Join hosts Tedd Huff and Colton Pond in this episode of “Accrued” a Fintech Confidential series presented by LoanPro, where they chat with Tal Schwartz, a top fintech writer and advisor from Canada. Tal shares his expertise on the Canadian fintech market, covering a range of interesting topics. Tal talks about the differences between the Canadian and US fintech scenes. For example, Canada has unique regional differences, multiple languages, and different financial rules in each province. He explains how these factors make launching fintech products in Canada a bit tricky. One of the key points Tal discusses is the lack of a formal open banking system in Canada. While other markets have clear rules that encourage banks to share data, Canada is still catching up. However, there is hope that changes will come soon, which could boost innovation in the sector. Tal also highlights some exciting fintech companies in Canada, like Arbor and Yield Exchange. These companies are making waves with their fresh ideas and approaches. He mentions how business banking and B2B services are areas to watch for growth and new ideas. The episode also touches on the limited number of sponsor banks in Canada, which affects the growth of banking as a service. Tal explains how this limitation restricts competition and slows down progress. Mergers and acquisitions are another hot topic. Tal shares insights on recent big deals, like the merger between Fairstone and Home Trust, and Finance It’s acquisition of Simply Group. These moves are changing the landscape of financial services in Canada. For those looking to expand into Canada, Tal offers valuable advice. He suggests understanding regional differences, identifying underserved markets, and knowing the major players. He also discusses how Canadian fintechs can benefit from organizations like Export Development Canada and C100 when expanding into the US. Towards the end, the conversation shifts to future trends. Tal talks about the role of AI in fintech, particularly in customer service and underwriting. He notes the importance of regulation to prevent misleading marketing in this area. Overall, this episode provides a comprehensive look at the Canadian fintech landscape, highlighting challenges, opportunities, and key players. Whether you’re a fintech enthusiast or a professional in the industry, there’s plenty to learn from Tal’s insights. Don’t forget to subscribe, like, and visit fintechconfidential.com for more updates! Watch on YouTubeKey HighlightsDiscover the Surprising Challenges of Canadian Fintech In this episode, learn about the unique hurdles faced by fintech companies in Canada. From regional differences to language barriers, discover why launching fintech products in Canada can be more complicated than you might think. Open Banking: Why Canada is Falling Behind Find out why Canada struggles with open banking compared to other countries. Learn about the impact of not having clear rules and how it affects fintech growth in the country. Meet the Future Stars of Canadian Fintech Explore some of the most exciting up-and-coming fintech companies in Canada. See why these businesses are set to become major players in the industry and what makes them stand out. The Hidden Impact of Limited Sponsor Banks Learn how the small number of sponsor banks in Canada is affecting the growth of fintech. Discover the challenges and what it means for competition in the industry. Big Changes in Canadian Fintech: Mergers and Acquisitions Get the inside scoop on recent major mergers and acquisitions in the Canadian fintech world. Understand how these deals are...