory empire, arguing that such action could impede the adoption and development of innovative products and services, ultimately harming consumers and small businesses by limiting choice and competition in the payments system.
The CFPB's proposed rule is part of a series of rulemakings to define larger participants in markets for consumer financial products and services. The specifics of the proposal include:
The CFPB's proposed rules are open for public comment until January 8, 2024, or 30 days after publication in the Federal Register, whichever is later. This period represents a crucial window for stakeholders in the fintech ecosystem to voice their perspectives and help shape the future of financial regulation.
NCFA Canada is closely monitoring these developments, understanding the critical role that regulation plays in both protecting consumers and fostering a healthy market for fintech innovation.
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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Payments Report | Oct 31, 2023

Drawing insights from the "Canadian Payment Methods and Trends Report 2023" by Payments Canada, this article analyzes the current state of digital payments, highlighting the surge in adoption, the variety of available options, and the shifting consumer preferences that are driving change in the financial sector.
It is evident that the Canadian payment landscape is undergoing transformation. The surge in digital transactions, coupled with evolving consumer trends and preferences, is paving the way for a more inclusive, efficient, and innovative financial ecosystem.
Emerging payment methods such as "buy now, pay later," cryptocurrency, and biometric payment technologies are gaining traction, indicating a future where diverse payment options coexist to cater to the varied needs of consumers and businesses alike. The interest in real-time payments further highlights the demand for instantaneous and seamless transactions, a demand that is likely to shape the future of payments in Canada.
The National Crowdfunding & Fintech Association (NCFA Canada) is a financial innovation ecosystem that provides education, market intelligence, industry stewardship, networking and funding opportunities and services to thousands of community members and works closely with industry, government, partners and affiliates to create a vibrant and innovative fintech and funding industry in Canada. Decentralized and distributed, NCFA is engaged with global stakeholders and helps incubate projects and investment in fintech, alternative finance, crowdfunding, peer-to-peer finance, payments, digital assets and tokens, 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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Oct 27, 2023

Photo by Sora Shimazaki from Pexels
In an increasingly interconnected world, where digital transactions are the norm, push payment fraud has emerged as a significant global threat. This insidious form of cybercrime affects not only individuals but also organisations, causing widespread financial losses and eroding trust in online financial systems.
This article delves into the rising risk of push payment fraud, explores its worldwide implications, and highlights preventive measures, cybersecurity trends, and legal actions aimed at countering these evolving threats.
Push payment fraud, also known as authorised push payment (APP) fraud, is a type of cybercrime in which individuals are manipulated into transferring money to a fraudulent account willingly. Unlike traditional unauthorised transactions, push payment fraud relies on deception and manipulation rather than hacking.
Push payment fraud schemes have become more sophisticated, and fraudsters employ various tactics to deceive victims. One common method is impersonating legitimate organisations or individuals, such as a bank, a vendor, or even a close friend.
Through carefully crafted emails, phone calls, or messages, fraudsters convince victims to make payments or divulge sensitive financial information.
The global scale of push payment fraud is striking. In the United Kingdom, for example, the UK Finance report revealed a staggering £479 million lost to APP fraud in 2020, affecting thousands of individuals and businesses. The ramifications extend far beyond monetary losses, as victims often experience emotional distress and reputational damage.
The consequences of push payment fraud are not confined to a single nation; it's a global issue with cascading effects. Here's a closer look at how it affects individuals and businesses worldwide:
The immediate impact of push payment fraud is financial. Victims lose their hard-earned money to criminals, often with little hope of recovery.
Being deceived in a push payment scam can be emotionally devastating. Victims experience a range of emotions, from anger and betrayal to shame and embarrassment.

Photo by Sora Shimazaki from Pexels
The loss of trust in digital transactions can have far-reaching effects. Individuals may become more sceptical, leading to slower adoption of digital financial services.
For businesses, push payment fraud can result in substantial financial losses. This affects their profitability, hindering growth and sustainability.
Detecting and addressing fraud can disrupt business operations. This can involve investigations, legal proceedings, and the need for enhanced cybersecurity measures.
Falling victim to payment fraud can tarnish a business's reputation. Customers may lose trust, impacting long-term relationships and competitiveness.
Addressing the global impact of push payment fraud requires a multifaceted approach involving individuals, businesses, and regulatory bodies. Here are some key preventive measures and cybersecurity trends that are emerging in response to this growing threat:
Educating individuals and employees about the tactics used by fraudsters is crucial. Raising awareness can help people recognise and avoid falling victim to push payment scams.
Implementing 2FA can add an extra layer of security to financial transactions. This requires users to provide two different authentication factors, such as a password and a one-time code, making it more challenging for fraudsters to gain access.
Businesses are increasingly using real-time monitoring systems to detect and prevent fraudulent transactions. These systems can spot suspicious activities and halt transactions before money is transferred.
Governments and regulatory bodies are taking legal actions to combat push payment fraud. In the UK, the introduction of the Contingent Reimbursement Model (CRM) Code is a significant step toward protecting consumers.
Collaboration between financial institutions, law enforcement agencies, and businesses is essential to address push payment fraud effectively. Sharing information and best practices can improve collective defences.
AI and machine learning are being employed to identify patterns and anomalies associated with fraud. These technologies can enhance the detection of fraudulent activities.
In response to the rising threat of push payment fraud, the UK introduced the CRM Code in 2019. This voluntary code sets out standards for banks and other payment service providers to adhere to when determining whether victims should be reimbursed.
The code outlines circumstances under which victims can expect to be reimbursed and encourages better industry cooperation to combat fraud. The CRM Code has been a significant development in the fight against push payment fraud, offering consumers greater protection.

Photo by Tima Miroshnichenko from Pexels
Push payment fraud is not just a local or regional problem, it's a global issue with far-reaching consequences. Its impact on individuals and businesses extends beyond financial losses, affecting trust, emotional well-being, and reputation. As the world becomes more digitally connected, the threat of push payment fraud continues to grow.
In response to these challenges, a combination of education, awareness, technological advancements, and legal actions is essential to mitigate the global impact of push payment fraud. By staying informed, implementing security measures, and collaborating across sectors, we can work toward a safer digital space for individuals and businesses worldwide.
The rise of push payment fraud is a global concern with significant consequences. Preventive measures and trends in cybersecurity are emerging to counter this threat, and legal actions, such as the CRM Code in the UK, offer consumers greater protection. Push payment fraud requires a collective effort to safeguard the global community from its damaging effects.
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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