Lynn Johannson, Advisor, Sustainability and ESG
January 4th, 2024
Lynn Johannson, President of E2 Management Corporation and Catalyst for THE Collaboration
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Category Archives: Fintech Services
Plaid Raises $575M to Scale Fintech Infrastructure
Financing | April 14, 2025
Image: Freepik
Plaid’s $575 Million Series D Signals a Deeper Strategy in Fintech Data and Embedded AI
Financial infrastructure provider, Plaid, announced on April 3 2025, that they raised $575 million Series D at a valuation of $6.1 billion valuation led by Frank Templeton, BlackRock, Fidelity, and others including existing investors such as NEA and Ribbit Capital. While the valuation is significantly lower than it's 2021 peak of $13.4 billion, Plaid's latest round is a story of consolidation of it's role at the heart of embedded finance, and not of decline.
Plaid is a backbone of embedded finance with a footprint that spans more than 8,000 apps, including many widely used fintech tools and providers in Canada and the U.S. For Canadian fintech companies, this raise hints at where industry is heading and who will control its most critical pipes.
A Profitable Platform in a Tough Market
Unlike most fintech firms still chasing break-even, Plaid finished off 2024 with positive operating margins, strong ash flows and a 25% yoy revenue increase. In Plaid's letter to shareholders, 2025, CEO and Cofounder Zach Perret explained that it has a usage based billing model where Plaid earns revenue when an end user signs-up, takes actions in connected apps, or remains active on a per-user-per-month basis. In a market where profitability is favoured over growth at all costs, these numbers speak volumes.
See: 12 Market Entry Approaches for Fintech Startups
The platform has achieved a core level of recurring annual revenue that allows it to reinvest confidentially in areas like AI powered fraud prevention and data-science enhanced credit scoring.
“Our core business has consistently grown double digits year-over-year despite 2022 and 2023 being the worst slowdown in fintech in the last two decades.”
Plaid's shareholder letter also reports that over 50% of Americans with a bank account have used the platform, either directly or through partner apps. Its customers include enterprise players like Affirm, Chime, Robinhood, SoFi, Citi, and H&R Block, plus thousands of fintech startups globally.
“Our products are the bedrock upon which many of the most well-known financial brands are built.”
Strategic Round
Unlike past funding frenzies, this round was strategic, institutional, and about positioning control over the infrastructure of financial data, an area about to be transformed by AI and embedded finance.
In the past few years, Plaid has transformed itself from a bank linking utility into an infrastructure platform with multiple tools, such as alternative credit data, anti-fraud solutions, and bank payments infrastructure. CEO Perret explained that "New products represented >20% of ARR in 2024, compounding at 93% annually.” So it's no longer just about the interface, the tools and stack is consolidating into robust infrastructure.
See: Why No Code AI Agents Matter for Fintech in Canada
A large portion of the funds are being allocated to convert restricted stock units (RSUs) into shares to provide liquidity for long term employees and retention strategy for talent. The rest of the funding will continue to support product development powered by data science, machine learning, and AI.
The Open Banking Delay That’s Costing Canada
Plaid’s expanding capabilities also highlight Canada’s open banking delays. Canada is expected to implement open banking in 2026, but it doesn't have it yet, despite Finance Canada researching it and promising its implementation for years.
Without a formal framework in place, Canadian fintechs must rely on third-party data aggregators like Plaid to access banking information, including firms like Wealthsimple and KOHO. While using Plaid's banking access tools enables fintechs to get up and running quickly and innovate in the short term, it places critical infrastructure in the hands of foreign companies, raising concerns about data sovereignty and long term competitive capacity.
See: The Crisis Canada and Fintech Can’t Afford to Waste
Daniel Eberhard, CEO of Koho to the House of Commons Standing Committee on Finance:
“In Canada, we do not have open banking. Every time we need to interact with the incumbent financial system, we’re forced to build workarounds.”
