Public Policy Forum | Robert Asselin and Sean Speer | April 4, 2019

Rise of the intangibles

We need a new competitiveness consensus

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

Support NCFA by Following us on Twitter! Follow @NCFACanada

How Top CEOs Set the Stage for Growth

January 26, 2023

NFX | Gigi Levy-Weiss | Jan 26, 2023 An overlooked key to growth: How well you transition from Founder to CEO determines how your company scales. Seed stage Founders have a hand in everything: marketing, hiring, product, sales, everything. You have to early on.  But when your startup starts to grow you can’t – and shouldn’t – keep doing it all yourself. Once you reach 30-50 people, your goal should be to build a team and mechanisms that will do “everything” so that you, the CEO, can focus on leading and managing. The deceptively simple secret: Elite CEOs build systems. Read:  Culture and Diversity Leadership: Tale of Two Doors Hiring:  Before we dive into systems, let’s get this out of the way. Don’t worry about spending too much time on hiring. Take the time you need to surround yourself with the right people[, and don't be afraid to try people out'. Wix CEO:  "I cycled for 22 people before I found Omer Shai, my CMO. I hired and moved people to different things. I fired people. It was around 22 people that they hired within about a year and a half…When I got to Omer after a few weeks, it ...
Read More

Are Markets Moving Towards a Crypto Fiduciary + Caveat Emptor Standard?

January 26, 2023

Tristram Waye for Bitvo | Jan 26, 2023 Crypto blew up, governments cracked down, regulation forthcoming?  We are now in a place where awareness has to be exercised in places where trust was once taken for granted.  And that means embracing two principles from the Middle Ages. These are caveat emptor and the fiduciary standard.  Caveat emptor:  The word caveat emptor means buyer beware in Latin. The idea is that the buyer is responsible for assessing whatever it is that they are buying. Its origins date back to the open markets of the 16th century. In developed countries, the concept has moved from buyer to seller beware. Numerous consumer protection laws have been enacted to lift the burden from the buyer and shift it to the seller.  In general, there are numerous remedies for established consumer products. See:  How Important is KYC for crypto transactions? But for speculative, largely unregulated assets like crypto, caveat emptor is still highly relevant. Keep in mind that in contrast with venture capital, crypto secondary markets are a massive benefit. As William Janeway said about venture capital, cash and control are key elements in VC. Meaning that if the project goes sideways, you can’t sell ...
Read More

How to Buy Stocks: A Beginner’s Guide

January 26, 2023

Guest Post | Jan 26, 2023 If you want to learn more about investing, especially how to buy shares, you've come to the right place. In this article, we'll provide you with all the information you need to begin your trading journey with confidence. Do you want to know how to buy stocks? We'll go over the basics of what stocks are, how to choose the right ones, and the different ways to purchase shares. By the end of this review, you'll have a better understanding of how to get started in the world of stocks trading. What are Stocks? When you invest in stocks, also referred to as equities, you are essentially buying a small piece of ownership in a company. As the company prospers and becomes more profitable, the value of your shares will tend to rise. However, it's important to remember that these securities can also decrease in value, particularly during tough economic times or when a company is struggling. For example, let's say you decide to invest in a well-known tech company that specializes in developing software for smartphones. As the company keeps releasing new and innovative products, its profits and stock value are likely to ...
Read More

