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Search Results for: ambassador
Mahi Sall, Independent Expert, Fintech-Bank Partnerships, Joins NCFA’s Ambassador Program
NCFA Canada | Craig Asano | March 9, 2022
TORONTO, MARCH 9, 2022 – The National Crowdfunding & Fintech Association of Canada (NCFA) today announced that Mahi Sall, Independent Expert on Fintech-Bank Partnerships, has joined the Association`s Ambassador Programme.
NCFA Ambassadors are leaders, educators, supporters, and advocates of innovation, partnerships, and an inclusive and broad-based fintech industry in Canada and around the globe. They are circles of influence and ‘go to resources’ for high growth ventures, and investors to connect with, and are plugged into an international network of thought leadership and industry professionals shaping the future of technology and financial services.
Mahi Sall, Independent Expert, Fintech-Bank Partnerships
Mahi Sall’s background is in the financial services industry with 10+ years of experience on 3 continents (Europe, Asia, Africa) and a global exposure, part of it at the C-suite. Fluent in fintech-bank partnerships, he championed amongst others the Frankfurt-based multi-corporate innovation platform Fintech Europe at Germany’s largest bank. As part of building a view around fintech, he has spoken at numerous venues including the Frankfurt Digital Finance Conference and AsiaBerlin Summit and contributed alongside 280+ CEOs & leaders at global financial institutions to an ebook on fast-tracking fintech innovation in a legacy ecosystem, and more. Mahi provides strategic insights, connections and applied knowledge to entrepreneurs in fintech and adjacent verticals helping them connect and engage with strategic partners, investors and corporates. More about him: LinkedIn, About.me
“The financial services industry is reinventing itself at a lightning speed thanks to breakthroughs in technology, shifts in regulation and customer behavior. This comes with risks and opportunities best harnessed by fintechs and financial institutions who by design work to create long-term mutually beneficial partnerships as opposed to seeking unilateral dominance.” – Mahi Sall, Independent Expert, Fintech-Bank Partnerships
“Mahi understands that magic can only happen when stakeholders truly align their interests. Combined with his experience and global perspective, fintechs as well as large banks will benefit from his wisdom, and we are excited to collaborate at all levels as NCFA continues to expand its global network.” – Craig Asano, Founder and CEO, NCFA Canada
The National Crowdfunding & Fintech Association (NCFA Canada) is a financial innovation ecosystem that provides education, market intelligence, industry stewardship, networking and funding opportunities and services to thousands of community members and works closely with industry, government, partners and affiliates to create a vibrant and innovative fintech and funding industry in Canada. Decentralized and distributed, NCFA is engaged with global stakeholders and helps incubate projects and investment in fintech, alternative finance, crowdfunding, peer-to-peer finance, payments, digital assets and tokens, blockchain, cryptocurrency, regtech, and insurtech sectors. Join Canada's Fintech & Funding Community today FREE! Or become a contributing member and get perks. For more information, please visit: www.ncfacanada.org
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Cynthia Huang, CEO of Altcoin Fantasy and Airhosts Forum Joins NCFA’s Ambassador Program
NCFA Canada | October 25, 2019
VANCOUVER, Oct 25, 2019 – The National Crowdfunding & Fintech Association of Canada (NCFA Canada) today announced that Cynthia Huang, CEO of Altcoin Fantasy, the leading digital asset trading simulator, has joined the Association’s Ambassadors Program.
NCFA Ambassadors
NCFA Canada Ambassadors are leaders, educators, supporters and advocates of an inclusive and broad-based financial technology, alternative finance and tech innovation communities across Canada. They are circles of influence and ‘go to resources’ for innovation stakeholders, entrepreneurs, and investors to connect with, share and learn about industry topics via locally hosted events and initiatives. Ambassadors are specialists and plugged into an international network of shared resources, thought leadership, and industry professionals striving to cultivate and shape the future of finance in Canada and beyond.
Cynthia Huang, CEO, Altcoin Fantasy and Airhosts Forum
Cynthia began her career in risk management and insurance but after working for a tech startup in 2014, she completely fell in love with tech and startups. To prepare to make a career change completely into tech, she began attending hackathons and co-founded the largest Airbnb host community globally. After working as a product manager and within corporate innovation, she co-founded Altcoin Fantasy, a crypto trading simulation platform that combines the fun and excitement of fantasy sports and crypto trading without the risk, to help people learn about crypto and crypto trading. Cynthia is passionate about advancing women working in tech, innovation and giving back to the community and is an ambassador for Indie Hackers. Cynthia holds a BA (University of British Columbia) as well as a CRM (University of Toronto) and CIP designation (Insurance Institute of Canada).
