Karsten Wenzlaff, Advisor
August 26th, 2025
Economy | March 7, 2025
Image: Freepik/rawpixel.com
As of March 7, 2025, Canada and the U.S. are still locked in a tense tariff dispute but there's been a shift in the timeline. The 25% tariffs originally set to take effect this month have now been delayed until April 2, 2025. Meanwhile, the Canadian government has stepped in with financial support for businesses and workers expected to be hit hardest.
Developments and updates are fluid as both countries negotiate to resolve the ongoing disputes while trying to mitigate adverse economic impacts to jobs and trade.
Despite the U.S. delaying tariffs on USMCA-compliant goods, Canada is sticking to its guns and keeping the initial retaliatory tariffs of 25% on $30 billion worth of U.S. goods on products like orange juice, peanut butter, and motorcycles. However, Canada suspended the second wave of tariffs worth $125 billion until April 2 following the U.S. postponement. Additionally, Ontario Premier Doug Ford announced a 25% increase in electricity charges for U.S. states starting March 10 as a countermeasure.
Today, the Canadian government announced a $6 billion support package to help businesses and workers affected by U.S. tariffs. This includes financial support for exporters, farmers, and small businesses as well as temporary changes to Employment Insurance rules to assist workers facing job disruptions.
This Guardian's editorial summarizes the situation clearly and positions Canada on the global frontline of fair trade. President Trump’s 25% tariffs on Canadian imports are causing major economic concerns but his false claims about the border are making things even worse. Trump has repeatedly falsely stated that Canada is allowing a surge of illegal immigration and has linked this to his tariff decisions but there is no evidence of a significant rise in illegal crossings from Canada into the U.S. Trump's administration has also accused Canada of being a gateway for fentanyl trafficking, even though most illegal fentanyl enters the U.S. through legal ports of entry from other countries. Canadians are fed up and fighting back by boycotting U.S. products, supporting Canadian businesses, and demanding strong action from their government. Canada is proving itself to be a global leader in fair trade, pushing back against misinformation and working to keep its economy strong despite U.S. pressure.
While the temporary delay gives both sides a chance to talk, businesses and consumers should prepare for potential price increases if tariffs go ahead in April. The coming days/weeks will be critical for trade representatives and negotiators to find a resolution.
The National Crowdfunding & Fintech Association of Canada (NCFA Canada) is a cross-Canada non-profit actively engaged with fintech, alternative finance, blockchain, cryptocurrency, crowdfunding and online investing stakeholders globally. NCFA Canada provides education, research, industry stewardship, services, and networking opportunities to thousands of members and subscribers and works closely with industry, government, academia, community and eco-system partners and affiliates to create a strong and vibrant crowdfunding and fintech industry. 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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Retail Payments | March 6, 2025

Image: Freepik/prostooleh
The Bank of Canada has shared two new guides (see below) to help payment service providers (PSPs) prepare for supervision under the Retail Payment Activities Act (RPAA). The new materials explain the key rules PSPs must follow and offer practical tips to make compliance easier.
By September 8, 2025, PSPs must follow new rules for managing risks and protecting customer funds. They should be fully prepared by this date, or at least show that they have identified any gaps and are actively working to fix them. PSPs will also need to start meeting reporting requirements on the same date.
PSPs subject to the RPAA had until November 15, 2024 to apply for registration with the Bank of Canada. Those who have not yet registered must do so immediately—at least 60 days before beginning retail payment activities. Failure to register may lead to enforcement actions.
The two documents on Operational Risk and Incident Response (7 page PDF) and Safeguarding End-User Funds (8 page PDF) provide additional clarity on official guidelines (it doesn't replace them). The two new pieces of guidance should be reviewed by PSPs along with the following regulatory documents:
This document helps PSPs understand how to handle risks and deal with unexpected issues in their payment services. PSPs need a solid plan to keep their operations secure and running smoothly. This means identifying possible risks, taking steps to prevent problems, and having a clear process for fixing issues when they happen. If a major problem affects their business, PSPs must notify the Bank of Canada within 48 hours. They also need to regularly check and update their risk management plans to make sure they remain effective. If PSPs use third-party providers, they must also ensure those providers follow proper risk management practices to stay compliant.
This document explains what PSPs need to do to keep customer funds safe. PSPs must make sure that customer money is kept separate from their own by storing it in a dedicated account only for safeguarding. They can protect these funds by using a trust account, purchasing insurance, or securing a financial guarantee, as required by the RPAA.
