Fintech
Canadian Scientific Think-tank, BEworks, Uncovers the Factors Predicting Vaccine Hesitancy in Canada
Toronto, Ontario–(Newsfile Corp. – February 17, 2021) – A ground-breaking study (COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy: A Behavioural Lens on a Critical Problem) conducted by BEworks – a Canadian team of applied behavioural economics experts – indicates that four cognitive factors – belief in conspiracy theories, valuing personal beliefs over empirical evidence, scientific knowledge, and concerns around vaccine risk are driving Canadians’ vaccine intentions.
“The study shows that the way people think is significantly more predictive of their willingness to get vaccinated than their demographics alone,” explains Kelly Peters, BEworks CEO and lead investigator of the study.
Almost One-Third of Canadians are “On-the-Fence” about Getting a COVID-19 Vaccine
The cross-Canada study of 3700 adults, which was fielded for BEworks by Canadian research platform Delvinia in late December 2020, found that, while 63% of Canadian adults are “vaccine secure” and intend to get vaccinated as quickly as vaccines become available, almost a third of Canadians reported they (28%) are “on-the-fence” when it comes to getting a COVID-19 vaccination. Nine per cent of those who participated in the study said they don’t intend to be vaccinated for COVID-19 at all. The study also spotlights that vaccine hesitancy remains an important issue amongst healthcare workers and BIPOC Canadians.
In addition to Delvinia, the research study was also supported by 19ToZero – a coalition of over 300 academics, public health experts, behavioural economists, and creative professionals working to understand, engage with, and ultimately shift public perceptions around COVID-19 behaviours and vaccination.
The BEworks study shows that the way people think – along 4 key Cognitive Factors – predicted 42% of people’s vaccination intentions.
- Belief in Conspiracy Theories
- People who are vaccine-opposed are 429% more likely to believe conspiracy theories
- People who are “on-the-fence” about COVID vaccines are 163% more likely to believe conspiracy theories
The BEworks study identified three additional cognitive factors that drive Canadians’ vaccine hesitancy: Valuing Personal Beliefs Over Empirical Evidence, overall Scientific Knowledge and general Vaccine Risk Concerns.
Nuanced Vaccine Communications Needed in Canada
In addition to exploring drivers of vaccine hesitancy, the BEworks study offers four strategies on how public health agencies can be most effective in providing vaccination education, encouragement and support:
Launch Targeted Vaccine Communications in Canada
“Canadians’ vaccination intentions are nuanced. It’s affected by how people see the world, their perceptions of the choices people like them make, who they trust – and their perception of risk, so this is not a one-size fits all scenario,” says Peters, who advocates for psychologically-informed communications that are relevant to the barriers to immunization faced by each group. “Understanding why people are hesitant (or object out-right) and then deploying scientifically-grounded solutions will be essential if we want to encourage Canadians to get vaccinated,” sums up Peters.
Address the Intention-Action Gap
For the 63% of Canadians who are vaccine secure, BEworks experts caution that the intention-action gap, which is well studied in the field of behavioural economics, may get in the way of people following through on their intention to get vaccinated. Creating pre-commitment to vaccinate, supporting the creation of specific plans to get vaccinated, default appointments and encouraging social-sharing of high-quality information to help “de-bunk” vaccination myths will help address the intention-action gap.
De-Bunking Vaccination Myths
When it comes to the 28% of Canadians who are on the COVID-19 vaccine fence, BEworks psychologists say presenting Canadian vaccination numbers and facts in clear, easy-to-understand ways can be a powerful motivator, along with “pre-bunking” vaccine myths early when misinformation emerges. Leveraging the social proof of vaccinations – and sharing continued experiences a few days and weeks post-vaccination – will be critically important in supporting this group.
Low Pressure Communication
A low-pressure approach that avoids shaming and acknowledges their concerns and points of view will be most beneficial to encouraging the 9% of vaccine-opposed Canadians to reconsider their perspective. “With this group, communications must be aligned with their world view and highlight freedom to choose, personal responsibility and economic recovery,” explains Peters.