Closing Outlook
Plaid's $537 million strategic series D signals a consolidation of fintech infrastructure. Capital is becoming more selective and innovation is leading towards AI and embedded services, so the companies that control the access to data and financial infrastructure are gaining strategic ground. Canadian fintechs and policymakers of open banking in Canada should be watching developments closely to ensure Canada can remain competitive and not overly reliant on U.S. infrastructure.
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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Navigating SEO for Effective Crowdfunding
April 14, 2025
Image: Pexels/Tobias Dziuba
If you’re running a crowdfunding campaign, visibility is key. Without the right SEO strategy, potential backers may never find your project. Below is a practical, research-backed guide to improving your campaign’s visibility through SEO.
1. Understand Your Audience First
Start by knowing who you’re targeting. This helps shape your keywords, content, and messaging.
- Build a profile of your ideal backer
- Use keyword research tools like Google Trends or Ahrefs
- Read forum discussions and questions from your audience
The more specific your understanding, the more relevant your content becomes.
2. Focus on Search Intent, Not Just Keywords
Group your keywords based on what users are looking to do:
- Informational: “how to launch a crowdfunding campaign”
- Transactional: “support [campaign name]”
- Navigational: “[brand name] Kickstarter page”
Use these keywords naturally in:
- Headings and subheadings
- Meta descriptions
- Blog updates and campaign FAQs
- Image alt text
Write for people first, then optimise for search engines. For more insight into how keyword strategy aligns with intent and structure, consider following this website, which outlines foundational SEO practices that support long-term visibility.
3. Build a High-Converting, SEO-Friendly Landing Page
Don’t treat your landing page as just a pitch. Make it SEO-ready:
- Clear, keyword-rich headline above the fold
- Mobile-friendly layout
- Quick load time (under 3 seconds)
- Simple navigation
- Keyword-optimised FAQs at the bottom
- Add press mentions or testimonials with backlinks
Structure the page for easy scanning and clear action steps.
4. Publish Content Regularly to Stay Visible
Fresh content keeps your campaign relevant in search engines.
Create content like:
- Behind-the-scenes blog posts
- Product development updates
- Stretch goal announcements
- Weekly digest-style posts
Each piece should inform, engage, and bring new traffic to your page.
5. Build Quality Backlinks That Drive Authority
Backlinks are essential. Focus on quality over quantity.
Here’s how to earn them:
- Guest post on relevant blogs
- Answer questions on Reddit and Quora
- Reach out for inclusion in “top campaigns” roundups
- Create shareable visuals or infographics
- Encourage media coverage with a press kit
Always aim for links from reputable, contextually relevant sites.
5.5 Collaborate with Influencers and Niche Communities
Influencers and tight-knit online communities can add credibility and organic visibility to your campaign.
Here’s how to approach it:
- Identify micro-influencers in your niche with an engaged following
- Offer early access, exclusive perks, or co-branded rewards in exchange for exposure
- Join niche Facebook groups, Discord servers, or Slack communities where your target backers hang out
- Create tailored messages or landing pages specifically for these groups
- Monitor conversations and answer questions authentically—don’t just drop links
These grassroots tactics help generate buzz, drive referral traffic, and can lead to earned media or backlinks over time. When done respectfully, these partnerships become a genuine extension of your SEO strategy.
6. Promote Through Social Media to Support SEO
While social shares don’t directly affect rankings, they increase visibility and traffic.
Repurpose your content for:
- Twitter/X threads
- Instagram carousels
- Short-form TikTok videos
- Facebook group discussions
Include links in captions or bios. Aim to drive people to search for and share your campaign.
6.5 Optimise for Local and Niche Search Opportunities
If your campaign has a regional focus or appeals to a specific interest group, local and niche SEO can give you an extra edge.