PSPs also need to have a clear, written plan outlining how they meet these safeguarding requirements. Regular checks should be done to confirm funds are properly protected, and an independent review must take place at least once every three years. These steps help ensure that customer funds stay secure and available, even if the PSP faces financial challenges.
The Bank of Canada has also updated the Supervisory Framework: Supervision page with the two new documents. To avoid enforcement actions and ensure a smooth transition, PSPs should take proactive steps now to meet their obligations before September 8, 2025.
The National Crowdfunding & Fintech Association of Canada (NCFA Canada) is a cross-Canada non-profit actively engaged with fintech, alternative finance, blockchain, cryptocurrency, crowdfunding and online investing stakeholders globally. NCFA Canada provides education, research, industry stewardship, services, and networking opportunities to thousands of members and subscribers and works closely with industry, government, academia, community and eco-system partners and affiliates to create a strong and vibrant crowdfunding and fintech industry. 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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Cybersecurity | March 6, 2025

Image: Freepik
Gone are the days of obvious phishing email scams that are full of typos, conflicting domains and emails that don't match while urgently asking the victim to do something. Scammers these days are getting much smarter and using AI powered deepfake technology to impersonate and convince real people to invest in a fake scam while exploiting crypto to move money instantly. As reported in depth by the Guardian, this article uncovers lessons from looking at how fraudsters tricked 6,179 people out of $35 million including Canadians using AI generated voices and fake identifies.
A massive fraud network of 85 call center agents operating out of Tbilisi, Georgia used a mix of deepfakes, psychological manipulation, and untraceable crypto transactions to dupe over 6,000 victims, draining life savings in many cases. Take a look at this deepfake video of high profile broadcaster, writer and adventurer, Ben Fogle endorsing fake investment opportunities.
@MartinSLewis assuming this is a scam.. getting more convincing with the use of AI pic.twitter.com/spDIVWxVLU
— Daniel Handford (@t0uchscreenguru) July 6, 2023
Perpetrators in this $35 million call center scam, created fake trading platforms to show fictional profits, convincing victims they were making money. Eventually, after call agents aggressively pushed victims to invest more and more (pig butchering), victims who tried withdrawing funds were hit with bogus fees and taxes. Sadly, trust is built up with these call agents, and in some cases, victims even hand over remote access to their computers making it even easier for scammers to control their accounts.
Nobody is immune to the scam given such sophisticated tactics, and victims ranged from retired seniors to financially savvy professionals looking for their next investment. These scammers in Georgia, ran a professional system that rewarded high performers with expensive Rolex watches and luxury parties, who used every sales tactic in the book to extract as much as they could from all victims.
This scam was global with British and Canadian individuals being targeted, representing almost a third of the total losses.
Advanced fraud techniques are on the rise. Authorized push payment (APP) fraud is where scammers use some form of social engineering and trickery to manipulate victims into authorizing payments. According to data from the Annual 2024 UK Finance Fraud Report, cases of authorized push payment fraud rose by 12% in 2023 with over 230,000 victims.
Deepfake fraud is surging globally. According to a report by the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime, the Asia-Pacific region experienced a 1,530% increase in deepfake cases between 2022 and 2023 - with the Philippines experiencing a 4500% increase in deepfake fraud. The United States a 3000% increase during the same period.
One of the biggest challenges in stopping these scams is tracing stolen funds. The Georgian fraud network channelled money through digital banks, which often lack the same level of fraud prevention as traditional institutions.
Some startling facts:
Scammers were heard on leaked call recordings pressuring victims to open accounts at these digital banks to bypass fraud detection measures.
This scam highlights that AI generated deception is getting more sophisticated and popular. Traditional security techniques like biometric voice recognition or video verification may not be enough. Further, crypto transactions aren't reversible, and once funds are sent, recover is very complex or near impossible as funds are quickly laundered through multiple wallets. Without stronger preventative AML/fraud measures, digital banks will remain a weak link in the battle against financial fraud.
The fintech industry, regulators, and consumers must become more aware and employ a multi-pronged approach towards combating fraud.
1. Combat AI fraud with AI fraud detection. A 2024 report by Association of Certified Fraud Examiners found that companies using AI actually reduced fraud by 50%. Banks and fintechs need to employ AI tools that can detect behavioural anomalies and deepfake scams early.