Additional insights and strategies are included in the study report, which is available at https://beworks.com/covid-19/
BEworks is hosting a launch event for Public Health Officials and Industry Leaders looking to understand how new solutions to overcome hesitancy and reinforce the vaccine secure should be effectively deployed. The event titled “Solutions to Overcome Vaccine Hesitancy: A Behavioural Lens on a Critical Problem” is on February 24, 2021 from 12:00 – 1:00 pm EST. More information and sign-up details are available at https://beworks.com/covid-19/.
About BEworks
BEworks was launched over a decade ago and has the same goal then as it does today: to serve as pioneers in the field of behavioral science. Founded by the field’s leading experts, Professors Dan Ariely and Nina Maźar, and CEO Kelly Peters, the firm distinguishes itself with its rigorous commitment to evidence-based insights and cutting-edge scientific methods. All of the practitioners are distinguished researchers, hold advanced graduate degrees in behavioral science, and have extensive experience in applying BE to complex strategic, marketing, operational, and policy challenges.
The company’s portfolio is in finance, health, retail, energy, and anywhere else there is an opportunity to unlock consumer’s needs, motivate teams with purpose, and empower leaders to drive with aspiration. The global management consulting practice, training academy, and research institute are headquartered in Toronto, Canada and support firms and government agencies in North America, LATAM, EU, and Japan. Learn more @BEworks and at www.BEworks.com
About Delvinia
Delvinia is a research technology and consumer data collection company that is transforming how data is collected and used to underpin business decision-making at every level. The company has spawned a successful portfolio of products and services, including the research automation platform Methodify.it; Canada’s leading online consumer panel, AskingCanadians; and CRIS, which automates qualitative research. For more information, please visit delvinia.com or follow @delvinia on Twitter.
About 19 To Zero: United Against COVID-19 to Shift Public Beliefs and Behaviours
Collectively called 19 To Zero: United Against COVID-19, the international group represents more than 300 leaders from healthcare, government, and private sector organizations. BEworks is leading the Behavioural Economics Nudge Unit for the consortium in collaboration with Professor Kirsten Cornelson from the University of Notre Dame. BEworks’s focus is on the design and delivery of novel behaviour change solutions, tools, and guides, for use by public and private organizations across a host of COVID-19 challenges. Visit www.19tozero.ca to learn more.
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To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/74653
The fintech landscape continues to redefine itself, driven by innovation, partnerships, and groundbreaking strategies. Today’s roundup focuses on the latest digital wallet offerings, evolving payment trends, strategic collaborations, and notable funding achievements. This editorial explores the broader implications of these developments, casting light on how they shape the future of fintech and beyond.
Beacon’s Digital Wallet for Immigrants: A Gateway to Financial Inclusion
Beacon Financial, a leading player in financial technology, recently launched a digital wallet tailored to meet the unique needs of immigrants moving to Canada. This offering bridges a critical gap, enabling seamless financial integration for newcomers navigating a foreign system.
By combining intuitive technology with user-centric features, Beacon aims to empower immigrants with tools for payments, savings, and remittances. This aligns with the growing demand for tailored financial products that resonate with specific demographics.
Op-Ed Insight:
Financial inclusion is more than just a buzzword; it’s a moral imperative in the fintech space. Products like Beacon’s digital wallet highlight the industry’s potential to create tangible change. As global migration trends increase, such offerings could inspire similar initiatives worldwide.
Source: Fintech Futures.
Juniper Research Highlights 2025’s Payment Trends
Juniper Research’s latest report unveils pivotal payment trends poised to dominate in 2025. Central themes include the adoption of instant payment networks, a surge in embedded finance solutions, and the rise of crypto-backed financial products.
The research underscores the rapid adoption of real-time payment systems, fueled by increasing consumer demand for speed and efficiency. Meanwhile, embedded finance promises to blur the lines between traditional banking and non-financial services, delivering personalized and context-specific solutions.
Op-Ed Insight:
As the lines between financial services and technology continue to blur, these trends emphasize the industry’s shift toward convenience and personalization. The growing role of crypto-based solutions reflects an evolving consumer mindset, where decentralization and digital-first experiences gain precedence.
Source: Juniper Research.