FIS Report: Embedded Finance, Web3 and ESG Lead 2023 Fintech Investment Focus

January 26, 2023

FIS Release | Kim Snider | Jan 24, 2023 A global study of 2,000 executives at firms across markets revealed plans to increase investment in embedded finance, environmental, social, and governance (ESG) frameworks, and decentralized finance in 2023, including cautious optimism towards cryptocurrency. Inaugural research by FIS 2023 Global Innovation Report asked c-suite and senior executives in financial services (banks, insurers, capital markets firms, and fintechs) and non-financial businesses (retail, restaurants, travel, gaming and digital content, and technology providers) globally about their key areas of financial investment in 2023. 4% of financial services firms’ executives across the globe say they will invest significantly in developing embedded finance products in 2023 as consumers demand more convenient ways to pay, bank and invest. Nearly two-thirds (61%) of all non-financial services executives told FIS it will be strategically important to have a presence in the metaverse in the next three years. See:  Deloitte 2023 Sustainability Report: Most Organizations Have Increased Investment but Tough to Move the Needle FT Partners Jan 2023 Blockchain and Crypto Market Update Report ESG is top of mind for financial services firms globally, with 60% of executives saying they are developing new ESG products and services. Nearly one-third (29%) ...
Read More

New Quarterly Record for US Casino Revenue

January 26, 2023

Jan 26, 2023 The gambling industry in the United States significantly contributes to the economy, generating billions of dollars in revenue each year. From Las Vegas to Atlantic City, casinos and other legal gambling attract millions of visitors and employ thousands of people. In recent news from Casino USA, the US gambling industry has set a new quarterly record for casino revenue, reaching an all-time high. It is a significant milestone for the industry, demonstrating its resilience and continued growth despite the challenges posed by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Details of the Record The US casino industry generated record-breaking revenue in the latest quarter, surpassing all previous records. The revenue generated is yet to be officially announced, but early estimates suggest it exceeds $50 billion. It represents a significant increase compared to the same quarter in the previous year and is a clear indication of the industry's resilience in the face of the ongoing pandemic. The latest quarter's revenue numbers are significantly higher compared to previous quarters. During the last quarter, the industry generated around $40 billion, indicating a growth of over 25% in the latest quarter. It is an impressive performance, especially given the ongoing uncertainty and economic challenges ...
Read More

How Divestiture Can Create Corporate Value

January 26, 2023

Knowledge at Wharton | Angie Basiouny | Jan 17, 2023 A new book from Wharton management professor Emilie R. Feldman offers a comprehensive primer on divestitures, which can be a financial game-changer for companies that know how to execute them correctly. Feldman, whose research focuses on corporate strategy and governance, spoke to Wharton Business Daily on SiriusXM about her book, “Divestitures: Creating Value Through Strategy, Structure, and Implementation,” which was released in December. Opportunity cost: Often the idea of focus is overlooked by executives, and this is really the missed opportunity that could be pursued in the sense that divesting, removing assets and businesses that don’t fit and might be underperforming, could free up resources to pursue better opportunities in a more focused fashion after completion of those transactions. “Managerial compensation is strongly correlated with market capitalization, so there’s a financial incentive not to divest because doing so reduces the executive’s bottom line.” See:  Bill Gates Announces $20 Billion Donation and Obligation to Return His Resources to Society 4 strategies: resolving or exiting underperforming businesses; improving focus; reconfiguring and reshaping the corporate portfolio to move into more profitable opportunities; and addressing regulatory requirements. Types of divestitures:  Sales are the most ...
Read More

First-Time Homebuyer Assistance Programs That Will Survive the Upcoming Recession

January 26, 2023

Jan 26, 2023 Thinking of buying a home for the first time but worried about the upcoming recession? With so much economic uncertainty, it's understandable that you might be a bit hesitant to make those big purchases. But don’t worry because There are many first-time homebuyer assistance programs available that will help you make your dreams of homeownership a reality - even in the most uncertain of times. Advantages Of Homeownership During a Recession It’s no secret that recessions can be tough, but did you know that homeownership during a recession can actually work in your favor? According to the US Census Bureau, the median net worth of homeowners is $195,400 higher than that of renters. This allows homeowners to weather the storm when the economy falters better than renters who rely on fluctuating rental rates for their monthly income. Additionally, homeownership offers a number of tax benefits for homeowners, including: Tax-free interest Tax deductions for mortgage interest Tax deductions for property taxes Tax deductions for mortgage insurance premiums Tax deductions for energy-efficient home improvements But one of the most important advantages of homeownership during a recession is the potential for long-term growth. Property values may decline slightly during recessions, ...
Read More

Will Open Banking Launch in Canada This Year?