2. Elliptic reported that in 2023, $7 billion of crypto was laundered cross-chain. They predict that figure to increase to $10.5 billion by 2025. This means crypto platforms must implement stronger AML, fraud detection and transaction monitoring systems.
3. Interpol reports that cybercriminals are increasingly organized and agile, and they act across borders while spanning multiple jurisdictions, making it very challenging to investigate. There needs to be closer collaboration between regulators, law enforcement, and tech/fintech firms who can share information to improve early detection and response.
4. Collectively, more needs to be done to improve consumer and business awareness to recognize red flags or early warning signs before being scammed. A survey report by the Better Business Bureau involving 1,408 participants from the U.S. and Canada found that nearly half or 47% of those targeted by scams did not engage with the fraudster and thus avoided being scammed. Conversely, 30% engaged but did not lose money, while 23% engaged and eventually suffered financial losses. Financial literacy campaigns should educate on red flags like fake celebrity endorsements and urgent financial requests.
If deepfake scams can fool thousands today, imagine what they will be able to do tomorrow? Fintechs that take security seriously will gain consumer trust while those that ignore these rising cyberthreats risk losing credibility.
The National Crowdfunding & Fintech Association of Canada (NCFA Canada) is a cross-Canada non-profit actively engaged with fintech, alternative finance, blockchain, cryptocurrency, crowdfunding and online investing stakeholders globally. NCFA Canada provides education, research, industry stewardship, services, and networking opportunities to thousands of members and subscribers and works closely with industry, government, academia, community and eco-system partners and affiliates to create a strong and vibrant crowdfunding and fintech industry. 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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NCFA | March 4, 2025

Image: Freepik
In the face of economic uncertainty and the challenges posed by tariffs and trade tensions, Canadian businesses must adapt, innovate, and strengthen their resilience. The National Crowdfunding & Fintech Association (NCFA) is committed to equipping entrepreneurs, small businesses, industry leaders and individuals with the tools, strategies, and insights to build and improve resiliency and competitiveness.
This resource hub provides access to expert guides, financial strategies, actionable frameworks and insights to help you stay competitive and sustainable. Whether you need support in managing cash flow, re-evaluating supply chains, or understanding new trade regulations, our curated growing list of select resources to keep you informed and prepared.
This guide is packed with practical steps to help small and medium-sized businesses in Canada deal with the impact of tariffs and trade uncertainty. It covers ways to manage cash flow, adjust pricing, strengthen supply chains, and improve operations to stay competitive. The strategies are designed to be easy to apply and cost-effective, helping businesses adapt and thrive in a changing trade environment.
🔷Source: TRBOT World Trade Centre
📖 Length: 32 pages
🔗Download Here: Weathering the Storm Guide (32 pages)
This report looks at the challenges holding back Canada’s economy and lays out steps to boost competitiveness. It focuses on improving tax policies, expanding trade beyond the U.S., and making smart investments in infrastructure and talent. The goal is to help businesses and policymakers create a stronger, more resilient economy for the future.
🔷Source: Toronto Region Board of Trade
📖 Length: 12 pages
🔗Download Here: Complacency to Competitiveness Report
This guide explains four key ways businesses can deal with tariffs and trade restrictions. It walks through how to figure out where your company might be affected, how to adjust your pricing, and how to change your supply chain if needed. It also looks at the bigger picture, including how tariffs could impact your suppliers and what to do to stay ahead of competitors who might be facing the same issues.
🔷 Source: Oliver Wyman
📖 Length: 5-minute read
🔗 Read Here: Four Ways to Navigate Tariffs and Trade Policies
Many businesses struggle with the high costs and complex processes of international trade. This article introduces six fintech companies that are creating digital solutions to make trade easier. These companies help businesses track payments, manage their cash flow, and reduce paperwork when trading across borders. Some of them are also working with banks to make financing more accessible for small and medium-sized businesses that need better payment options for global trade.
🔷 Source: Trade Finance Global
📖 Length: 7-minute read
🔗 Read Here: 6 Interesting Trade Finance Fintechs and What They Are Doing
This resource center is designed for businesses that need current information on tariffs and trade policies. It includes reports, analysis, and guides on how businesses can adjust their pricing, find new suppliers, and reduce risks from tariffs. It also provides insights into how different industries are being affected by changing trade rules, so businesses can prepare for what’s ahead.