MeaWallet and Integrated Finance Partner to Revolutionize Digital Wallets
MeaWallet, a prominent fintech solutions provider, has partnered with Integrated Finance to advance digital wallet capabilities and secure card data access for fintech companies. This collaboration focuses on empowering fintechs to deliver better, safer digital payment experiences.
MeaWallet’s role as a technology enabler aligns seamlessly with Integrated Finance’s goal of simplifying complex financial infrastructures. Together, they aim to create scalable, robust platforms for secure payment solutions.
Op-Ed Insight:
Partnerships like this underscore the importance of collaboration in driving innovation. As security concerns grow in tandem with digital payment adoption, solutions addressing these challenges are essential for maintaining consumer trust. The fintech ecosystem thrives when synergy and innovation coalesce.
Source: MeaWallet News.
Nucleus Security Among Deloitte’s Fastest-Growing Companies
Nucleus Security has achieved a remarkable milestone, ranking 85th on Deloitte’s 2024 Technology Fast 500 list. This achievement is attributed to its robust cybersecurity solutions, which cater to the increasingly digital fintech environment.
With cyberattacks becoming more sophisticated, fintech companies are under immense pressure to safeguard their platforms. Nucleus Security’s growth reflects the rising demand for comprehensive, scalable security solutions that protect sensitive financial data.
Op-Ed Insight:
In a digital-first world, robust cybersecurity isn’t optional—it’s fundamental. The recognition of companies like Nucleus Security signals the growing importance of protecting fintech infrastructure as the industry scales globally.
Source: PR Newswire.
OpenYield Secures Funding to Transform the Bond Market
OpenYield has announced a successful funding round, aiming to revolutionize the bond market through innovative technology. The platform promises greater transparency, efficiency, and accessibility in fixed-income investments.
This funding underscores the growing appetite for digitizing traditionally opaque financial markets. By leveraging cutting-edge technology, OpenYield seeks to democratize bond investments, making them accessible to a broader audience.
Op-Ed Insight:
The bond market, long viewed as complex and inaccessible, is ripe for disruption. OpenYield’s efforts to modernize this space highlight fintech’s transformative potential to democratize finance and empower individual investors.
Source: PR Newswire.
Key Takeaways: Shaping the Future of Fintech
Today’s developments underscore several critical themes in the fintech landscape:
- Personalization and Inclusion: Products like Beacon’s wallet highlight the importance of understanding and addressing specific user needs.
- Collaborative Ecosystems: Partnerships, like that of MeaWallet and Integrated Finance, emphasize the power of collaboration in solving industry challenges.
- Emerging Technologies: Juniper Research’s predictions affirm the continued influence of blockchain, embedded finance, and instant payment networks.
- Security at the Core: The recognition of Nucleus Security underscores the essential role of cybersecurity in fintech.
- Market Transformation: OpenYield’s funding signifies the ongoing disruption of traditional financial markets, paving the way for broader accessibility.
The post Fintech Pulse: Daily Industry Brief – A Dive into Today’s Emerging Trends and Innovations appeared first on News, Events, Advertising Options.
As fintech continues to reshape the global financial landscape, today’s briefing highlights pivotal developments, strategic expansions, and innovative launches across the industry. This op-ed explores the latest advancements with commentary on their potential impacts and challenges.
Finastra Data Breach: A Wake-Up Call for Fintech Security
Source: KrebsOnSecurity
The cybersecurity landscape is buzzing after Finastra, one of the largest financial technology providers globally, confirmed an investigation into a potential data breach. Reports suggest unauthorized access to its systems, raising concerns about data security across its client base, which includes thousands of banks and financial institutions worldwide.
Implications and Challenges
While the details of the breach remain sparse, this incident underscores a glaring vulnerability in the fintech sector—cybersecurity. As financial services increasingly rely on interconnected ecosystems, breaches like these threaten not only individual institutions but also the trust customers place in fintech platforms.
The key takeaway for the fintech industry is clear: proactive cybersecurity strategies must go beyond compliance. Real-time threat detection, robust encryption standards, and regular audits are no longer optional but essential for maintaining operational integrity.
Future Considerations
This breach could trigger a domino effect, prompting regulators to tighten security standards and requiring fintech companies to double down on investments in data protection. Startups and mid-tier players, often lacking extensive cybersecurity budgets, may face significant pressure to keep pace.
