Karsten Wenzlaff, Advisor
August 26th, 2025
Karsten Wenzlaff is a Crowdfunding and Fintech Expert from Germany. He is Secretary-General of Digit[...]
Category Archives: Press Releases
Fintech Platform futureshare Launches to Help Canadian Homeowners Unlock Their Real Estate Wealth
Market Wired | May 18, 2017
Alternative to HELOCs and reverse mortgages means homeowners don't have to sell to tap into their home equity
TORONTO, ON--(Marketwired - May 18, 2017) - There is more than $2.9 trillion in unmortgaged real estate equity in Canada (CREA), and today fintech platform futureshare launches to help Canadians unlock that real estate wealth without taking on new debt. The company was founded in 2016 as an alternative to home equity loans, home equity lines of credit (HELOCs) and reverse mortgages and gives homeowners a lump sum free of ongoing payments and interest rates in exchange for a percentage of the home's appreciation, which can be paid out without penalty at any time or once the property is sold. futureshare's online platform is the first of its kind in Canada and is now live in beta and accepting online applications for homes within Ontario with plans to launch in Alberta, Manitoba and British Columbia by the end of 2017.
"Canada's housing market has billions in untapped equity and futureshare is giving that wealth back to Canadians to help them reduce financial stress and live happier lives. We're revolutionizing the process by giving Canadians an alternative to home equity loans or HELOCs that's interest rate and payment free, allowing them to unlock their real estate wealth and increase their cash flow," said Michael Orrbrooke, CEO and founder of futureshare. "Whether it is, for example, for home improvements, debt consolidation, for funding retirement or investing in a small business, futureshare wants to help Canadians achieve their financial goals without adding new debt."
See: Real Estate Crowdfunding - An Emerging New Asset Class
The average Canadian owes $1.67 for every dollar in income (StatsCan), and futureshare is designed to help homeowners access the equity tied up in their home without adding to their ongoing debt burden. Unlike a reverse mortgage or HELOC, futureshare doesn't require homeowners to have perfect credit scores or to fall within a specific income bracket, and it doesn't increase monthly payments. A homeowner's eligibility is based primarily on their home value and whether they have at least 25 per cent equity ownership in their home. Homeowners will be able to access on average up to 10-20 per cent of their home equity using futureshare's platform, and unlike a loan, there's no ongoing payments or interest rates.
Canada has become a hub for fintech innovation, with venture capital financing for fintech companies increasing by 74% from 2015 to 2016 (Thomson Reuters). Like other fintech platforms, futureshare's process is simple and easy to complete online. Homeowners can use the online equity release calculator to see how much of their wealth they can unlock, and once they complete the 90-second pre-qualification questions, the homeowner receives a real-time conditional offer outlining the details of the equity release amount and terms they could receive. The home is then appraised and a final offer is sent via email by futureshare to the homeowner, with the credit application and underwriting process continuing online. Homeowners receive their funds, via electronic transfer, on average within 10-15 business days of signing the final offer.
About futureshare
futureshare provides an alternative to home equity loans, home equity lines of credit (HELOCs) and reverse mortgages, helping homeowners unlock their real estate wealth without having to sell their home. The online platform provides consumers with the opportunity to receive funds based on an appraisal on their home in exchange for a portion of their homes future appreciation, meaning that homeowners have zero ongoing payments, and incur zero interest. futureshare is currently available in beta in Ontario with plans to launch in Manitoba, Alberta and British Columbia by the end of 2017. futureshare is based in Toronto, and the platform launched in May 2017.
To learn more about futureshare, visit futureshare.ca.
Social media links:
Facebook: facebook.com/futuresharedf
Twitter: twitter.com/futuresharedf
For additional information, contact:
Jamie Gillingham
Eighty-Eight
Account Manager
jamie@eightyeightagency.com
416-944-2722
SOURCE: futureshare (view release)
Robin Ford, Former BC Securities Commission Executive Commissioner, Joins National Crowdfunding Association of Canada’s Advisory Group
NCFA Canada | Craig Asano | May 16, 2017
VANCOUVER, MAY 16, 2017 – The National Crowdfunding Association of Canada (NCFA) today announced that Robin Ford, Former British Columbia Securities Commission (BCSC) Executive Commissioner, has joined the Association as Advisor, Governance and Regulation.
