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, 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

Maximize Your Environmental Campaign’s Impact with FundRazr’s Spotlight Program (Until July 2023)

May 28, 2023

FundRazr | Daryl Hatton | May 28, 2023 FundRazr, a well-known fundraising platform, has launched an Environmental Fundraising Spotlight (free of charge) until July 2023. This initiative aims to provide a special focus on campaigns that are raising funds for various environmental causes, such as wildlife and marine life protection, ocean and sea conservation, preservation of natural habitat and resources, biodiversity, and land and forestry. See:  FINTECH FRIDAY$ (EP24-Feb 8): Re-imagining Philanthropy with Daryl Hatton, Founder and CEO of ConnectionPoint/FundRazr Benefit:  Participating organizations stand to benefit from increased visibility through FundRazr's paid social media promotions and advice from btheir digital fundraising strategists. These efforts are meant to attract more donors and ensure the campaign's success. This initiative is not only an opportunity to raise funds for the cause but also to gain a wider network and increase awareness for environmental protection. The Environmental Fundraising Spotlight is free of charge, with FundRazr investing in paid advertising to support the participating environmental movements. The only deductions from the raised money are standard third-party payment processing fees determined by the selected payment processor. To maintain the free usage of the platform, an optional tip is requested from supporters. FundRazr provides a range of ...
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Beijing’s Digital Ambitions: A Deep Dive into the Web3 Innovation and Development White Paper

May 28, 2023

The Block | Yogita Khatri | May 27, 2023 Beijing has released a comprehensive white paper, titled "Web3 Innovation and Development White Paper (2023)," promoting the advancement of web3 technologies. China's Evolving Crypto Stance: Beijing's authorities view web3 as a pivotal trend in the internet industry's evolution. They're committing substantial resources, with Beijing's Chaoyang district pledging 100 million yuan (~$14 million) annually until 2025, to transform Beijing into a global digital economy innovation hub. Despite banning cryptocurrency use in 2021, China seems to be progressively warming up to the crypto industry. The white paper signals this shift, with Beijing actively promoting the development of web3, a technology intimately tied to blockchain and cryptocurrencies. This week's segment by China Central Television, featuring Bitcoin and NFTs - though subsequently removed - further corroborates the softening stance. See:  10 Most Innovative Companies in 2023: Blockchain, Crypto, Metaverse, Web3 Synchronized Timing: The release of Beijing's web3 white paper coincides interestingly with new crypto regulations in Hong Kong. Binance CEO Changpeng Zhao pointed out that Hong Kong's new crypto rules come into effect from June 1, indicating a broader shift in Asia's digital economy and regulatory landscape. This timing suggests a coordinated regional strategy towards ...
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Elon Musk’s Neuralink Announces FDA Approval for Human Trials of Its Brain Implant Technology

May 28, 2023

CBC News | May 26, 2023 Brain implant company says U.S. regulator approval is 'important first step' to launching their technology FDA Greenlights Neuralink for Human Trials: Neuralink, the innovative brain-implant company led by serial entrepreneur Elon Musk, announced that it has secured approval from U.S. regulators to initiate testing its pioneering device in human subjects. This marks a significant milestone for the tech giant, opening up unprecedented possibilities in the realm of neurotechnology. Neuralink's Promise for Treating Brain Disorders and Injuries: The device, a revolutionary brain-computer interface about the size of a large coin, is designed to be implanted in the skull, potentially restoring vision and improving motor control in patients. Musk's vision extends to bridging signals from the brain to Neuralink devices in the spinal cord, which could offer transformative treatment options for severe neurological conditions. See:  16z: 2023 State of Crypto (and Index) The Beginning of a New Era in Neurotech: Despite the remarkable promise of this technology, it's still considered an "investigational device" and its safety and efficacy are yet to be fully established. The approval for clinical trials signifies the beginning of an exciting era in neurotechnology, promising unprecedented advancements in understanding and treating brain-related ...
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Emerging Investors: Gen Z Canadians Take the Lead in Global Investment Trends

May 26, 2023

Wealth Professional | Steve Randall | May 26, 2023 A recent international study conducted by the CFA Institute and the FINRA Foundation focused on the investment behaviors of Gen Z individuals (aged 18-34) in Canada, the US, UK, and China. The study emphasized the need for governments, regulators, and investment professionals to support Gen Z by providing them with the necessary knowledge and educational tools to make informed investment decisions. It also noted the impact of macroeconomic factors, the rise of cryptocurrency, and the influence of social media "finfluencers" on the investment habits of this cohort. See:  Early-stage Investing – The Public gets a Seat at the Table The study revealed several key findings: Gen Z Canadians exhibit the highest level of investing activity among the four countries surveyed, with 74% owning at least one investment product. This figure surpasses China (57%), the US (56%), and the UK (49%). The fear of missing out (FOMO) was identified as the primary motivator for 40% of Canadian Gen Z individuals to start investing. Access to financial advice through social media and the availability of investing apps and cryptocurrencies were identified as significant factors influencing investment decisions. Cryptocurrencies served as the starting point ...
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Patentability In Software – Everything You Need To Know

May 26, 2023

May 26, 2023 Technology and software are taking over the world, and there is software for almost anything you can imagine. As of 2022, the software industry was $474.61 billion and is projected to grow by 11.9% between now and 2030. As you would expect in any high-value industry, software development attracts quite a crowd, but only the best stand out. It takes a lot to create software that stands out, and as a developer, you want to be sure you profit from your efforts. This guide focuses on patent registration and can be an excellent read if you are in the software development industry. What Are Patents Patents are a form of IP protection extended by a government to innovators with groundbreaking ideas. For an idea to qualify for patent registration, it must be new, useful, and non-obvious. New means the innovation must be the first in the world. Usefulness means that the invention must have a practical application. Lastly, non-obvious means the invention must not be something another person trained in the field can easily create. The applicant must also provide detailed information on the subject of registration in such a way that another person skilled in the ...
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Solana Introduces AI Capabilities to Enhance User Experience and Adoption