Here’s how to do it:
- Use location-based keywords (e.g., “eco project in Melbourne” or “art collective NYC crowdfunding”)
- List your campaign on local directories or event sites
- Reach out to community blogs, local news, or forums that match your niche
- Use hashtags that align with niche movements or local causes
- Write blog content that addresses problems or interests specific to your region or audience
Targeting these smaller, high-intent search groups helps you stand out in less competitive spaces—and often converts better than broader traffic. For example, campaigns tied to community-based projects or charities often see higher engagement when they align messaging with specific funding goals relevant to their audience. Addressing local impact and demonstrating transparency in how funds are used can make a huge difference in discoverability and support—especially when SEO is tailored to highlight these values early on.
7. Tighten Up Your Technical SEO
Don’t overlook the back end of your campaign site.
Make sure to:
- Use HTTPS
- Submit an XML sitemap
- Set up Google Search Console
- Optimise image sizes for faster load time
- Use clean, short URLs
- Avoid duplicate content and broken links
- Set canonical URLs if you’re on multiple platforms
A well-structured site improves rankings and user experience.
8. Extend SEO Beyond the Campaign
After your funding window closes, keep the momentum going:
- Redirect your campaign page to your new store or pre-order site
- Turn campaign content into evergreen blog posts
- Continue posting fulfillment updates
- Maintain communication with backers through SEO-optimised updates
This helps you retain visibility and stay relevant after funding.
Final Thoughts
A crowdfunding campaign can’t succeed if people can’t find it. By applying smart, targeted SEO strategies from the start, you give your project the best possible chance to reach backers and exceed funding goals.
See: 10 Innovative Product-Led Growth Strategies
SEO isn’t an afterthought—it’s a core part of your campaign strategy. When done right, it drives attention, trust, and results.
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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Support NCFA by Following us on Twitter!Follow @NCFACanada |
Waymo Plans to Train AI Using In-Car Camera Footage
Privacy | April 7, 2025
Image: Freepik
Waymo’s In-car Data Plans Echo Orwell's 1984
As featured in TechCrunch, autonomous robotaxi firm Waymo is reportedly preparing to use in-car video data recordings of its identifiable passengers to train AI systems. Apparently, a researcher uncovered a 'draft privacy policy' that raises red flags, suggesting that users would not be directly notified or prompted to opt in. Call it ambient surveillance, or outright overreach but this invisible, continuous breach and approach to privacy is becoming normalized and embedded into business models of modern tech.
See: Ensuring Data Privacy in AI-Driven ID Scanning: Balancing Innovation and Compliance
Waymo clarified later that the feature is still work-in-progress but when companies at the cutting edge of mobility, fintech, and smart infrastructure, treat the public like collateral damage, it's time for people to stand up and push back against being a character right out of George Orwell's 1984 - that's right, Big Brother.
Surveillance Is No Longer Just About Security
Grocery stores are using facial recognition to monitor stores and shoppers behaviour, or how about surveillance and sensors at cashierless stores. Banks are using keystroke tracking to monitor employees.
Surveillance used to be about security but it's evolved into consumer experiences, services design, and product optimization. People now enter physical or digital spaces without even knowing whether their voice, face, movement or even tone is being tracked and analyzed for analytics or AI training. It's a slippery slope and can erode consumer trust, especially if it breaks a core fintech and digital innovation principle based on 'permission'.
Surveillance Free Zones?
These would be places or environments where surveillance monitoring simply isn't allowed or doesn't happen. These zones would offer privacy and a break from that feeling of being watched, studied, analyzed.
See: Major Data Breach @Finastra and Canadian Banks?
To some degree we have these private spaces in our lives today, at our home, or safe space but what if your favourite financial app disabled behavioural tracking by default and that was a differentiator in their business model where privacy, trust, transparency and customer empowerment are core to long term adoption and growth of a product or service.
Consent Needs a Redesign and Value Prop
Surveillance free experiences can built trust and help companies differentiate but the real opportunity is in redefining what it means to people who opt in.
Today the act of opting into an activity is a 'legal gate' where if a user clicks and 'agrees' to move forward then they have allowed it. What about a different model based around value, so if a user provides consent then they actively allow it but in exchange they want something of value in return.