After 25 years as a public-sector lawyer and regulator, Robin is now consulting in the areas of financial services regulation, governance, and compliance. She has extensive experience working with and advising regulators and the regulated, leading projects and teams, and facilitating organizational change.
Robin has served as Executive Commissioner at the BCSC, Chief Counsel, Insurance at the UK Financial Services Authority, and legal adviser to the UK and British Columbia Governments. She played an important role in an ambitious program of regulatory reform and in integrating 9 regulators into the newly formed UK FSA, as it became a more analytically disciplined, risk-based, and outcomes-focused regulator.
“Having such a highly experienced and capable senior ex-financial services regulator join the NCFA Advisory Group speaks volumes about how much the regulated crowdfunding sector in Canada has developed and its potential to raise, lend, or share capital and facilitate investment. We’re very pleased to have Robin join the community to help bridge the gap between regulators and the alternative markets and to support regulations that are both suitable for online financial marketplaces and globally competitive.” Craig Asano, Executive Director, NCFA Canada
“I was delighted to be asked to join the Advisory Group of the NCFA, which has already achieved so much to facilitate developments in the crowdfunding sector. I look forward to contributing on regulatory and governance issues." Robin Ford, Former BCSC Executive Commissioner
# # #
About National Crowdfunding Association of Canada
The National Crowdfunding Association of Canada (NCFA Canada) is a cross-Canada non-profit actively engaged with both social and investment crowdfunding stakeholders across the country. NCFA Canada provides education, research, leadership, support and networking opportunities to over 1500+ members and works closely with industry, government, academia, community and eco-system partners and affiliates to create a strong and vibrant crowdfunding industry in Canada. For more information please visit: ncfacanada.org.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Craig Asano
casano@ncfacanada.org
416 618 0254
Peter-Paul Van Hoeken, CEO and Founder of FrontFundr, Joins National Crowdfunding Association of Canada’s Advisory Group
NCFA Canada | C. Asano | May 9, 2017
Peter-Paul Van Hoeken, Advisor, Investment Crowdfunding
TORONTO, MAY 8, 2017 – The National Crowdfunding Association of Canada (NCFA) today announced that Peter-Paul Van Hoeken, CEO and Founder of FrontFundr, has joined the Association as Advisor, Investment Crowdfunding.
Peter-Paul is Founder and CEO of FrontFundr, a FinTech company focused on supporting start-ups and young ventures in Canada with access to capital through innovative online investment-based funding solutions.
Peter-Paul has over 15 years of experience in finance, investment management and business consultancy. He worked in Vancouver as director business development with a finance & investment company in the renewable energy space and as finance director of a real estate investment fund. Prior to that he held a number of positions with several global banks in the areas of corporate strategy, corporate & investment banking and he worked as a senior management consultant in The Netherlands. Peter-Paul is a director of the National Board of the Private Capital Markets Association, PCMA (Canada) and holds a masters’ degree in Business Economics & Finance from the Erasmus University Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
Funding platform? Investor? Company? Take the 2017 Alternative Finance Survey in Canada (learn more)
“We’ve had the pleasure of working together with Peter-Paul to advance the growth and development of the equity crowdfunding ecosystem in Canada since the beginning. He’s shown utmost commitment to make this industry work and thrive, and on behalf of the Association we’d like to thank Peter-Paul for his professionalism and early leadership. We look forward to continuing to work together to achieve transactional efficiencies to the benefit of all stakeholders including platforms, companies and all types of investors.” Craig Asano, Founding CEO, NCFA Canada
“Investment crowdfunding unlocks a tremendous dispersed pool of capital and democratizes investing in young companies. It redefines the way that young companies look at their investors and customers. Eventually, they will become the same. I am honoured joining the NCFA Advisory Group contributing to a healthy and prosperous investment crowdfunding industry in Canada." Peter-Paul Van Hoeken, CEO & Founder, FrontFundr
# # #
About National Crowdfunding Association of Canada
The National Crowdfunding Association of Canada (NCFA Canada) is a cross-Canada non-profit actively engaged with both social and investment crowdfunding stakeholders across the country. NCFA Canada provides education, research, leadership, support and networking opportunities to over 1500+ members and works closely with industry, government, academia, community and eco-system partners and affiliates to create a strong and vibrant crowdfunding industry in Canada. For more information please visit: ncfacanada.org.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Craig Asano
casano@ncfacanada.org
416 618 0254
OTC Markets Group Welcomes Mogo Finance Technology to OTCQX
PR Newswire | OTC Release | March 3, 2017
NEW YORK, March 3, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- OTC Markets Group Inc. (OTCQX: OTCM), operator of financial markets for 10,000 U.S. and global securities, announced Mogo Finance Technology Inc. (TSX: MOGO; OTCQX: MOGOF), a leading Canadian financial technology company, has qualified to trade on the OTCQX® Best Market.