“I'm extremely excited to be partnering with NCFA Canada as an ambassador. At Altcoin Fantasy, we focus on driving adoption of new technologies, such as cryptocurrencies, through fun, awareness and education. We share a lot of common interests with NCFA in driving fintech innovation. We believe it’s organizations such as NCFA that will help put Canada on the map as a leader in not just fintech innovation but tech innovation overall. We can't wait to work together to help grow the fintech ecosystem even more within Canada by supporting local homegrown companies on their journey.” -- Cynthia Huang, CEO, Altcoin Fantasy and Airhosts Forum
“Canada needs more fintech leaders who understand (and prioritize) the importance of education, partnerships and how to move the needle in growing Canadian markets. Cynthia has been highly successful in expanding the adoption of blockchain technologies and building active communities of practice, and we look forward to her jumping in with both feet on various upcoming initiatives.” -- Craig Asano, CEO and Founder, NCFA Canada
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About NCFA
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 and cryptocurrency, regtech, and insurtech sectors. For more information visit: www.ncfacanada.org
About Altcoin Fantasy
Altcoin Fantasy is a crypto trading simulation platform that uses an innovative combination of fantasy sports with crypto trading, with all of the fun and excitement and none of the risk. Altcoin Fantasy partners with leading blockchain and crypto companies to host fantasy trading competitions where people can learn about crypto and practice trading completely risk-free. Digital currencies and blockchain have the power to democratize access and change the financial economy worldwide but there’s a huge knowledge gap about the space. Altcoin Fantasy aims to democratize access to crypto education and empower people globally to feel comfortable investing in this new asset class and also to help them get started with investing through hands-on practice and even giving them crypto to start investing with. For more information, visit www.altcoinfantasy.com.
Source: NCFA Canada
Media Contacts:
Craig Asano
NCFA Canada
Founder and CEO
p. (416) 618-0254
e. casano@ncfacanada.org
Victoria Bennett, Strategic Marketing Principal, Bennett Milner Williams Consulting Ltd., Joins NCFA’s Ambassador Program
About NCFA Canada | Craig Asano | March 21, 2018
CALGARY, Mar 21, 2018 – The National Crowdfunding & Fintech Association of Canada (NCFA Canada) today announced that Victoria Bennett, Strategic Marketing Principal, Bennett Milner Williams Consulting Ltd., has joined the Association’s Ambassadors Program.
NCFA Canada Ambassadors
NCFA Canada Ambassadors are leaders, educators, supporters and advocates of an inclusive and broad-based alternative finance crowdfunding industry in communities across Canada. They are circles of influence and ‘go to resources’ for small businesses, organizations and investors to connect with, share and learn about crowdfunding via locally hosted events and initiatives. Ambassadors are specialists and plugged into an international network of shared resources, thought leadership, and industry professionals striving to cultivate and shape the future of finance in Canada and beyond.
Victoria Bennett, Strategic Marketing Principal, Bennett Milner Williams Consulting Ltd.
Victoria Bennett ran her first successful crowdfund campaign over four years ago, a long time in crowd funding years. A strategic marketer by training, she has worked on many major brands including Tide, Pampers, ENMAX and TD. She has used her skills as a marketer, to identify the solution the product or service provides, the target market, the so-what, and to communicate clearly, effectively and consistently to the crowd; all skills vital to crowdfunding. She has run successful campaigns in Canada and in Europe and her team is currently consulting for a number of Canadian equity and rewards crowdfund campaigns.
"Entrepreneurs are not well served by the current closed networks, if you don’t have a good network of friends and family, any great idea will fail. The Canadian government opened up equity crowdfunding in 2015 and we have seen companies in both the start-up and growth stage benefit. The benefits, whether it be rewards or investment crowdfunding are much more than just the capital, a community of advocates, who believe in the company. The pace of adoption has not been at the same rate as in the US and particularly the UK where government policy has strongly encouraged investment crowdfunding to finance companies. I am pleased to see NCFA lobbying the government for further support and policy change for crowdfunding, and hope to see the benefits across all crowdfunding platforms," said Victoria Bennett, NCFA Ambassador
“The fintech and crowdfunding sectors in Canada need more experienced advocates who truly understand the capital and growth benefits for small businesses launching ventures or products to market inherent in crowdfinancing, along with the wider economic benefits and job creation for the country and welcome Victoria’s sustained expertise and industry support," said Craig Asano, CEO, NCFA Canada.