May 26, 2023

The Defiant | Samuel Haig  | May 24, 2023 In a push to revive its downtrend and amplify adoption, Solana, a Layer 1 blockchain noted for quick, low-cost transactions, launched a ChatGPT plugin that enhances its user interface. Solana AI ChatGPT plugin: The plugin facilitates various actions including NFT purchasing, token transfers, and on-chain data analysis, making it a powerful tool for those developing consumer-oriented applications. Future iterations are expected to enable the writing and deployment of smart contracts on-chain, making the Solana blockchain more accessible and user-friendly. See:  Solana DeFi Is Starting Over — OpenBook Signs of Live Despite Market Challenges: Despite a significant 92% drop from its 2021 highs, Solana has started to recover, showing an 80% increase in the SOL token this year. However, the project faced various challenges including outages, criticisms regarding decentralization, and significant market share loss to other low-cost Layer 1s. The downfall of FTX and Alameda Research, significant Solana investors, also dealt a blow to the ecosystem. Solana persists and looks to AI as a means to regain momentum and foster growth. Boost for AI Grant Accelerator Program: In a bid to nurture the development of machine learning models interacting with Solana-based protocols, ...
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CanadaHelps: Great Canadian Giving Challenge June 1-30

May 26, 2023

CanadaHelps | May 26, 2023 It’s easy to join the Great Canadian Giving Challenge June 1-30, 2023! Enter to win $20,000 for any Charity*: 1. Search: Find your favourite charity that you want to help win. 2. Donate: Every $1 donated this June on CanadaHelps.org is a chance to win!* 3. Celebrate: Feel good knowing the impact your donation made and wait to see if your gift is the winning donation when the grand prize winner is drawn on July 1st, 2022! Learn more --> Now Also accepting crypto donations!  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, 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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Dispelling FUD: Why Binance’s Exit from Canadian Crypto Markets Strengthens Canada’s Ecosystem

May 26, 2023

Coinsmart | Justin Hartzman | May 25, 2023 Binance's recent withdrawal from the Canadian market due to regulatory concerns has sparked fear and uncertainty among the community. However, contrary to popular belief, strict crypto regulations in Canada aim to enhance investor safety and foster a thriving industry ecosystem. Binance's Exit Explained:Binance's withdrawal from the Canadian market is linked to the new regulations introduced by the Canadian Securities Administrators (CSA). These regulations require crypto asset trading platforms (CTPs) to meet specific requirements. They include segregating client assets Appointing a Chief Compliance Officer Prohibiting leveraged trading Banning stablecoins Failure to comply leads to cessation of operations. Binance, along with OKX and DyDx, has exited the Canadian market due to these regulations. See:  PwC Partner and Fintech Lead Interview: “Fintech is Becoming Crypto’ The need for crypto regulations in Canada arose after the industry suffered from a "crypto contagion" in 2022, resulting in financial losses for individuals and institutions. Regulations aim to protect citizens, stabilize the banking system, combat fraud, enhance digital security, prevent illicit activities, and establish industry standards. Regulations should be approached with caution, aiming to protect consumers while fostering innovation. Collaborative efforts between regulators and industry leaders are crucial for ...
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Starling Bank Founder Anne Boden Steps Down as CEO to Avoid Conflict of Interest; Reports Doubled Revenues

May 26, 2023

The Guardian | Kalyeena Makortoff  | May 25, 2023 Anne Boden, the founder and CEO of Starling Bank, has made the surprising decision to step down as chief executive in order to avoid potential conflicts of interest as a major shareholder. She believes that the roles and priorities of a shareholder and a CEO ultimately differ and wants to ensure there is no conflict. Boden, who launched Starling Bank in 2014, will relinquish her executive role next month but remain on the board as a non-executive director. She initiated discussions about her departure six months ago, and her decision was not prompted by UK regulators or the board. See:  Research: Which UK Bank Customers are Most at Risk of Fraud? Starling Bank, which has 3.6 million customers, recently announced that its revenues for the year ending March 2023 have more than doubled to £453m, leading to its second consecutive year of annual profits. The bank will be temporarily led by its chief operating officer while searching for a permanent replacement for Boden. “Now that we have grown from being an aspiring challenger to an established bank, it is clear the roles and priorities of a CEO and a large shareholder ...
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Investing for Your Future: Setting Yourself Up for Financial Stability

May 26, 2023

May 26, 2023 Investing your money is one of the most important things you can do for your financial future. By investing wisely, you can set yourself up for long-term financial stability and security. In this article, we'll take a look at some of the key things you need to know about investing for your future. Why Invest? The first question you might have is: why invest at all? There are several reasons why investing your money is a smart choice: Grow Your Money: Investing your money allows you to potentially earn a higher return than you would get from a savings account or other low-risk investment. Beat Inflation: Inflation can eat away at the value of your money over time. By investing, you can potentially earn a return that beats the rate of inflation, helping you stay ahead financially. Meet Financial Goals: Whether you're saving for a down payment on a house or planning for retirement, investing can help you achieve your financial goals. Types of Investments There are many different types of investments you can make, each with their own unique risks and potential rewards. Some common types of investments include: Stocks: When you buy a share of ...
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