Lynn Johannson, Advisor, Sustainability and ESG
January 4th, 2024
Lynn Johannson, President of E2 Management Corporation and Catalyst for THE Collaboration
In a care[...]
Category Archives: Fintech International
IRS Crypto Rollback Raises Questions for Canada
Crypto Regulation | April 15, 2025
Image: Freepik/rawpixel.com
Trump Repeals IRS Crypto Reporting Rule. Here's Why Fintechs in Canada Should Pay Attention
On April 10, 2025, U.S. President Trump signed a bill cancelling a key IRS crypto reporting rule that would have required decentralized finance (DeFi) platforms to report customer transactions to the tax agency.
See: UK FCA Plans Full Crypto Licensing Regime by 2026
The IRS' rule was called "Gross Proceeds Reporting by Brokers That Regularly Provide Services Effectuating Digital Asset Sales", which expanded the scope of traditional broker definitions to include DeFi apps like Uniswap and Metamask, and had an effective date of February 28, 2025. However, the IRS provided a transition period given the reporting complexities involved, so the rule was set to apply to digital asset sales occurring after January 1, 2027. But with Trump's bill nullifying the IRS rule, the implementation is now cancelled and the rule is officially gone.
What does this mean for fintechs, crypto startups, and regulators in Canada?
What Changed?
The IRS crypto reporting rule was part of a broader push to increase tax compliance among crypto users but industry argued that it wasn't manageable because DeFi platforms don't control their user's data. Often, there isn't a centralized entity to collect or report it. Develops were also at risk of facing penalties for software they didn't directly operate.
Industry associations and legal experts warned that the IRS's rule would push DeFi innovation offshore, so Congress listened and used the Congressional Review Act, and the House voted to repeal the rule on March 11.
See: Circle Files for IPO as Crypto Firms Eye Wall Street
Then the Senate did too with 70-28 bipartisan support on March 26. Now the bill has been signed into law and you can read it here.
Why It Matters to Canadian Fintechs
The repeal of the IRS DeFi crypto reporting rule signals again that the United States is backing away from aggressive regulation on crypto and decentralized platforms. It puts pressure on other jurisdictions including Canadian policymakers to clarify their own positions. Canada recently implemented it's own crypto reporting rules which the Canadian Revenue Agency (CRA) will start enforcing by 2027.
With the U.S. now seemingly a more welcoming environment for DeFi developers, Canada risks falling behind, especially if companies and capital start shifting strategies and offices to the U.S. for more flexibility and fewer rules. With the IRS rule now gone, DeFi projects based in the U.S. may suddenly look more appealing to venture capital and institutional backers. If that's the case, then Canadian fintechs would be at a disadvantage if local policies become too burdensome or vague.
Canadian users engaging with U.S. DeFi platforms may now face uncertainty over how these transactions should be reported domestically, given that there will be no equivalent enforcement on the U.S. side of the border. As such, the CRA may need to update guidance to avoid future confusion.
See: The Crisis Canada and Fintech Can’t Afford to Waste
With jurisdictions like the UAE, Singapore, Hong Kong, and the UK positioning themselves as global crypto centres, and the U.S. now looking like to be rejoining the global race, Canada will need to decide whether it can keep pace and remain competitive, or risk falling behind. The window to design a more innovation friendly approach to help strengthen Canada's role as a global fintech hub will only be open for a short time.
Outlook
Now is the time to ask tough questions about competitiveness, policy leadership, and how we balance innovation with responsibility. If we want to shape the future of financial services, we need to act quickly—and wisely.
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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Insights from Jamie Dimon’s 2024 Letter to Shareholders
Markets and Economy | April 15, 2025
Image: Jamie Dimon, Chairman and CEO, JP Morgan Chase
Jamie Dimon’s 2024 Letter Outlines Global Risks and Advice for Leaders
On April 7 2025, CEO Jamie Dimon of JPMorgan Chase published his annual 2024 letter to shareholders (58 page PDF), which is widely read by business and policy leaders around the globe. This year's edition, his messages are especially urgent. He describes a world of rising risks, and big decisions ahead with profound implications that stretch beyond simply Wall Street. Below are 5 insights that fintech founders, investors and Canadian decision makers need to know:
1. The U.S. Dollar’s Strength is At Risk
“History has shown that as countries become weaker, their currency loses reserve currency status.”
Dimon issued a clear warning that's rarely said out loud by execs of America’s biggest banks. That is the U.S. dollar’s global dominance is fading because it's strength relies on TRUST in U.S. institutions, alliances, and policy, BUT that trust is now eroding.
Last week, the U.S. dollar dropped significantly reaching a 3 year low against major global currencies. The decline is largely due to the Trump administration's escalating tariffs and trade tensions on imports from several countries, such as China, Canada and European nations. Tariffs led to increased market volatility, shaking investor confidence in American economic policies.