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The National Crowdfunding & Fintech Association of Canada (NCFA Canada) is a cross-Canada non-profit actively engaged with both social and investment crowdfunding, alternative finance, fintech, P2P, ICO, and online investing stakeholders across the country. NCFA Canada provides education, research, industry stewardship, and networking opportunities to over 1600+ members and works closely with industry, government, academia, community and eco-system partners and affiliates to create a strong and vibrant crowdfunding and fintech industry in Canada. For more information, please visit: ncfacanada.org
Source: NCFA Canada
For more information please contact:
Media Contacts:
Craig Asano
NCFA Canada
Founder and CEO
p. (416) 618-0254
e. casano@ncfacanada.org
Chris Horlacher, Chairman & CEO, Equibit Development Corporation, Joins NCFA’s Ambassador Program
About NCFA Canada | Craig Asano | April 4, 2017
TORONTO, Apr 4, 2017 – The National Crowdfunding Association of Canada (NCFA Canada) today announced that Chris Horlacher, Chairman & CEO of Equitbit Development Corporation, has joined the Association’s Ambassadors Program.
NCFA Canada Ambassadors
NCFA Canada Ambassadors are leaders, educators, supporters and advocates of an inclusive and broad-based alternative finance crowdfunding industry in communities across Canada. As experts in fintech, peer to peer, and innovation finance, ambassadors are circles of influence and ‘go to resources’ for companies, investors and the ecosystem to connect with to learn and share at locally hosted events and initiatives. They are specialists and plugged into an international network of shared resources, thought leadership, and industry professionals striving to cultivate and shape the future of financial services in Canada and beyond.
Chris Horlacher, Chairman & CEO, Equibit Development Corporation
Chris began his career as an auditor at a Big 4 firm and before the age of 30 was the CFO of a start-up stock brokerage that now manages over $4 billion in assets. He went on to found his own management consulting firm and has been instrumental in numerous successful multi-million dollar start-ups and strategic initiatives for Canada’s largest companies, SME's and non-profits.
He also serves as Vice-Chairman of the Ludwig von Mises Institute of Canada, a research and educational charity focused on the field of Austrian Economics. Possessing Chartered Accountant and Chartered Professional Accountant designations, Chris is certified by the Canadian Securities Institute as a partner, director and chief financial officer.
“The digitization and future of capital markets is upon us and Canada needs to be at the forefront of innovative financial technologies. Chris and the Equibit team recently completed one of Canada's first Initial Coin Offering (ICO) 'Crowdsales' successfully raising approx $570,000 USD in cash and coins. We are excited to have their leadership join the NCFA Ambassador program to provide more education and awareness in the areas of blockchain and distributed ledger technology," said Craig Asano, Executive Director, NCFA Canada.
“EDC is building Equibit, a peer-to-peer network for creating, transferring, and administering securities such as equity and debt. Such services cost issuers and investors many billions each year and blockchain technology can not only eliminate most of this overhead, but take the industry from 3-day to real-time settlements while massively improving the security, efficiency and accessibility of the OTC market,” said Chris Horlacher, Chairman & CEO, EDC
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About National Crowdfunding Association of Canada
The National Crowdfunding Association of Canada (NCFA Canada) is a cross-Canada non-profit actively engaged with both social and investment crowdfunding stakeholders across the country. NCFA Canada provides education, research, leadership, support and networking opportunities to over 1500+ members and works closely with industry, government, academia, community and eco-system partners and affiliates to create a strong and vibrant crowdfunding industry in Canada. Learn more About Us or visit ncfacanada.org.
Source: NCFA Canada
For more information please contact:
Media Contacts:
Craig Asano
NCFA Canada
Executive Director
p. (416) 618-0254
e. casano@ncfacanada.org
Ben Feferman, Managing Partner, Leverage VC, Joins NCFA’s Ambassador Program
About NCFA Canada | Craig Asano | Feb 2, 2017
TORONTO, Feb 2, 2017 – The National Crowdfunding Association of Canada (NCFA Canada) today announced that Ben Feferman, Managing Partner, Leverage VC, has joined the Association’s Ambassadors Program.