Mogo was approved for trading on OTCQX on February 24. The company trades under the symbol "MOGOF." U.S. investors can find current financial disclosure and Real-Time Level 2 quotes for the company on www.otcmarkets.com.
"Trading on the OTCQX will allow Mogo to build visibility and provide a more transparent market for U.S. investors," said Jason Paltrowitz, Executive Vice President of Corporate Services at OTC Markets Group. "We are pleased to welcome Mogo to OTCQX and look forward to supporting the company and its shareholders in the public markets."
"We are excited to join OTCQX, which we expect will increase accessibility and flexibility for U.S. investors to discover and trade in Mogo's shares," said Greg Feller, President and CFO of Mogo.
Mogo was sponsored for OTCQX by Troutman Sanders LLP, a qualified 3rd party firm responsible for providing guidance on OTCQX requirements and recommending membership.
Mogo — a Vancouver-based financial technology company— is focused on building the best digital banking experience in Canada, with innovative products designed to help consumers get in control of their financial health. Built using mobile first technology, users can sign up for a free MogoAccount in only three minutes and get access to free credit score monitoring, a free spending account, mortgages and personal loans. With more than 350,000 members and growing, Mogo is leading the shift to digital banking in Canada.
SOURCE OTC Markets Group Inc.
The National Crowdfunding Association of Canada (NCFA Canada) is a cross-Canada non-profit actively engaged with both social and investment crowdfunding stakeholders across the country. NCFA Canada provides education, research, leadership, support and networking opportunities to over 1500+ members and works closely with industry, government, academia, community and eco-system partners and affiliates to create a strong and vibrant crowdfunding industry in Canada. Learn more at ncfacanada.org.
Canadian FinTech Company, LendingArch introduces real-time point of sale financing to disrupt the $32 billion out of pocket medical expenses for Canadians.
A Modern Finance Company For All Canadians.
LendingArch, a leading Canadian Financial Technology company, has announced a key expansion of their product range with the introduction of real-time point of sale financing to fill a huge gap in elective care and medical procedure expenses. This groundbreaking loan product will provide patients the freedom to turn essential and expensive medical needs into affordable monthly payments that do not require the patient to use, or have a credit card.
CALGARY, March 6, 2017 /CNW/ - LendingArch is excited to announce the official launch of their new, real-time point of sale loan service for Canadian medical clinics and their patients. A trusted name in Canada's FinTech sector, LendingArch is one of the fastest-growing providers of instant financing in the country. This disruptive and positive loan product is expected to ease consumers from the over-dependence on credit cards. LendingArch has over 1100 clinics who are on a waiting list to offer this type of flexible financing to their patients after it goes live on April 1st, 2017.
Recent figures suggest consumers in Canada face over $32 billion in out of pocket medical expenses and that number is growing significantly every year for different healthcare needs, including but not limited to MRI's, cosmetic surgery, fertility treatments, dental and hearing aids. Infused with patient friendly technology, LendingArch's new product offering brings real-time underwriting direct to clinicians. This will now allow clinics to offer affordable finance solutions to their patients, to match and manage their monthly budget more efficiently and effectively.