See: Ottawa Unleashes Policy Blitz to Support Economy
The WSJ published a report with the former Treasury Secretary, Janet Yellen, saying that investors "seem to be shunning dollar assets". Previously, for the past several decades, investors flocked to buy U.S. dollars during times of volatility and economic uncertainty because it was considered stable and safe.
American risks or lack of trust in its institutions is now prompting countries like Germany who hold 1200 tonne of their US gold reserve on American soil, to verify the existence of their gold and begin repatriating it back to Germany in case assets are suddenly frozen or risks spiral out of control. And they aren't the only country with concerns.
For Canada, this might open a window. If global capital starts looking for stable alternatives, Canadian institutions can position themselves as reliable partners. Our political stability and sound financial regulations are competitive assets. This is a moment to invest in confidence including the platforms and tools fintechs are building.
2. What Happens If the Free Ride Ends?
Dimon spells out just how much the U.S. benefits from being the world’s reserve currency:
“Being the reserve currency saves the United States $100 billion a year at current interest rates... People around the world actually carry approximately $2.5 trillion of paper U.S. dollars, which, in effect, is borrowing without paying interest.”
However, the U.S. being the global reserve currency isn't sustainable without continued global trust. For financial technology firms offering multi-currency accounts, global payments, and crypto on-ramps, this new reality is an opportunity.
See: Stablecoins Are Growing Faster Than You Think
If the dollar loses its unique place in the global system, financial firms will need to design for a world where volatility is the norm. That could mean hedging tools, stablecoins backed by liquid and diversified reserves, and tokenization of various assets could see a boost akin to gold, or a digital version of it.
3. A Weakened Financial System at Risk
“The U.S. deficit remains very large at just below $2 trillion, or 6.6% of GDP,” and warns that the “debt-to-GDP ratio is already over 100%.”
The U.S. government has borrowed nearly $11 trillion since the pandemic. The total U.S. federal debt is more than $34 trillion, which is greater than 100% of GDP. He says this is a structural issue and that America's fiscal path is on unstable footing. When debt continues to rise with no end in sight, global confidence wavers.
While in a different situation, Canada is under economic pressure from Trump's tariffs and trade war, persistent decline in productivity, and lower growth and foreign direct investment compared to many of its peer countries. It must restructure its own policies to support a fiscal agenda that supports innovation, digital infrastructure, supply chain and trading partner diversification, interprovincial trade, and green transitions that put Canada on a new path of economic growth. Canada can offer to the world what the U.S.'s current administration is turning, it's back against, a well managed democracy, and a country with ample resources (including human capital) that's serious about the future.
4. Fragmentation Could Break the System
One of Dimon’s strongest warnings is about fragmentation.
“Economic fragmentation from our allies may be disastrous in the long run… Keeping our alliances together, both militarily and economically, is essential.”
He’s not just just talking about political division but economic ones, such as trade wars, competing currencies and trading blocs, and digital standards that no longer align with alliances that underpin and support U.S. markets in the way they do today. A world where economic cooperation breaks down and different countries build their own separate systems for money, trade, and technology - leading to incompatible digital standard and higher costs while opening the door for bad actors to take advantage of new weak links in the system. It could also encourage allies to rally around a new financial power for stability.
See: Digital Export Trends and Global Trade Fintech Opportunities
For fintechs and Canada, it's a risk and opportunity. It means building our own rails, compliance protocols, and digital ID systems that work across borders. The more neutral, resilient, and standardized Canada's digital infrastructure becomes, the more relevant it is globally.
5 Pieces of Management Advice from Diamon's Playbook
In his letter to shareholders, Dimon shares lessons from decades of experience fro leading through crisis, transformation, and growth.
1. He warns that innovation can be smothered by too much money, too little clarity, or endless process. For startups, that’s a reminder to stay scrappy and experimental.
“You can kill innovation with too many resources, too few resources or bureaucracy… Evaluate innovative ideas through testing and learning rather than rote analysis.”
2. He also challenges the usual advice about delegation for mission-critical areas like cybersecurity, talent, or trust, and says leaders should get into the details.
“I changed my mind. I’m going to micromanage this one… In my entire career, I’ve rarely seen this kind of outsourcing of responsibility succeed.”
3. Don’t hide behind weak benchmarks.
See: Canadian Fintech Booms with $9.5B Despite Global Slump
4. Don’t sit through bad meetings, but "if a meeting is required, make it count… I ALWAYS do the pre-read… This has to stop: people checking notifications, texting, reading email. It’s disrespectful. It wastes time.”
