As part of its commitment to engage with Canadians on emerging issues, the Competition Bureau has published a draft report on its market study concerning technology‑led innovation in the Canadian financial services (FinTech) sector.

The financial services sector is a pillar of the Canadian economy. From consumers buying groceries to businesses making investments that create the jobs of tomorrow, practically everything we do relies on this sector.

Recently, there has been a wave of new, innovative, and technology-based means for Canadians to access financial services. The introduction of innovative products is an opportunity to inject greater competition in the sector. When there is more competition, we generally see lower prices, more choice and convenience for consumers, as well as higher levels of innovation.

“The future is now. Let’s get it right by providing policymakers with the information they need to nurture a competitive environment that allows Canada’s FinTech companies to innovate and grow globally.”

-John Pecman, Commissioner of Competition

However, innovative products are often challenged by the rules associated with the old ways of doing business. The draft report contains a number of recommendations for regulators and policymakers to consider. Each recommendation is aimed at modernizing the regulation of financial services to support innovation and greater competition through FinTech.

See:  Competition Bureau suggests Canadian FinTech sector’s slow growth due to regulation, consumer complacency

Through the publication of a draft report, the Bureau continues to engage with stakeholders, including businesses, consumers, and domestic and foreign regulators and policymakers. Interested parties are invited to provide their feedback on the draft report no later than November 20, 2017 by completing the online form, or by sending comments to the coordinates below:

Competition Promotion Branch
Competition Bureau
50 Victoria Street
Gatineau, Quebec
K1A 0C9
Fax: 819-934-9293

The Bureau will soon release a final report which takes into consideration the views collected during the consultation period.

The National Crowdfunding Association of Canada (NCFA Canada) is a cross-Canada non-profit actively engaged with both social and investment crowdfunding, alternative finance, fintech, P2P, ICO, and online investing stakeholders across the country. NCFA Canada provides education, research, industry stewardship, and networking opportunities to over 1600+ 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