See: LendingArch Launches Digital Finance Platform for a New Generation
Patients can now apply for LendingArch's point of sale financing either from the comfort of their own home, or directly at a clinic location and get approved within minutes, all online. Patients can be pre-approved before they go in for a treatment or appointment which alleviates the uncomfortable conversation regarding affordability. They can now confidently walk into their clinic and enjoy the flexibility of breaking down their loans into equal monthly installments for a duration of twelve-months to three years.
One of the key benefits of LendingArch point of sale financing is that rates are far more affordable compared to any credit card, and the program is personalized according to the re-payment capacity of the borrowers. The clinics have no credit risk and are simply offering a flexible way for their patients to pay. Applications take less than two minutes and the clinic gets paid right away. Moreover, there are no deferred payments, compounding interest plans, or late fees for the patient. This product is a huge benefit to medical clinics as it has the power to increase sales, strengthen patient loyalty and improve the experience by allowing a more flexible payment option.
LendingArch CEO Arti Modi commented, "We are excited about being able to offer our lending technology right at the point of sale and make a difference in the lives of financially responsible Canadians. To see the look on a patient's face when they realize they can now afford fertility treatments or a hearing aid is empowering. Our clinicians are excited about being able to enhance their patients' lifestyle and buying experience due to our seamless application process at no risk to them."
To find out more about the range of FinTech solutions from LendingArch, please visit https://lendingarch.com
LendingArch is a modern finance company reinventing the lending experience. Through smart technology and exceptional customer experience, LendingArch has become one of Canada's fastest-growing providers of instant credit to financially responsible Canadians. From medical expenses, debt consolidation, home improvement costs and help with personal growth, LendingArch is dedicated to bringing financial advancement to consumers who deserve to live a happy life, at their rate.
SOURCE LendingArch 
For further information: Sophie Nicolaou, sophie@lendingarch.com
Organization Profile
LendingArch More on this organization
The National Crowdfunding Association of Canada (NCFA Canada) is a cross-Canada non-profit actively engaged with both social and investment crowdfunding stakeholders across the country. NCFA Canada provides education, research, leadership, support and networking opportunities to over 1500+ members and works closely with industry, government, academia, community and eco-system partners and affiliates to create a strong and vibrant crowdfunding industry in Canada. Learn more at ncfacanada.org.
Fineqia Announces Chairman of the Board: London Stock Exchange AIM’s Ex-Head
PRN Newswire | Fineqia International | Feb 27, 2017
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, February 27, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -
Fineqia International Inc. (the "Company" or "Fineqia") (CSE: FNQ) (OTCPink:FNQQF) (Frankfurt: FNQA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Martin Graham as its new Chairman with effect from February 27, 2017.
Bundeep Singh Rangar, the Company's current Chairman, invited Mr. Graham to join Fineqia's Board given his extensive experience in transacting equity and debt securities, wealth management as well as the development and governance of stock exchanges worldwide. Mr. Rangar will step aside as Chairman and, in addition to his current role as CEO, will be appointed President of the Company.
Mr. Graham has a notable career in the financial services industry. Between 2003 and 2009, he was Director of Markets at London Stock Exchange PLC (LSE) and Head of the Alternative Investment Market (AIM) where he had direct responsibility for more than $500 million CAD of revenue and 75% of group profit. He led LSE's transformational growth strategy focused on driving market efficiency, resulting in a five-fold increase in market size between 2003 and 2008. Furthermore, Mr. Graham was instrumental in building LSE's international franchise, which significantly outperformed its main competitors.
"Martin will help steer Fineqia's growth within evolving regulation and a rapidly changing global economic and technological landscape. His common sense approach to increase financial markets inclusion and its access to the common man is invaluable to us," said Fineqia's CEO Bundeep Singh Rangar. "There is simply no substitute for cumulated wisdom garnered from years of experience in international financial markets."
Mr. Graham is currently Chairman of Aldbourne Partners Ltd., a London-based multi-family office business and wealth management consultancy. Mr. Graham has previously been on the Board of the Moscow Stock Exchange where he was Chairman of the Board's Risk Management Committee.
