Fintech
Joint Forum of Financial Market Regulators continues work on collaboration and information sharing at its Annual Meeting
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The Joint Forum of Financial Market Regulators (Joint Forum) has concluded its Annual Meeting. The Joint Forum brings together members of the Canadian Council of Insurance Regulators (CCIR), the Canadian Securities Administrators (CSA), the Canadian Association of Pension Supervisory Authorities (CAPSA) and representation from the Canadian Insurance Services Regulatory Organizations (CISRO). Representatives of the Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario (FSRA) and the Mortgage Broker Regulators’ Council of Canada(MBRCC) also attended the meeting.
The dynamic nature of the financial services landscape was reflected in the Plenary Session, during which CAPSA introduced its Strategic Plan for 2019-22 and the CSA and CCIR provided highlights on its key initiatives. Themes included enhancing consumer protection and a focus on market conduct and efficiencies.
Angela Mazerolle, CAPSA Chair and Superintendent of Pensions and Insurance with the Financial and Consumer Services Commission (New Brunswick), shared CAPSA’s proposed initiatives which take into account the changing environment that has created opportunities for new plan designs, products, processes and requirements. CAPSA has considered the resulting complexities to develop a Strategic Plan that can assist pension plan administrators in meeting their fiduciary duty while protecting the entitlements of pension plan beneficiaries. The new Plan also includes a review and update of the Capital Accumulation Plans Guideline. CAPSA will collaborate with CCIR and CSA as it leads this initiative.
Louis Morisset, CSA Chair and President and CEO of the Autorité des marchés financiers presented an update on CSA members’ participation in the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Financial Sector Assessment Program (FSAP). The goals of this assessment are to gauge the stability and soundness of the financial sector and to assess its potential contribution to growth and development. The IMF assessment of the securities sector covered the analysis and review of securities and derivatives market intermediaries in Canada. Additionally, Mr. Morisset provided updates on the status of ongoing enhanced investor protection regulatory initiatives.
On behalf of CCIR, Patrick Déry, CCIR Chair and Superintendent, Solvency of the Autorité des marchés financiers brought forward two major milestones since last year’s Joint Forum meeting. In support of its priority of building cooperative supervision and aligning with best international practices, the Fair Treatment of Customers Guidance (Guidance) was released in September 2018, in partnership with CISRO. The Guidance sets out the overarching expectations of insurer and intermediary regulators across the country. CCIR also released its full fee disclosure requirements for segregated funds and is currently working with industry towards implementation. These initiatives will provide more information for consumers to make better decisions while strengthening confidence in the financial services sector. He also presented an update on the IMF FSAP assessment of the insurance sector.
This year’s meeting provided opportunities for focused discussion through break-out sessions on topical issues such as the integration of environmental, social and governance factors in investment decisions, international focus on consumer protection, financial exploitation of vulnerable investors and cybersecurity. Members were able to provide valuable insights on these issues in the cross-sectoral context. While discussing the complexities their sectors face in these areas, they were able to learn about each others’ experiences and challenges. Members also shared updates on ombudservice oversight across banking services and investments, life, health and general insurance sectors.
FSRA CEO, Mark White, provided an update on the implementation of Ontario’s new financial services regulator, including highlights of FSRA’s transformation mandate. Mr. White highlighted that FSRA’s objectives include national collaboration and harmonization of regulation, and FSRA welcomed the opportunity to engage with members of the Joint Forum.
MBRCC Chair and Director of Consumer Affairs with the Financial and Consumer Services Commission (New Brunswick), Alaina Nicholson, introduced the MBRCC and indicated that the MBRCC welcomed the opportunity to participate. Ms. Nicholson noted the broader, and often common challenges faced by financial services regulators, including the management of conflicts of interest, appropriate disclosures to consumers, product suitability, the emergence of digital service models, fintech and, of course, the increasing complexity of products.
SOURCE Joint Forum of Financial Market Regulators
As we close out 2024, the fintech industry continues to deliver headlines that underscore its dynamism and innovation. From IPO aspirations to groundbreaking regulatory milestones, today’s updates highlight the transformative power of fintech partnerships, regulatory evolution, and disruptive technologies. Here’s what you need to know.
Chime’s Quiet Step Toward Public Markets
Chime, the U.S.-based financial technology startup best known for its digital banking services, has taken a significant step by filing confidential paperwork for an initial public offering (IPO). As one of the most valuable private fintechs in the U.S., Chime’s move could potentially signal a renewed appetite for fintech IPOs in a market that has been cautious following fluctuating valuations across the tech sector.
With a valuation that reportedly exceeded $25 billion in its last funding round, Chime’s IPO could set a new benchmark for the industry. Observers note that its strong customer base and revenue growth may make it an appealing choice for investors seeking to capitalize on the digital banking boom. However, the timing and success of the IPO will depend on broader market conditions and the regulatory landscape.
Source: Bloomberg
ZBD’s Pioneering Achievement: EU MiCA License Approval
ZBD, a fintech company specializing in Bitcoin Lightning network solutions, has made history by becoming the first to secure an EU MiCA (Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation) license. This landmark approval by the Dutch regulator positions ZBD at the forefront of compliant crypto-fintech operations in Europe.
MiCA, which aims to harmonize the regulatory framework for crypto-assets across the EU, has been a focal point for industry players aiming to establish legitimacy and expand their offerings. ZBD’s achievement not only validates its operational rigor but also sets a precedent for other fintech firms navigating the evolving regulatory landscape.
Industry insiders view this as a strategic advantage for ZBD as it broadens its footprint in Europe. By leveraging its regulatory approval, the company can accelerate its product deployment and establish trust with institutional and retail users alike.
