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Canadian Securities Exchange Highlights Five Key Takeaways From Its 2020 “Cannabis Month” Podcast and Video Series

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Toronto, Ontario–(Newsfile Corp. – June 9, 2020) – The Canadian Securities Exchange (“CSE” or “the Exchange”) is pleased to announce that it recently completed Cannabis Month, an informative series of podcast interviews with senior executives and other thought leaders across the cannabis sector. The interviews and related content were provided through the CSE’s website, YouTube (CSE TV) and Instagram (@CanadianExchange) feeds.

The podcast guests included cannabis industry pioneers and entrepreneurs including Bruce Linton (founder of Canopy Growth Corp.), Joseph Lusardi (Curaleaf Holdings Inc.), Charles Bachtell (Cresco Labs Inc.), Jason Ackerman (TerrAscend Corp.), and Jennifer Drake (AYR Strategies Inc.). The interviews provided a comprehensive portrait of the industry, which has achieved remarkable capital markets success while managing growth through significant ongoing challenges.

Cannabis Month concluded with a podcast recapping five key takeaways from the interview series, all of which underline the growth and evolution of the cannabis industry:

  1. Equity valuations of multi-state operators (“MSOs”) in the U.S. cannabis sector are rapidly decoupling from their Canadian counterparts. Numerous U.S. MSOs have been generating strong earnings growth during 2020 and have been duly rewarded by investors. Podcast guests speculated that the days when U.S. MSO valuations were impacted by unrelated events in Canada are largely over.
  2. When asked to choose whether the first change they would like to see is federal legalization of cannabis or the relaxing of banking restrictions, the overwhelming number of executives chose banking. This reflects the fact that state laws provide sufficient operating leeway for cannabis companies, meaning that federal legalization is less urgent. Meanwhile the banking industry has all the elements in place to support the industry when they are able to do so.
  3. Culture is a major success factor in helping cannabis companies deal with the threat from COVID-19. A number of MSOs indicated that their can-do corporate cultures of adaptability and creativity have helped them continue to serve customers and maintain growth during difficult times.
  4. Executive experience matters in dealing with the twin challenges of managing growth and operating through a pandemic. Many senior managers in the industry have past experience in other industries that have gone through growing pains and/or crises. This has prepared them well for today’s challenging environment.
  5. The companies that have highly focused strategies and manage growth with comprehensive data support are generating value for shareholders. They are eschewing growth-for-growth’s-sake in favour of a continued focus on their strengths and competitive advantages. Even when equity capital was widely available, disciplined managers frequently declined the opportunity, recognizing that it was not in the long-term interests of shareholders.

“These five takeaways have a common underlying theme: the continued development and professionalization of the cannabis industry,” said Richard Carleton, Chief Executive Officer of the Canadian Securities Exchange. “The cannabis business is clearly undergoing an evolution common to successful emerging industries. The CSE is committed to promoting and highlighting entrepreneurial activity, and these interviews demonstrate that the cannabis industry is home to some of the world’s brightest entrepreneurial minds. We are proud to be able to participate in the industry’s rapid global growth.”

The month of May is typically a busy time in the cannabis sector, with numerous industry conferences and other scheduled events. Unfortunately, activity ground to a near-halt this year as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The CSE was pleased to help fill the gap with its Cannabis Month interview series.

The entire series of Cannabis Month discussions can be viewed here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLMqe-oljw63yBEGBbeFC-HO387Y8cybdd.

The CSE will be providing additional virtual content in the weeks ahead. This includes two events during the month of June that are focused on the rapidly emerging psychedelics sector. Psychedelics have been a source of tremendous investor interest during 2020, with entrepreneurs bringing several new companies to market on the CSE and elsewhere. More information on these and other upcoming events is available here: https://thecse.com/en/about/events.

About the Canadian Securities Exchange:

The Canadian Securities Exchange is a rapidly growing stock exchange focused on working with entrepreneurs to access the public capital markets in Canada and internationally. The exchange’s efficient operating model, advanced technology and low fee structure help companies of all sizes minimize their cost of capital and maximize access to liquidity.

The CSE fosters positive working relationships with issuers, providing superior responsiveness to their specific needs. It offers investors in Canada and abroad access to a multi-sector stable of growth companies through a liquid, reliable and highly regulated trading platform. The exchange strongly supports entrepreneurship and has established itself as a leading hub for discourse in the entrepreneurial community.

For more information, please visit www.thecse.com and our blog at http://blog.thecse.com.

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Contact:
Richard Carleton, CEO
416-367-7360
[email protected]

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/57546

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Fintech Pulse: Your Daily Industry Brief (Chime, ZBD, MiCA)

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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

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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:

  1. Regulatory Milestones: ZBD’s MiCA license approval exemplifies the importance of regulatory compliance in unlocking growth opportunities.
  2. 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.
  3. Market Opportunities: Chime’s IPO move reflects a potential revival in fintech public offerings, signaling confidence in the sector’s long-term prospects.
  4. Social Impact: Fintech’s ability to tackle systemic issues, such as student loan debt, showcases its role as a force for positive change.

 

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SPAYZ.io prepares for iFX EXPO Dubai 2025

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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.

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Airtm Enhances Its Board of Directors with Two Strategic Appointments

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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.

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