The obvious value exchange is monetary where if someone's data is helping train a commercial AI model then that person's data could generate a tangible return, such as revenue sharing, or some type of platform equity, or a Web3 environment that tracks your data flows and offers tokenized compensation tied to impact and usage.
See: US Financial Surveillance Report Shows Privacy in Crisis
Another value exchange driver could be utility. Where sharing behavioural data leads to a better outcome, such as improved fraud protection, more accurate credit scoring, optimized financial coaching etc. In this way, users see the benefit clearly, and they should have the option to participate or not.
Some users may be motivated by purpose. Canadians for example may show a willingness to share data if it serves the public good, such as improved healthcare models, smarter urban planning, or inclusive innovation.
Any form of consent must put users in the driver's seat and allow them to control their participation. They need to be able to see and understand how their data is going to be used, for how long and in what ways, and have the option to revoke it. Any approach that's going to work in support of long term adoption will need to put participants at the forefront and treat them as humans, not data sources.
Canada Can Lead on Privacy Innovation
Waymo’s plan whether it comes to fruition or not, highlights how easily surveillance can be baked into a future services - literally in a legal and privacy document that most users will not read. Even companies with strong brand trust are drifting towards this world of data collection by default. That's why surveillance, privacy and consent matters.
See: Balancing AI Automation and Ethics in Fintech
Canada seemingly has the tools, policy infrastructure, and appreciation for leading privacy first innovation. There's a growing public awareness and need for privacy updates at the national level per the work being done on the Artificial Intelligence and Data Act. Perhaps regulation will only go so far and businesses will drive the privacy momentum.
Trust is a core input of innovation, and those that prioritize people, not just data, will lead it.
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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Support NCFA by Following us on Twitter!Follow @NCFACanada |
The Intersection of Fintech and Real Estate: How Innovation is Rebuilding the Foundation of Property Transactions
Fintech and Real Estate | April 9, 2025
Image: Freepik/Gray StudioPro
Real Estate in Canada is Undergoing a Once-in-a-Generation Transformation
Historically, property transactions have been paper-based, opaque, and slow-moving—anchored in legacy systems and entrenched commission structures. For many buyers, sellers, and investors, the process has been expensive, inefficient, and largely inaccessible without insider knowledge or substantial capital.
But now, a convergence is taking place. Financial technology or fintech, is entering the real estate arena with the force of a disruptor. It is changing how properties are financed, purchased, invested in, and even owned. From blockchain-powered land registries to crowdfunding platforms democratizing investment, fintech is not just modernizing real estate, it’s fundamentally reshaping the experience.
This article explores the key dimensions of that shift, with detailed examples from the Canadian landscape.
1. Fintech and Mortgages: From Bank Branches to Browser Tabs
One of the earliest and most visible disruptions has been in the mortgage process.
Traditionally, Canadians had little choice but to go through banks or mortgage brokers, spending days gathering paperwork, weeks waiting for approvals, and often ending up with rates and terms that weren't transparent. This model particularly disadvantaged self-employed individuals, gig workers, immigrants with thin credit files, and first-time buyers unfamiliar with the process.
Enter digital mortgage lenders like Nesto, Pine, and Breezeful fintech platforms that allow buyers to:
- Compare mortgage products instantly
- Apply entirely online
- Use real-time data for faster approvals
- Track application status through digital dashboards
These platforms utilize algorithmic underwriting and open banking data to provide accurate, competitive loan offers without the red tape. Some even incorporate AI-based income verification tools to reduce friction in the approval process.
The implications go beyond convenience. By cutting out intermediaries and leveraging automation, fintech lenders can reduce borrowing costs, improve transparency, and expand access to homeownership, particularly in overheated markets where timing is everything.
2. Blockchain in Real Estate: Making Trust Programmable
Fintech’s impact on real estate is not limited to financing, it’s also revolutionizing ownership and transaction infrastructure, thanks to blockchain.