🔷 Source: PwC
📖 Length: Various articles available
🔗 Explore Here: Tariffs and Trade Policy Resource Centre
Fintech businesses looking to expand into international markets can access a range of helpful tools and guides. FintechCanada.io resource hub provides information on how to successfully enter new markets, navigate regulations, and grow a business beyond Canada. It includes insights from experts, case studies from companies that have expanded globally, and the latest news on international fintech trends. The platform also offers detailed overviews of key global fintech markets, such as the United Kingdom, helping businesses understand where and how to expand.
🔷 Source: FintechCanada.io
📖 Length: Multiple articles and reports
🔗 Explore Here: Export Resources for Canadian Fintechs
Businesses looking to expand into international markets can access a range of tools and guides to help them navigate the exporting process. BDC's export resource hub includes step-by-step guides, financing options, and tools to calculate costs and manage risks. It covers key topics like how to create an export plan, understand trade regulations, and find new opportunities in global markets. Businesses can also access tools like the Canada Tariff Finder to estimate costs and a checklist to ensure they are ready to start exporting.
🔷 Source: Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC)
📖 Length: Multiple guides and tools
🔗 Explore Here: BDC Exporting Resources
This toolkit helps businesses understand how financial technology (fintech) can make international trade easier. It explains how fintech solutions can simplify processes like finding new markets, checking overseas partners, calculating import taxes, and reducing risks in global trade. The toolkit offers resources and fintech options tailored to different stages of a business's export journey. It also discusses new trends in global trade finance and what they mean for businesses aiming to grow internationally.
🔷 Source: Confederation of British Industry (CBI)
📖 Length: Approximately 2-minute read
🔗 Access Here: Toolkit: Trading Internationally and Winning with Fintech
The Trade Commissioner Service (TCS) offers assistance to Canadian businesses dealing with recent U.S. tariffs, which include a 10% duty on energy products and a 25% duty on other goods from Canada. The TCS provides support in understanding the impact of these tariffs, identifying new markets, and connecting with relevant contacts to address challenges. Additionally, they offer resources for export diversification and self-serve tools to help businesses navigate these disruptions. The Government of Canada has also implemented a remission framework to support affected businesses and workers.
🔷 Source: Trade Commissioner Service (TCS)
📖 Length: Approximately 5-minute read
🔗 Access Here: Supporting Canadian Exporters Through U.S. Tariff Challenges
This article explains why Canadian businesses should protect their ideas, brands, and inventions, especially with possible U.S. tariffs. It recommends that companies review their intellectual property (IP) to see what needs protection and secure patents not just in Canada, but also in the U.S. and other countries. Doing this helps businesses stay competitive even when trade rules change. It also covers the benefits of registering trademarks internationally through systems like the Madrid Protocol, which makes it easier to protect brands in multiple countries.
🔷 Source: Gowling WLG
📖 Length: Approximately 5-minute read
🔗 Access Here: Tariff-Proofing Canadian Business: The Role of Intellectual Property
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This is a growing list. Be sure to check again in the future if looking for helpful resources!
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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Economy | March 4, 2025

Image: Freepik/brgfx
Canada is on the front line of a global trade war unfolding, triggered by U.S. President Donald Trump. On March 4, 2025, the U.S. imposed 25% tariffs on all Canadian imports and a 10% tariff on energy, and in response, Canada fired back with $155 billion in retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods, targeting key industries like agriculture, manufacturing, and consumer products, with the first $30 billion in retaliatory tariffs being applied immediately and the remainder $125 billion in 21 days. Markets reacted swiftly on the news with the Canadian dollar dropping to it's lowest point in five years, USD/CAD currently trading at 1.45 per tradingview. The S&P dropped 1.5%, erasing post-elections gains as financial markets and investors brace for longer term, volatile economic uncertainty.
Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada issued this official statement:
“Today, after a 30-day pause, the United States administration has decided to proceed with imposing 25 per cent tariffs on Canadian exports and 10 per cent tariffs on Canadian energy. Let me be unequivocally clear – there is no justification for these actions."
Trudeau said speaking to reporters on Parliament Hill:
"[Trump is trying to prompt] a total collapse of the Canadian economy [because he thinks that will] make it easier to annex us" [something the U.S. president has repeatedly said he wants to do. But Trudeau said that will never happen because] when it comes to defending our great nation, there is no price we all aren't willing to pay."