5. In uncertain times, discipline is more powerful than vision alone.
Conclusion
The status quo is no longer. As geopolitical and economic risks take over, it's more pressing than ever for Canada to grow trust, build bridges, and invest in innovation with a strong economic growth mandate. Canada's fintech and financial ecosystem, can still thrive in a fragmenting world. We can't outspend superpowers but we can out-think them.
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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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 |
SEC Issues Covered Stablecoin Statement, Risks Remain
Regulation | April 10, 2025
Image: Freepik
SEC Says Some Fully Backed, Payment-Only 'Covered Stablecoins' Aren’t Securities
On April 4, 2025, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) issued a statement that clarified some U.S. dollar-backed stablecoins may not be considered securities. While the statement was welcomed and creates some breathing room for crypto and fintech projects, the announcement ignited an internal debate at the SEC and many are wondering what's next.
Covered Stablecoins
The SEC said certain U.S. dollar-backed stablecoins (referred to as 'Covered Stablecoins') are not considered securities if they have all of the following characteristics:
- Stablecoin must maintain a 1:1 fixed value equal to the U.S. dollar, without fluctuations
- Each stablecoin must be fully backed by an equivalent amount of high quality assets such as U.S. Treasury bills, cash, or cash equivalents that can be redeemed on demand. These assets must be held in custody and verified regularly
- No expectation of profit - cannot be promoted as an investment or marketed in a way that leads buyers to expect profit from simply holding the token
See: U.S. Senate Moves to Regulate Stablecoins
- No voting rights, control over the issuer, or shares in any profit or management decisions (no governance)
- Stablecoin must be designed and used as a method of payment only (no speculation of yield)
- Issuers must make public, regular, and accurate disclosures about the reserves backing the stablecoin, how redemptions work, and any related risks
- Algorithmic stablecoins or stablecoins that offer yield (interest, rewards, or staking returns) are excluded
Basically, a 'covered stablecoin' must behave like digital cash, and used for payment transactions, fully backed, and free of any rights, ownership or expectation of profit. If the token acts like cash (and not a stock) then it likely isn't a security. This offers a clearer path for some stablecoins like USDC or USDP.
Internal SEC Debate
Not everyone at the SEC agrees with the above perspective though. On the same day, Commissioner Caroline Crenshaw published a statement titled "'Stablecoins' or Risky Business" warning that most people acquire stablecoins through intermediaries like a crypto exchange, and in many cases they don’t have the legal right to redeem them directly. This creates a risk for retail purchasers who may think that these coins are safer than the really are. Crenshaw highlighted that these tokens can still break their dollar peg or have liquidity issues, especially in a crisis.
Caroline Crenshaw, SEC Commissioner argued that the statement "downplays the risks associated with stablecoins," saying that "over 90% of these stablecoins are distributed through intermediaries, leaving retail holders without direct redemption rights and exposing them to potential market volatility."
See: Stablecoins Are Growing Faster Than You Think
While the SECs statement on stablecoins helps clarity one area, it leaves many other types of stablecoins that do not meet the 'covered stablecoin' requirements in a legal gray zone. And just because the SEC says it won’t pursue enforcement doesn’t mean other agencies won’t step in. Additionally, there are ongoing discussions in Congress for the STABLE Act and the GENIUS Act that could result in new federal laws that override or change the current stablecoin guidance.
Outlook
It's positive that the SEC has given a green light to a limited type of payment-orientated stablecoins but the final stablecoin rules aren't settled, and there are still many big unknowns up in the air. It's still a work in progress.
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 |
Data Shows Tariffs Are Threatening Early Stage Innovation
Funding | April 10, 2025
Image: Freepik/rawpixel.com
Regulation Crowdfunding Markets Show Tariffs Straining Innovation Economy
Regulation Crowdfunding (RegCF) has proven to be a resilient market for early stage entrepreneurs and investors alike. When uncertainty strikes, it's often traditional venture capital that pulls back, while the community-driven model continues to offer early stage start-ups access to capital allowing them to innovate. However, just in from Sherwood (Woodie) Neiss, NCFA Advisor and Principal at Crowdfund Capital Advisors, data shows that tariffs are starting to strain RegCF markets - from March 10 to April 9, 2025:
- RegCF investment volumes declined by 24% (yoy) to just $57.48 million
- New campaign launches dropped over 40%
- Number of investor checks also declined by 15%
- Average capital raise size dropped to $720,000 (from $1.2 million)
Sherwood Neiss, Principal at Crowdfund Capital Advisors:
“We’re seeing the first real signs of pullback in what has otherwise been a resilient funding ecosystem. The numbers tell a story not of panic, but of pause. Investors and issuers alike are waiting for clarity—on costs, on policy, and on risk.”
Tariffs Introduce New Risks for Early-Stage Companies
In a volatile environment where U.S. tariffs are levied one day, and then paused the next, founders must now face new due diligence questions about supply chains, production costs, and their ability to manage sourcing.