See: Martin Graham to deliver Closing Keynote at 3rd Annual Canadian Crowdfinance Summit (Toronto, Mar 1): Presenting "Adapting Lessons of the Past to Financial Market Innovations of the Future
Previously, Mr. Graham held senior positions in the global financial services sector including Head of Pan European Equities and Global Head of Equity Sales at Dresdner Kleinwort Benson. He also provided specialist consultancy services to some of the world's leading General Partners in investment funds.
About Fineqia International Inc.
Fineqia's business model is to provide an online platform and associated services for the placement of debt and equity securities, initially in the UK. The platform will transparently highlight the risks and objectively outline opportunities involved. For more information visit http://www.fineqia.com.
NEITHER THE CANADIAN SECURITIES EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATORY SERVICE PROVIDER HAS REVIEWED AND DOES NOT ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THE CONTENT OF THIS NEWS RELEASE.
For further information:
Karolina Komarnicka
Chief Marketing Officer
T: +1-(778)-654-2324
E: info@fineqia.com
W: http://www.fineqia.com
SOURCE Fineqia International Inc. (view release)
The National Crowdfunding Association of Canada (NCFA Canada) is a cross-Canada non-profit actively engaged with both social and investment crowdfunding stakeholders across the country. NCFA Canada provides education, research, leadership, support and networking opportunities to over 1500+ members and works closely with industry, government, academia, community and eco-system partners and affiliates to create a strong and vibrant crowdfunding industry in Canada. Learn more at ncfacanada.org.
Katipult Secures Capital Partner for 2017 Growth
Market Watch | Katipult Release | Feb 7, 2017
Feb 07, 2017 (Marketwired via COMTEX) -- CALGARY, AB--(Marketwired - February 07, 2017) - Canada's FinTech standout Katipult has secured a substantial capital investment in a round of funding according to CEO and Founder Brock Murray. The company provides a Platform-as-a-Service that's like Shopify for private capital markets. Its software allows firms to setup and manage a platform to offer privately issued, exempt securities to non-accredited, accredited and institutional investors.
Investment in FinTech companies is red hot, however CEO Brock Murray says his company isn't a sector play for investors, rather that Katipult is a business with strong fundamentals, a talented team, and massive growth potential. "With our new partner, we are poised to build a transformative company that makes enterprise-ready software accessible, affordable, and painless for firms in the Alternative Investment industry. From day one, we've set out to build a phenomenal product that removes the inefficiencies and regulatory hurdles for our clients and it's great to have a long-term strategic partner, to significantly increase our resources to do so."
See: Katipult named Canada’s most innovative Fintech company
The company plans to use the money to expand its team to 40 employees, explore partnerships and acquisitions, and look at opportunities for vertical migration. "The success of our clients is our success," says Murray. "We are going to be aggressively pursuing growth strategy, and bolstering our product and support services to help our clients launch Investment Crowdfunding, Peer-to-Peer Lending, and Investor Management platforms."
Katipult's run rate and growth are putting it on track to be one of Canada's top FinTech companies in 2017, and one to watch on the international stage. Katipult is a market leader in its specialty markets including the United States, Canada, and United Kingdom, and has a physical presence in North America, Europe, and Asia.
About Katipult
Katipult is a financial technology (FinTech) company that offers proprietary cloud-based software infrastructure that allows firms to design, setup, and operate an investment platform across multiple distribution channels including web, mobile, and social media. Katipult is being used in over 20 unique regulatory environments to grow investor networks, efficiently manage investors, and streamline deal flow administration. www.katipult.com
FIND US ON: LinkedIn Facebook Twitter
Press Contact Katipult Brock Murray bmurray@katipult.com +1 403 457 8008
The National Crowdfunding Association of Canada (NCFA Canada) is a cross-Canada non-profit actively engaged with both social and investment crowdfunding stakeholders across the country. NCFA Canada provides education, research, leadership, support and networking opportunities to over 1500+ members and works closely with industry, government, academia, community and eco-system partners and affiliates to create a strong and vibrant crowdfunding industry in Canada. Learn more at ncfacanada.org.