Fintech companies need to adapt to the new realities that will impact lending, payments, investment trends, regulatory frameworks and overall economic sentiment, especially if the trade war is prolonged and more of a structural change than a short-term trading spat. Companies that adapt quickly will be in a better position than those who don't. Catch up here: Tariff Trade War Hits Canada – What’s Happening | 30 day pause
This isn't just about a U.S.-Canada trade argument. The U.S. has also escalated disputes with other key partners. China is now facing higher tariffs on tech and electronics, so Beijing is retaliating with restrictions on rare earth minerals essential for semiconductors. Mexico is preparing countermeasures after the U.S. raised tariffs on steel and auto parts.
In response to potential U.S. tariffs on European goods, the European Union has proposed reducing its 10% tariff on U.S. car imports to a rate closer to the U.S.'s 2.5% tariff on European cars. This move aims to avert a trade conflict and balance trade relations between the two economies. Also, the EU is considering using its Anti-Coercion Instrument (ACI) to retaliate against potential U.S. tariffs, which could impact major U.S. tech and financial companies operating in Europe.
With multiple global economies reacting to rising trade tensions, the consequences and ripple affects will be felt far beyond just North America. Fintech firms operating globally should anticipate shifts in compliance costs, new regulations and investment strategies.
The drop in the Canadian dollar will make imports more expensive for Canadian firms and increase volatility in foreign exchange markets. Fintech companies specializing in FX and cross-border payments will likely see increased demand as businesses look for more cost effective ways to make global payments and hedge against currency swings and gaps.
While stock markets are roiling, financial stocks have taken a hit, such as Goldman Sachs falling by 4.6% and JPMorgan Chase by 3.5% as investors adjust to reassessed economic risks. It's anticipated that wealthtechs and robo advisory services like Wealthsimple could see an uptick in demand for automated risk management strategies and trade portfolios.
Royal Bank of Canada CEO Dave McKay has warned that tariffs are already slowing economic growth, hurting business confidence, and dampening consumer spending. He also called out early signs of a slowdown in housing and both companies and individuals brace budgets for higher costs.
In the near to mid-term, the volatility in currency markets, investor uncertainty, and rising costs for businesses and consumers will dominate immediate reactions. Some companies will try to absorb higher costs while most will pass increased costs onto consumers which will raise inflationary pressures. Fintech companies dealing in trade finance and international payments and any cross-border transactions needs to monitor for regulatory changes. Incentives may be on the table for targeted sectors to help them through tough times and diversify to new markets and supply chains.
Longer term, if inflation rises as expected, the Bank of Canada could be forced to raise interest rates, making borrowing more expensive for businesses and consumers. Canadian businesses should migrate supply chains away from the U.S., an opportunity for fintechs providing global solutions and alternative trade networks.
Smaller fintechs may struggle with stricter credit conditions, finding it harder and more expensive to raise capital, which could lead to larger players consolidating their market share. A prolonged trade war could result in an overhaul of financial regulations governing international payments and lending, as governments react to new trade realities.
Fintechs need to be proactive and stay on top of market trends and changes. Risk management is critical. Companies dealing with global transactions should monitor any changes to activity, capital flows and compliance changes. Fintechs dealing in foreign exchange and global payments could offer hedging tools to help companies manage currency fluctuations. Lenders should reassess credit exposure to sectors most affected by the trade war.
Companies should diversify to new markets urgently, and look for growth opportunities outside the U.S. by exporting and expanding into markets like Europe and Asia via agreements such as CETA and CPTPP. Look for partnerships in fintech friendly economies such as Singapore, Dubai, and London where trade tensions will be less impacted. Speak to your customers and partners and see how you can work together to mitigate risk and heightened costs. Opportunities for platforms offering lower cost fees, lending solutions with flexible capital, and digital finance tools to help track regulations and manage compliance.
The trade war will change global economic relationships. Companies will reassess supply chains, governments will restructure trade agreements, and financial markets will react to increased risk and uncertainty. Fintechs need to come to grips that this is a new economic reality that will require companies to be agile, innovative and manage risk in a forward thinking manner.
Now is the time to secure funding and expand into less volatile markets and strengthen partnerships while providing cost effective financial solutions. Opportunities always exist for companies that move quickly to capture new market share. There's also a major risk that companies that fail to adapt will be left behind. Is your fintech ready for the new economic paradigm?
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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