PayPal Resurrects Money Pooling Feature
Source: TechCrunch
In a bid to stay ahead of the competition, PayPal is reintroducing its Money Pooling feature, a popular tool that was discontinued in 2021. The feature allows users to pool funds collectively, catering to families, small businesses, and social groups.
Strategic Revival
This move reflects PayPal’s commitment to customer-centric innovation. By reinstating a feature beloved by its user base, the company seeks to reclaim market share lost to emerging competitors offering similar functionalities.
Broader Industry Impacts
Money pooling represents a broader trend in fintech—customized solutions that cater to niche needs. This reintroduction may inspire competitors like Venmo and CashApp to refine their collaborative payment offerings.
While this move strengthens PayPal’s ecosystem, its success will depend on seamless integration with existing services and robust fraud prevention mechanisms to avoid abuse of the feature.
Santander Expands Fintech Reach in Mexico
Source: Yahoo Finance
Santander is making waves in the Latin American fintech space with the launch of a dedicated fintech unit in Mexico. The initiative aims to capitalize on Mexico’s growing fintech adoption and digital payments market, valued at billions of dollars annually.
Strategic Significance
Santander’s expansion into Mexico highlights the region’s untapped potential. Latin America is a burgeoning market for fintech, driven by increasing smartphone penetration, a youthful demographic, and demand for accessible financial services.
Challenges on the Horizon
While Mexico offers immense opportunities, regulatory complexities and market competition from local players like Clip and Konfío pose significant challenges. Santander will need to blend its global expertise with local adaptability to succeed in this dynamic market.
2024 Global Fintech Awards: Spotlighting Excellence
Source: PRNewswire
Benzinga has announced the winners of the 2024 Global Fintech Awards, honoring companies and individuals driving innovation in financial technology. This year’s winners spanned categories like blockchain, artificial intelligence, and payment solutions.
Recognizing Industry Leaders
Awards like these highlight the collaborative spirit and entrepreneurial drive fueling fintech growth. Recognizing trailblazers not only motivates incumbents but also inspires startups to push the boundaries of innovation.
What It Means for the Ecosystem
The awards also bring attention to emerging technologies. Categories such as blockchain and AI signal the industry’s continued focus on leveraging cutting-edge tech for efficiency and scalability.
Commonwealth Central Credit Union Partners with Jack Henry
Source: FinTech Futures
Commonwealth Central Credit Union (CCCU) has announced a partnership with Jack Henry, a leading financial technology provider, for a comprehensive tech upgrade. The collaboration focuses on enhancing member experience through improved digital services.
Modernizing Member Experiences
Credit unions have often lagged behind major banks in adopting advanced digital solutions. By partnering with Jack Henry, CCCU aims to bridge this gap, offering members streamlined services such as mobile banking, automated lending, and personalized financial tools.
A Growing Trend
This partnership reflects a broader trend in the financial industry—credit unions and smaller banks embracing fintech to remain competitive. As customer expectations evolve, partnerships like this may become the norm rather than the exception.
Key Takeaways for the Fintech Industry
- Cybersecurity is Critical: The Finastra breach underscores the need for robust security measures.
- Innovation Drives Loyalty: PayPal’s revival of its Money Pooling feature highlights the importance of listening to customers.
- Regional Opportunities: Santander’s expansion into Mexico showcases the untapped potential of emerging markets.
- Recognition Matters: Awards like Benzinga’s provide valuable visibility for companies and individuals shaping the industry.
- Partnerships Foster Growth: Collaborations between credit unions and fintech companies signify a trend towards modernized financial solutions.
The post Fintech Pulse: Industry Updates, Innovations, and Strategic Moves appeared first on News, Events, Advertising Options.
The fintech sector continues its relentless drive toward innovation and market dominance. Today’s highlights include a record-breaking customer milestone for Revolut, groundbreaking fintech solutions for women in the EU, open entries for the PayTech Awards 2025, implications of political shifts on funding, and notable recognition at the US FinTech Awards.