January 25, 2023

Torys via Mondaq | Brigitte Goulard, Konata Lake, Marissa Daniels, Mohammed Muraj and Robin Asgari | Jan 25, 2023 Although many were hoping for the launch of the first phase of open banking in January 2023, as initially promised in the final report of the advisory committee on open banking, this date no longer appears achievable. However, progress continues to be made on open banking, with the first phase expected to launch this year. As the open banking steering committee and working groups continue their important work to create an open banking framework in Canada, the larger financial services community is preparing to integrate open banking for businesses and ultimately for consumers. See:  Open Banking Interview with Canadian Lead Abraham Tachjian Accreditation:  there was consensus that the Australian model is preferable. The Australian model allows participants to determine the adequacy of the insurance or comparable guarantee that they require by assessing factors such as the (1) nature of products or services to be provided; (2) nature of Consumer Data Right (CDR) likely to be managed; (3) volume of CDR data held; (4) financial resources; (5) scope; (6) policy limit; (7) persons covered; and (8) exclusions. The liability working group focused ...
Read More

OSC Announces New and Free SME Institute Webinars

January 25, 2023

OSC | Release | Jan 16, 2023 The Ontario Securities Commission (OSC) today announced a new lineup of free webinars for small and medium enterprises (SMEs). The webinars are offered through the ‘OSC SME Institute’ which helps small businesses understand and navigate the requirements of being or becoming a public company in Ontario. Overview: The new webinars provide an opportunity for issuers and their advisors to hear directly from staff with guidance to assist them in meeting their continuous disclosure reporting obligations and on various prospectus initiatives designed to reduce regulatory burden for reporting issuers. Participants will also have an opportunity to interact with staff during the Question & Answer portion of the webinar. See:  OSC Report: How Gamification Influences Retail Investors Key topics covered in the webinars will include: Non-GAAP and other financial measures disclosure Overly promotional disclosure (including greenwashing) Forward-looking information disclosure expectations Financial reporting and disclosure expectations during economic uncertainty Management Discussion and Analysis and prospectus filing common deficiencies A refresher on prospectus exemptions including new temporary exemptions. Upcoming: For full details on the webinars and to register, visit the SME Institute calendar on the OSC website. For questions related to course content and registration, please contact SMEInstitute@osc.gov.on.ca. On-demand: Archived ...
Read More

Mahi Sall, Founder and CEO of FinXpair Joins the National Crowdfunding & Fintech Association of Canada’s Advisory Group

January 25, 2023

NCFA Canada | Craig Asano | January 25, 2023 TORONTO, JAN 25, 2023 – The National Crowdfunding & Fintech Association of Canada (NCFA) today announced that Mahi Sall, Founder and CEO of FinXpair, has joined the Association`s growing Advisory Group to advise on the areas of fintech-bank partnerships, payments and financial inclusivity. Mahi Sall is the CEO & Founder of FinXpair, a Berlin-based strategic advisory boutique firm focusing on fintech-bank partnerships and open banking/open finance, and an authorized financial investment broker. Leading NCFA Canada’s ongoing thought leadership series on open banking, Mahi has interviewed over the past 9 months 14 globally renowned open banking/finance expert practitioners from around the globe aggregating international and domestic perspectives to advance Canada’s open banking journey. Fluent in fintech-bank partnerships, he previously championed the multi-corporate fintech innovation platform Fintech Europe at Germany’s largest bank, and in 2021 contributed alongside 280+ CEOs & leaders at global financial institutions to an eBook on “Fast-tracking fintech innovation in a legacy ecosystem”. As part of building a view around fintech, he spoke about “Open Innovation” at the 2020 Frankfurt Digital Finance Conference, “The State & Disruption of Fintech in 2020” at the AsiaBerlin Summit in Berlin, “Fintech-Bank Partnerships: Why ...
Read More