Canada’s real estate system, like many others, relies on centralized databases to store land titles and transaction histories. These systems are vulnerable to fraud, clerical errors, and inefficiencies that slow down closings and inflate legal costs.
Blockchain-based solutions address these pain points by:
- Creating tamper-proof, transparent property records
- Enabling instant title verification
- Supporting smart contracts that execute automatically when conditions are met
- Reducing the need for costly intermediaries in sales, escrow, and compliance
One particularly promising area is real estate tokenization—the fractional ownership of properties through blockchain. In this model, a physical property is divided into digital tokens, each representing a share of the asset. These tokens can be bought, sold, or traded, allowing for real estate investment with far smaller capital outlays.
While adoption in Canada is still emerging, global case studies are piling up, and regulators are beginning to take notice. If implemented thoughtfully, this could transform real estate into a liquid asset class—blurring the line between traditional property and modern securities.
Further reading: https://ncfacanada.org/real-world-implementation-of-real-estate-tokenization/
3. Crowdfunding Real Estate: Investing Beyond the 1%
For generations, real estate investment was the domain of high-net-worth individuals and institutional players. Minimum buy-ins were high. Risk was difficult to diversify. And average Canadians were shut out of the gains.
But thanks to crowdfunding platforms, the investing model has cracked wide open.
In Canada, real estate crowdfunding enables retail or accredited investors to pool capital and invest in development projects, income properties, or fix-and-flip deals. Some platforms target commercial and industrial builds, while others focus on suburban housing or mixed-use developments.
Key benefits include:
- Lower entry costs – Some platforms start as low as $1,000
- Geographic diversification – Invest across provinces or asset types
- Passive returns – No need to manage the property
- Transparent reporting – Real-time access to project metrics
This model empowers investors to participate in markets like the GTA or Vancouver—areas where direct ownership is often out of reach. It also provides developers with new channels of capital, reducing their reliance on traditional banks.
Explore more: https://ncfacanada.org/game-changers-crowdfunding-real-estate-projects-in-the-gta/
4. Legal Disruption: When Innovation Meets Resistance
Fintech is built on disruption, but disruption often invites legal scrutiny. And nowhere is that tension more evident than in Canada’s current reexamination of real estate commission structures.
A significant class action lawsuit has been launched against major brokerages and national associations. The core allegation? That sellers are being compelled to offer fixed buyer-side commissions, typically 2.5%, as a condition of listing on MLS® systems, creating an artificially inflated and anti-competitive fee structure.
The lawsuit, if successful, could:
- Challenge the norm of seller-funded buyer agent commissions
- Pave the way for à la carte pricing models or flat-fee services
- Expand consumer choice and lower transaction costs
- Encourage tech-based platforms to gain market share
This legal movement mirrors what Fintech has done in banking: remove information asymmetry, expose markup practices, and return control to consumers.
5. Thematic Alignment: Fintech’s Core Principles Reshaping Real Estate
The reason fintech fits so well within real estate is because the values align.
- Transparency: Whether it's a blockchain title or digital mortgage pre-approval, fintech removes opacity.
- Access: Crowdfunding and tokenization open doors that were previously closed to small investors.
- Speed: From instant mortgage quotes to smart contracts, deals are closing faster than ever.
- Cost-efficiency: Whether through flat-fee agents or reduced bank reliance, costs are coming down.
- Control: Consumers get more power over their choices, from financing to property selection.
In many ways, the next frontier for fintech isn’t payments or crypto—it’s property.
Conclusion: A New Foundation Is Being Poured
What was once an industry slow to change is now at the edge of a digital overhaul. Fintech didn’t just improve real estate—it challenged its core assumptions: that buying a home needs to be slow, that investing requires wealth, and that commissions are non-negotiable.
This convergence is building a new foundation—one where buyers close faster, sellers keep more, and investors participate more broadly.
The blueprint is changing. And we’re only at the ground floor.