NCFA Canada Ambassadors
NCFA Canada Ambassadors are leaders, educators, supporters and advocates of an inclusive and broad-based alternative finance crowdfunding industry in communities across Canada. They are circles of influence and ‘go to resources’ for small businesses, organizations and investors to connect with, share and learn about crowdfunding via locally hosted events and initiatives. Ambassadors are specialists and plugged into an international network of shared resources, thought leadership, and industry professionals striving to cultivate and shape the future of finance in Canada and beyond.
Ben Feferman, Tech Entrepreneur, Mentor and Investor
Ben has been an entrepreneur for most of his career, founding companies in media, film and finance. His investment company Amuka Capital has become very active in its venture funding with investments in Enthusiast Gaming (video game), Three Sisters Kitchen (food producer), and Slyce (visual search). His interest in tech investing led him to his current position as managing director of Leverage IT, a full-service digital agency and development shop that is building out some of Canada’s most disruptive mobile apps.
In early 2017, Ben will be launching Leverage VC, a new boutique venture capital firm that will support and empower companies in the ideation and development stages. Drawing on his experience in diversified business management, Ben mentors and advises many start-ups on business plan development, go-to market strategies and early-stage funding plans. He has a B.A in law from Carleton University and is pursuing a MBA from the University of Fredericton.
“Ben is part of the new generation who understands the potential of crowdsourcing productivity, capital, and resourcing to achieve common goals, and is fluidly contributing to the advancement of these new models and platforms that will ultimately help shape the future of financial services and Canada’s ability to compete," said Craig Asano, Executive Director, NCFA Canada.
"The sharing economy has had an immeasurable impact on almost everything we do. When it comes to investments however, while great progress had been made, we fall well short of the needed (de)regulation that will see Crowdfunding in its current and future iterations bloom. There are some really exciting sub-sectors of crowdfunding especially on the debt side that have tremendous potential. I think in the next five years we will see a move from crowdfunding higher risk ventures like start-ups and small businesses to lower risk ventures like real estate, mortgages or car loans," said Ben Feferman, NCFA Ambassador
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About National Crowdfunding Association of Canada
The National Crowdfunding Association of Canada (NCFA Canada) is a cross-Canada non-profit actively engaged with both social and investment crowdfunding stakeholders across the country. NCFA Canada provides education, research, leadership, support and networking opportunities to over 1500+ members and works closely with industry, government, academia, community and eco-system partners and affiliates to create a strong and vibrant crowdfunding industry in Canada. Learn more About Us or visit ncfacanada.org.
Source: NCFA Canada
For more information please contact:
Media Contacts:
Craig Asano
NCFA Canada
Executive Director
p. (416) 618-0254
e. casano@ncfacanada.org
Alaa Guidara, Ph.D and Professor, Joins NCFA’s Ambassador Program
About NCFA Canada | Craig Asano | December 16, 2016
TORONTO, Dec 16, 2016 – The National Crowdfunding Association of Canada (NCFA Canada) today announced that Alaa Guidara, Ph.D and Professor at Sheridan College, has joined the Association’s Crowdfunding Ambassadors Program.
NCFA Canada Crowdfunding Ambassadors
Crowdfunding Ambassadors (CFAs) are leaders, educators, supporters and advocates of an inclusive and broad-based crowdfunding industry in communities across Canada. They are circles of influence and ‘go to resources’ for small businesses, organizations and investors to connect with, share and learn about crowdfunding via locally hosted events and initiatives. CFAs are specialists and plugged into an international network of shared resources, thought leadership, and industry professionals striving to cultivate and shape the future of crowdfunding in Canada and beyond.
Alaa Guidara, Ph.D and Professor, Pilon School of Business, Sheridan College
Alaa is a professor of finance at the Pilon School of Business at Sheridan College. He is the inaugural professor of a crowdfunding course he designed in a workshop form for a hands-on learning experience. Alaa combines backgrounds from both professional and academic field gained from experience in private, community and public sector. Alaa provided consulting services to a number of organizations and firms throughout North America, Asia Pacific and Africa. He is also serving as an advisor or board member of multiple start-ups and institutions across Quebec and Ontario.