Source: Coindesk, PR Newswire
The Fintech-Credit Union Synergy: A Blueprint for Innovation
The convergence of fintechs and credit unions continues to reshape the financial services ecosystem. Collaborative initiatives, such as the one highlighted in the recent partnership between fintech innovators and credit unions, are proving to be a potent force in delivering tailored financial solutions.
This “dream team” approach allows credit unions to leverage fintech’s technological expertise while maintaining their community-focused ethos. Key areas of collaboration include digital payments, personalized financial management tools, and enhanced loan processing capabilities. These partnerships not only enhance member engagement but also enable credit unions to remain competitive in an increasingly digital-first financial environment.
Industry analysts emphasize that such collaborations underscore a broader trend of traditional financial institutions embracing fintech-driven solutions to bridge service gaps and foster innovation.
Source: PYMNTS
Tackling Student Loan Debt: A Fintech’s Mission
Student loan debt remains a pressing issue for millions of Americans, and a Rochester-based fintech aims to offer relief through its cloud-based platform. This innovative solution is designed to simplify loan management and provide borrowers with actionable insights to reduce their debt burden.
The platform’s features include repayment optimization tools, personalized financial education, and seamless integration with loan servicers. By addressing the complexities of student loan management, this fintech is empowering borrowers to make informed decisions and achieve financial stability.
As the student loan crisis continues to evolve, solutions like this highlight the critical role fintech can play in addressing systemic financial challenges while fostering financial literacy and inclusion.
Source: RBJ
Industry Implications and Takeaways
Today’s updates underscore several key themes shaping the fintech landscape:
- Regulatory Milestones: ZBD’s MiCA license approval exemplifies the importance of regulatory compliance in unlocking growth opportunities.
- Strategic Partnerships: The collaboration between fintechs and credit unions demonstrates the value of combining technological innovation with traditional financial models to drive customer-centric solutions.
- Market Opportunities: Chime’s IPO move reflects a potential revival in fintech public offerings, signaling confidence in the sector’s long-term prospects.
- Social Impact: Fintech’s ability to tackle systemic issues, such as student loan debt, showcases its role as a force for positive change.
The post Fintech Pulse: Your Daily Industry Brief (Chime, ZBD, MiCA) appeared first on News, Events, Advertising Options.
Leading global payments platform SPAYZ.io has confirmed it will be attending iFX EXPO Dubai 2025 on 14 to 16 January. Exhibiting at Stand 64 at Trade Centre Dubai, SPAYZ.io’s team of professionals will be on hand providing live demonstrations of its renowned payment services for payment providers. Attendees will also receive exclusive insight into SPAYZ.io’s plans for 2025 alongside early early access to its upcoming plans for the new year.
SPAYZ.io delivers a host of payment solutions that leverage the latest technological innovations and open access to the fastest growing emerging markets across Africa, Europe and Asia. Over the past year, there has been huge demand for its Open Banking and local payment method services, alongside bank transfers, mass payouts, online banking and e-wallets.
Yana Thakurta, Head of Business Development at SPAYZ.io commented: “We look forward to once again participating at iFX Dubai to expand our network of partners and clients. It’s a fantastic way to kick off the year, connecting with thousands of industry leaders from FOREX platforms to trading companies, and everything in between.
“Our key goal for iFX Dubai EXPO 2025 is to expand our portfolio of solutions and geographies. We’re using this as an opportunity to partner with like-minded entities who share our ambition to provide payment solutions that are truly global.”
Come meet SPAYZ.io’s team at the Trade Centre Dubai at Stand 64. You can also book a meeting slot with a member of a team.
The post SPAYZ.io prepares for iFX EXPO Dubai 2025 appeared first on News, Events, Advertising Options.
Airtm, the most connected digital dollar account in the world, is proud to announce the addition of two distinguished industry leaders to its Board of Directors: Rafael de la Vega, Global SVP of Partnerships at Auctane, and Shivani Siroya, CEO & Founder of Tala. These appointments reflect Airtm’s commitment to innovation and financial inclusion as the company enters its next phase of growth.
“We are thrilled to welcome Rafael and Shivani to Airtm’s Board of Directors,” said Ruben Galindo Steckel, Co-founder and CEO of Airtm. “Their unique perspectives and proven track records will be invaluable as we continue scaling our platform to empower individuals and businesses in emerging markets. Together, we’ll push the boundaries of financial inclusion and innovation to create a more connected and equitable global economy. Rafael and Shivani bring a wealth of experience and strategic insight that will strengthen Airtm’s mission to connect emerging economies with the global market.”
Rafael de la Vega, a seasoned leader in fintech global partnerships and technology innovation, is currently the Global SVP of Partnerships at Auctane. With a proven track record of delivering scalable, impactful solutions at the intersection of fintech, innovation, and commerce, Rafael’s expertise will be pivotal as Airtm continues to grow. “Airtm has built a platform that breaks down barriers and opens up opportunities for people in emerging economies to connect to global markets. I am excited to contribute to its growth and help further its mission of fostering financial inclusion on a global scale,” said Rafael.
Shivani Siroya, CEO and Founder of Tala, is a pioneer in financial technology, renowned for empowering underserved communities through access to credit and essential financial tools. Her leadership in leveraging data-driven innovation aligns seamlessly with Airtm’s vision of creating more equitable financial opportunities. “Empowering underserved communities has always been at the core of my work, and Airtm’s mission resonates deeply with me. I’m thrilled to join the Board and work alongside such a dynamic team to expand access to financial tools that truly make a difference in people’s lives,” said Shivani.
The post Airtm Enhances Its Board of Directors with Two Strategic Appointments appeared first on News, Events, Advertising Options.
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