Further Reading
- NCFA homepage – general fintech, crowdfunding & innovation
https://ncfacanada.org/ - Real-world implementation of real estate tokenization
https://ncfacanada.org/real-world-implementation-of-real-estate-tokenization/ - Game changers: Crowdfunding real estate projects in the GTA
https://ncfacanada.org/game-changers-crowdfunding-real-estate-projects-in-the-gta/ - How proptech is changing the real estate industry
https://ncfacanada.org/how-proptech-is-changing-the-real-estate-industry/ - Real estate crowdfunding: Advice for investors
https://ncfacanada.org/real-estate-crowdfunding-advice-for-investors/ - Real estate investment in cryptocurrency: Risks and opportunities
https://ncfacanada.org/real-estate-investment-in-cryptocurrency-risks-and-opportunities/ - Fintech card space is growing – overview of fintech expansion
https://ncfacanada.org/fintech-card-space-is-growing-brim-financial-float-caary-capital-jeeves-neo-financial/ - PropertyMesh: Class action lawsuit against Canadian brokerages
https://propertymesh.ca/canadas-largest-real-estate-lawsuit/
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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Support NCFA by Following us on Twitter!Follow @NCFACanada |
OSFI Approves Santander for Canadian Banking License
Banking License | April 7, 2025
Image: Freepik/rawpixel.com
Banco Santander Is Now a Canadian Bank
After almost a six year wait, Banco Santander has secured a Schedule II banking license in Canada, an achievement that could ramp up digital competition in banking. Santander first applied for a Canadian banking license back in July 2019. After a long multi-year regulatory process, Santander received letters patent from Canada’s Minister of Finance in June 2024, a required step to establish a new bank under federal law. Last weekend in the official government gazette newsletter, stated that the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI) issued an order for Santander to 'commence and carry on business early last month - meaning its clear to operate.
Santander is the largest bank in Spain (and one of the largest in Europe), and the new license will allow it to offer full retail banking services, such as deposit taking, lending, credit cards, and wealth management products and services. This approval places Santander alongside other foreign banks operating as Schedule II subsidiaries in Canada , such as Citibank Canada, ICICI Bank Canada, Amex Bank of Canada, and others. It also raises fresh questions about the future of competition, digital transformation, and fintech collaboration in Canada’s tightly held banking industry.
From Auto Loans to Full Retail Banking in Canada
Although the Canadian banking license is new, Santander has been operating in Canada for more than a decade by acquiring Carfinco Financial Group, a company focused on automobile financing. So Santander already has a foothold in the Canadian market but now with a retail banking license, they can now expand offerings.
See: Founder Salaries: Insights from Europe, U.S., and Canada
Santander bank is already a major player in Europe and Latin America, and it operates in the U.S. and Mexico through a mix of consumer lending, auto finance, and digital-first retail banking. From Banco Santander's 2024 Annual Report, here's what sets them apart:
- €12.57 billion in net profit in 2024
- Over 168 million customers worldwide
- A return on tangible equity of 16.3% (one of the strongest in global banking)
- Ranked 16th globally by total assets
Its Canadian strategy definitely won't be going toe to toe against incumbent banks like RBC, Scotia or BMO by opening up hundreds of physical branches. Santander is more likely to curate niche offerings in personal finance and use its robust digital infrastructure to scale quickly and efficiently.
A Market Where Entry Is Rare, Not Impossible
According to The Logic, Santander’s license is one of just 11 new federal banking licenses granted in Canada over the past 10 years. So, yes this license is pretty big news to competition aficionados.
Recently on March 4 2025, President Trump complained on his Truth Social platform that "Canada doesn’t allow American banks to do business in Canada, but their banks flood the American market. Oh, that seems fair to me, doesn’t it?” However this is not really accurate given that there are at least a dozen of U.S. Financial Institutions currently operating in Canada including 3 who also have a schedule II license the same as Santander.