Alaa taught at different academic levels including graduate, undergraduate and executive level and currently serve as finance coach for Pilon School of Business’ team in ICBC Business Competition. He is also active in research and serves as a reviewer for a number of academic journals and conferences. Alaa received a Ph.D in finance and insurance from Laval University and holds the Canadian risk management (CRM) designation from the Global Risk Management Institute. Over the last 10 years he was recipients of different grants and awards recognizing his endeavors in the professional and academic field.
“Alaa is a strong supporter of the NCFA mission and is committed to advocating for a vibrant and resilient crowdfunding industry. Alaa’s background and experience accompanied by his professional and educational credentials provide him with the scope and skills to act as a great NCFA ambassador and we welcome him to the organization", said Craig Asano, Executive Director, NCFA Canada.
"While there are few attempts for educating and using crowdfunding in the education sphere, Colleges and Universities should step up to move crowdfunding education to the next level. They should move at a faster pace to reflect the evolving trend of crowdfunding and uphold the sustainability and resilience of the industry," said Alaa Guidara, NCFA Ambassador
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About National Crowdfunding Association of Canada
The National Crowdfunding Association of Canada (NCFA Canada) is a cross-Canada non-profit actively engaged with both social and investment crowdfunding stakeholders across the country. NCFA Canada provides education, research, leadership, support and networking opportunities to over 1500+ members and works closely with industry, government, academia, community and eco-system partners and affiliates to create a strong and vibrant crowdfunding industry in Canada. Learn more About Us or visit ncfacanada.org.
Source: NCFA Canada
For more information please contact:
Media Contacts:
Craig Asano
NCFA Canada
Executive Director
p. (416) 618-0254
e. casano@ncfacanada.org
Anh Dao, Researcher and Consultant, MBA, Joins NCFA’s Ambassador Program
About NCFA Canada | Craig Asano | August 2, 2016
TORONTO, ON August 2, 2016 – The National Crowdfunding Association of Canada (NCFA Canada) today announced that Anh Dao, Researcher and Consultant, MBA, has joined the Association’s Crowdfunding Ambassadors Program.
NCFA Canada Crowdfunding Ambassadors
Crowdfunding Ambassadors (CFAs) are leaders, educators, supporters and advocates of an inclusive and broad-based crowdfunding industry in communities across Canada. They are circles of influence and ‘go to resources’ for small businesses, organizations and investors to connect with, share and learn about crowdfunding via locally hosted events and initiatives. CFAs are specialists and plugged into an international network of shared resources, thought leadership, and industry professionals striving to cultivate and shape the future of crowdfunding in Canada and beyond.
Anh Dao, Researcher and Consultant, MBA
Anh Dao is a researcher and a consultant, specialized in International Business Strategy and Supply Chain Management. She has spent the last ten years working with small and medium enterprises to develop strategies and refine business processes. Being an entrepreneur, she is very familiar with the challenges that startups and small sized businesses face, and find these difficulties interesting to work on. Anh holds a Honour Bachelor in International Business and MBA from Carleton University. Her research focus is on R&D outsourcing and supply chain integration.
“We're delighted to welcome Anh to the NCFA Ambassador's program. Her skills as a lead researcher and dedication to advance crowfunding markets and help innovate the sector are invaluable as we move to benchmark the Canadian industry with the inaugural report due to be published this September", said Craig Asano, Executive Director, NCFA Canada.
"Crowdfunding is great equalizer. It allows individuals and businesses to access much needed resources, while giving investors much more investment opportunities. Crowdfunding, besides a business concept, is an inspiring reminder of what technological advancements and business innovations can achieve together", said Anh Dao, NCFA Ambassador
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About National Crowdfunding Association of Canada
The National Crowdfunding Association of Canada (NCFA Canada) is a cross-Canada non-profit actively engaged with both social and investment crowdfunding stakeholders across the country. NCFA Canada provides education, research, leadership, support and networking opportunities to over 1300+ members and works closely with industry, government, academia, community and eco-system partners and affiliates to create a strong and vibrant crowdfunding industry in Canada. Learn more About Us or visit ncfacanada.org.
Source: NCFA Canada
For more information please contact:
Media Contacts:
Craig Asano
NCFA Canada
Executive Director
p. (416) 618-0254
e. casano@ncfacanada.org