See: Trump’s Tariff Pause Leaves Canada in the Cold
Image: Drop in Issuer Sentiment March 10 April 9, 2025 (Crowdfund Capital Advisors)
These aren't just theoretical risks because many start-ups, particular in hardware devices, consumer goods, and any sector relying on international parts and components are now exposed to volatility and surcharge taxes. Investor confidence is taking a major hit too, and early stage businesses run the risk of stalling or failing before they can scale.
“Tariffs may help some sectors, but they’re also putting early-stage companies under pressure at the exact moment they need capital the most. Many startups don’t yet have the scale to absorb these shocks. And without sufficient investor support, we risk losing not just companies, but jobs and innovation.”
Startups and Innovation Under Pressure
The adverse impact that tariffs have on innovators is especially acute in underserved and rural markets. These regions rely on RegCF since institutional capital remains scare. Retail investors are pulling back their investment participation in RegCF campaigns because of inflationary pressures and wage and job concerns.
See: CCA Report: State of Investment Crowdfunding 2025
Although digital native startups, such as software companies with lower capital requirements and no physical supply chains are more resilient in the current environment, the overall market uncertainty that tariffs have made investors more selective while pushing out campaign timelines.
Without policy intervention or more clarity, the negative implications of tariffs on RegCF markets may be severe, with fewer companies launched, fewer jobs, and reduced momentum for tech and manufacturing innovation across North America.
“This is a moment for policymakers, platforms, and investors to pay attention. We don’t need alarm, we need alignment. Investment Crowdfunding has been a powerful tool for democratizing capital. But it can’t thrive in a vacuum of uncertainty.”
Why It Matters
Public markets react quickly to interest rates or geopolitical shocks but RegCF is slower and more telling, as it signals what's happening on the ground.
See: Trump’s April 2025 Tariffs and What They Mean for Canada
Tariffs are elevating uncertainty risks related to cost structures, and its hurting investor sentiment. When early stage capital pulls back at grass roots levels, it hurts the innovation economy and the real cost is future growth.
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 |
Trump’s Tariff Pause Leaves Canada in the Cold
Economy | April 10, 2025
Image: Freepik/tawatchai07
Trump Temporarily Halts Tariffs for Most Countries But Keeps Pressure on Canada, Mexico, and China
On April 10, 2025, President Trump announced a 90-day pause on most of the newly implemented global trade tariffs after market backlash and political pressure. The break was extended to countries in Europe, Asia, and parts of South America, but Canada, Mexico, and China are still under tariff pressure.
Strategic Pause, Not for Everyone
While Trump paused the most recent tariffs for over 75 countries, U.S. tariffs still apply to Canada and Mexico primarily on cars and auto parts (25%), steel (25%), aluminum (10%), and some agricultural products like dairy, grains, and processed foods, and continue to affect cross border trade in manufacturing and farming sectors.
Trump's pause also didn't apply to China In fact, Tariffs on Chinese good were raised to 125%, as China hit back with an 84% tariff on U.S. goods and filed new complaints with the World Trade Organization.
See: Klarna Delays IPO As Markets React to Trump’s Tariffs
After the tariff pause was announced, markets surged with the S&P 500 exploding 9.5%, the largest one day gain since World War II, according to Business Insider.
But the rebound didn't last long, as markets opened the following morning on April 10, the S&P 500 dropped 2.3% out of the gate and is continuing its slide currently down 5%.
Timing of the Pause Raises Eyebrows
Right before the tariff pause was announced, Trump posted on social media telling people “THIS IS A GREAT TIME TO BUY!!! DJT.” The DJT trading symbol referenced his Trump Media & Technology Group company. Hours later, markets soared. Some U.S. lawmakers are questioning whether Trump or anyone close to him benefited financially from his announcement (aka insider trading).
According to TIME, Senator Adam Schiff has called for an investigation, asking the White House to hand over records to see if anyone used that information to trade stocks before the news went public.
Innovation Caught in the Crossfire
Tariffs aren't just about physical goods. Canada’s fintech firms, software exporters, and digital infrastructure providers also face risks, as many of these companies work closely with U.S. partners, investors, and regulators. Every barrier, whether its through tariffs, compliance hurdles or market uncertainty and confidence, slows down innovation, especially in the most innovative emerging sectors like AI, open banking, blockchain and embedded finance.
See: Five Ways Countries Are Responding to Trump’s Tariffs
Early stage startups are especially exposed, as any cross border collaborations, capital raises, and pilot projects face second thoughts and/or delays from U.S. partners.
What’s next?
Expect heightened volatility to continue. Canadian companies need to stay alert, continue to diversify trade relationships, and build a stronger domestic economy and ecosystem that reduces exposure to abrupt, off the cuff U.S. policy changes impacting trade and relationships.
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