So, U.S. banks can operate here in Canada but they face regulatory and market challenges, since foreign banks must either collaborate with a Canadian partner, setup a Canadian subsidiary, or get government approval to do business here. There are also foreign ownership restrictions preventing them from acquiring Canadian banks and their licenses outright. Canadian consumers may also prefer working with one of the big six Canadian banks or the inherent trust of walking into a physical branch.
See: Canada Post Launches Postal Banking With KOHO
The door to a banking license isn't locked for qualified foreign banks but they'll need to meet rigorous standards of risk management and governance. Santander's success in receiving a Canadian banking license may open the pathway for more foreign digital-first banks interested in entering Canadian markets.
Santander's Digital Platform and Partnership Potential
Santander is bringing more than just capital and niche retail services to Canada. They have a fully developed digital platform and a strong history of working with financial technologies. They even have their own fintech division that operates PagoNxt, their global payment service offering with tools for merchants and embedded finance features that can be integrated into both banking and non-bank platforms.
Santander also owns Openbank, which has grown into Europe’s largest digital only bank by deposits.
See: Will Competition Reforms Boost Fintech? Inside the Fight
As of May 2022, Santander had moved over 80% of their global it infrastructure to the cloud, which means they are a cloud-native system that can launch products quickly, iterate, and experiment with tools that traditional banks would likely take years to develop (without similar infrastructure).
For fintechs working on API based banking, automated lending and other similar innovative and novel products and services, Santander could be more than a competitor but a potential partner who can bring capital, research, and tech enablement all in one place, and ready to go.
Open Banking Would Boost Santander and Fintech Growth
Is Santander's license approval tied in some way to Canada's imminent open banking rollout (expected in 2026) or the need to diversify and strengthen Canada's economy?
While the timing is certainly interesting, and there may be some nuanced reasons into the approval of Santander's license, we'll refrain from any speculation and just reiterate that when consumer-driven finance finally arrives in Canada, it will help newer brands like Santander to connect with more customers, offer new products/services, and deepen financial relationships, all powered by artificial intelligence and cloud-native systems.
See: Robinhood’s WealthTech Push and Lifestyle Finance
As Investment Executive noted, Canada's largest banks have long benefited from their exclusive access to consumer data. Open banking could begin to shift that balance. And let's be clear, that shift will take time but open banking may certainly allow for more experimentation, more competition, and more chances for fintech firms and digital banks like Santander to connect with customers in new ways.
Take Aways
For NCFA's community, Santander’s arrival is a sign that the ecosystem is evolving. Canada’s financial future is bound to become more digital, more connected, and hopefully more competitive than ever. For fintech firms building in lending, onboarding, or data innovation, now is the time to explore how players like Santander could support growth through partnership.
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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Support NCFA by Following us on Twitter!Follow @NCFACanada |
Programming Trends 2025
April 7, 2025
We can only compare the modern pace of life to the rapid development of technology. Everything is constantly changing and evolving; you risk becoming obsolete if you don't keep up with these changes. That's why we at Muteki Group have compiled a short article with programming trends 2025. This will help you incorporate new strategies into your development plan for this year.
Additional Power: Muteki Group CTO as a Service
Strategic leadership is vital for enterprises looking for effective scaling in 2025. Not all startups and small businesses can afford to hire a full-time high-level Chief Technology Officer (CTO) throughout the development cycle. In reality, the role of a CTO is often only necessary at specific strategic points during development. Our experience working with businesses of various sizes has shown us that even skilled development teams benefit from having strategic leadership on their projects. A practical solution to this dilemma is outsourcing this role and choosing Muteki Group CTO as a service.
By collaborating with Muteki Group, you can take advantage of our CTO as a Service, which allows you to access strategic leadership on a subscription basis. This approach means you only engage a CTO as needed, helping you avoid the financial burden of a full-time hire, and only pay for the hours when the CTO is actively working on your project. Additionally, if your project's needs change and require a CTO with different expertise, we can provide you with a suitable candidate.
We offer three packages for our CTO as a Service: full-time, part-time, or on-demand cooperation, allowing you to invite a specialist whenever you need one. This flexible cooperation model ensures you have the strategic leadership necessary to thrive in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.