Revolut Hits 50 Million Customers: A Global Fintech Giant’s Milestone
Source: Revolut
Revolut, the UK-based financial super app, has achieved a monumental feat: surpassing 50 million customers worldwide. This milestone underscores its position as a leader in the global fintech landscape, furthering its ambition to create the world’s first truly global bank.
Key to this success has been Revolut’s strategy of expanding its offerings, from banking to travel and crypto services, all within a seamless user experience. The company’s recent ventures into emerging markets such as Latin America and Asia demonstrate its intent to bridge financial services gaps while retaining competitive differentiation through technology.
This milestone is not just a triumph for Revolut but a signal of fintech’s capacity to redefine traditional banking. It reinforces the narrative that digital-first strategies, customer-centric innovation, and international scalability can challenge long-standing financial institutions.
PayTech Awards 2025: Celebrating Excellence in Innovation
Source: FinTech Futures
The PayTech Awards 2025 are officially open for entries, promising to spotlight the brightest minds and most innovative projects in the payment technology sector. These awards are a testament to the industry’s commitment to advancing secure, seamless, and scalable payment systems.
This year, the focus is on emerging technologies that redefine how businesses and consumers interact financially. Categories will recognize achievements across multiple domains, including sustainability in payments, AI-driven solutions, and partnerships that push boundaries.
As fintech companies prepare their entries, the awards provide a timely reminder of the sector’s ongoing evolution and the collaborative efforts required to achieve meaningful breakthroughs.
U.S. Politics and the Fintech Sector: A New Era of Funding?
Source: American Banker
The U.S. fintech sector might witness an infusion of optimism as speculation about a second Trump presidency gains momentum. The Trump-era policies of deregulation and venture capital encouragement are remembered as catalysts for unprecedented fintech growth during his first term.
While it remains uncertain how regulatory landscapes will shift, the possibility of a more relaxed approach toward fintech compliance could rejuvenate funding inflows. Investors and startups alike are watching closely, weighing the potential benefits against long-term risks tied to reduced oversight.
A politically charged backdrop often spells volatility, but for fintech, it may also spell opportunity. Preparing to adapt quickly will be crucial for startups and established players in the face of any regulatory pivot.
Klara AI and Unlimit: Addressing the €1.3 Trillion Female Economy
Source: FF News
Klara AI has teamed up with Unlimit to launch a fintech solution aimed at empowering women across the EU. This collaboration targets the €1.3 trillion female economy by addressing the unique financial needs of women entrepreneurs and consumers.
The solution promises to integrate AI-powered tools with streamlined financial management services, enabling users to access credit, manage investments, and scale businesses effectively. By tailoring services to the underserved female demographic, the partnership hopes to drive financial inclusion and support economic growth.
This initiative stands as a blueprint for fintechs exploring niche markets, proving that innovation tailored to specific segments can yield transformative results.
Autire: Accounting Tech of the Year at US FinTech Awards
Source: Business Wire
Autire, a rising star in financial technology, has been crowned ‘Accounting Tech of the Year’ at the US FinTech Awards 2024. The award recognizes Autire’s ability to blend cutting-edge AI with intuitive user interfaces, delivering unparalleled accounting solutions for businesses of all sizes.
Autire’s platform has gained traction for automating complex accounting tasks, ensuring compliance, and delivering actionable insights through real-time analytics. Its emphasis on reducing administrative burdens for SMEs has been particularly impactful, enabling entrepreneurs to focus on growth rather than bookkeeping.
The recognition not only cements Autire’s reputation but also highlights the role of AI-driven accounting solutions in reshaping business operations globally.
Final Thoughts: A Fintech Revolution in Full Swing
From customer milestones to policy-driven opportunities, the fintech ecosystem is in constant evolution. Revolut’s ascent to 50 million users signals growing consumer trust in digital platforms. The PayTech Awards continue to inspire innovation, while political shifts could redefine the regulatory landscape. Initiatives like Klara AI and Unlimit emphasize the power of targeted solutions, and companies like Autire show how niche technologies can achieve broad impact.
The next phase of fintech growth will likely hinge on inclusivity, adaptability, and innovation—pillars that today’s news stories exemplify.
The post Fintech Pulse: Milestones, Partnerships, and Transformations in Fintech appeared first on .
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