Latest Articles
28
Jan
FinTech Disruption during the COVID-19 Pandemic
There’s a Different Kind of Disruption in FinTech This week was supposed to be different. I had plans. I was supposed to be researching the roots of consumer-directed finance in Europe and taking a close look at the regulations paving the way for open banking in the United Kingdom. Enthralling, right? I was reading news articles, downloading documents, and combing
28
Dec
What is a Neobank?
An Introduction to Neobanks Neo is one of those word forms that acts as a kind of Game Genie to other words. If you’re missing the reference here, let me help. Game Genie was a popular line of videogame cheat cartridges from the 1990s that you would attach to other videogames. It allowed users to modify a pre-existing game, manipulate
18
Dec
What is a Challenger Bank?
Why Are Some Banks Called Challenger Banks? There are all sorts of names for types of banks these days. We have challenger banks and neobanks and Banking as Service banks or BaaS banks. It’s not like it used to be when a bank was just a bank and things were black and white. No, things are changing! Banking
25
Nov
What Is BaaS?
What Is Banking as a Service (BaaS)? No, it’s not a freshwater fish—you’re thinking bass. It’s OK, you’ve probably been locked inside for months like the rest of us, so it’s perfectly fine if you’d rather fantasize about fishing right now. You know what, let me help: Here’s a moss-covered cabin deep in the woods, the smell of pine
22
Oct
What is a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (aka Term Deposit)?
Safe and Simple Investing with Guaranteed Investment Certificates (GICs) Imagine taking a handful of cash, digging a small hole in your backyard, and planting that cash in the ground. You pat the soil with your shovel. Wipe the sweat from your forehead. Sure, it may seem a little insane. Maybe the neighbours start talking, but it doesn’t faze you. You’re
15
Oct
What Are Nominee Name GICs and How Are They Different than Client Name GICs?
What Are Nominee Name GICs and How Are They Different than Client Name GICs? Let’s be honest. GICs aren’t the most exciting investment options out there. That shouldn’t come as a surprise. I mean, have you ever sat and watched a tree grow? Of course not. And investing in GICs is kind of like that. You put your money into
28
Sep
How Do Open Banking APIs Interface
What Are Open Banking APIs? Banking has always had its interfaces. They’ve just changed over time. Let’s go back some years to when you were a kid when the bank was a physical branch with walls and a roof, and your parents waited in line for an available teller in order to pay a bill or deposit a cheque or
14
Sep
Differences Between Cashable GICs vs Redeemable GICs
Cashable GICs vs. Redeemable GICs GICs require commitment. And commitment is tough. Don’t take my word for it, though. Do you wish to redeem your money at any time from GICs? Then, redeemable GIC gives you this option. Just ask that one distant aunt of yours. Let’s call her Aunt Darlene. You know the one—she’s the aunt who isn’t reallyRead more
22
Jun
What is Alternative Lending?
Ask any small business owner how they got their business off the ground. Maybe they’ll tell you how they bootstrapped their initial business idea with a handful of personal credit cards. Or maybe they were luckier than that. Maybe they had an initial upfront investment, a kind of nest egg from a close family member, some rich Uncle Norman who
22
Jun
What Is a Term Deposit and How Does It Work?
Term Deposits: Safe and Simple Investing Imagine taking a handful of cash, digging a small hole in your backyard, and planting that cash in the ground. You pat the soil with your shovel. Wipe the sweat from your forehead. Sure, it may seem a little insane. Maybe the neighbors start talking, but it doesn’t faze you. You’re finally doing it.