Programming trends 2025
The programming is evolving due to the influence of AI, the increasing demand for quicker project launches, and the rise of low-code platforms. These significant trends are set to shape the industry's future. Let's explore the most impactful trends that are expected to affect the whole 2025 year.
1. AI is changing how software is developed, tested, and maintained. Developers want to maximize their work routines with AI by delegating simple functions. On the other hand, the positive news is that developers will have time for more creative tasks. At Muteki Group, we have a free AI consulting service that will allow you to understand which areas AI will be effective for your business in 2025.
2. Low-code platforms let users you develop some simple functions without needing programming skills. Their popularity is growing because they offer flexibility.
3. Cloud development is becoming the industry standard, especially with the rise of microservices. By 2025, edge computing—processing data closer to users—will help improve the performance of Internet of Things (IoT) devices and real-time applications.
4. As cyber threats increase, security is now a key part of software development. The more user data a business handles, the stricter the rules it must follow to protect that data. For financial projects, blockchain has become a trend because it offers a secure way to handle transactions and verify identities.
5. Users want fresh experiences, which is why virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and IoT will still be in demand in 2025. At Muteki Group, we assist companies in adapting to this new landscape, from choosing the right platforms to creating engaging experiences.
6. The push for environmental friendliness is changing how developers use technology. Green coding means optimizing software to lower energy use, making apps better for the environment.
2025 year brings some tech changes and we must use these changes to our advantage. Technology will keep evolving, and businesses must keep up with trends to provide the experiences users want. This includes using AI, VR, AR, and the Internet of Things, as these technologies can offer more than standard mobile apps or websites.
See: Disruptive Innovations Driving Global Change in 2025
You need strong leadership and a skilled, dedicated development team to implement your tech idea to stay competitive entirely. At Muteki Group, we have been building dedicated development teams since 2015. We access the Ukrainian IT market, allowing us to develop a team that meets your specific needs at brilliant rates. Contact Muteki Group to develop innovative solutions!
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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Klarna Delays IPO As Markets React to Trump’s Tariffs
Financing | April 4, 2025
Image: Stock Markets Since Trump's Inauguration (New York Times)
Klarna Delays U.S. IPO Plans After Trump’s Tariffs Break Markets
As Reuters and Wall Street Journal reported, Swedish fintech giant Klarna is now delaying its U.S. IPO plans after President Trump's wide sweeping universal tariffs and country specific tariffs were announced on April 2, just two days prior, triggering heavy market volatility and declining market pressures.
See: Five Ways Countries Are Responding to Trump’s Tariffs
Klarna, known for its "buy now pay later" services (BNPL) was preparing to go public on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol KLAR but has delayed the launch saying it's due to uncertainty in the market environment. In its filing, the company flagged global trade policies and tariffs as a potential risk that could hurt consumer spending and merchant revenues, both are important for Klarna's business model.
Klarna's filing said:
"A downturn in the general economic environment or a slower pace of economic growth, including as a result of changes in international trade policies... can lead to decreased consumer spending and adversely affect the financial condition of our merchants."
What It Means for Fintech and Investors
Trump's tariffs have no doubt damped investor confidence. Klarna's delay is a setback for the fintech sector and anyone looking for a rebound in IPO activity. Klarna is one of the most high profile fintechs in Europe, and its imminent U.S. IPO listing was closely watched as a measure of investor confidence in the BNPL model.
See: 10 Fintech and Crypto IPOs 2025 – Boom or Bubble?
This IPO freeze highlights how geopolitical risks can directly impact fintech growth and public market access. With President Trump's protectionist policies, global fintechs looking to operate and access U.S. markets will now face new layers of risk and potential setbacks.
Conclusion
The current U.S. IPO environment is in a fragile state due to uncertainty and unpredictability of policy driven market shocks.
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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Support NCFA by Following us on Twitter!Follow @NCFACanada |
