Taxes are going up, TO condo prices are going down and recreational property up 15% to 40% in the Canadian market.

How the US will Inflate its Debt Away

Government can inflate its way out of debt.
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Why are Interest rates not falling.

A look at why interest rates are not falling despite UK economy going into recession. Is the Bank of England making a miscalculation to focus on inflation rather than growth?
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Goldman Sachs’ top AI picks

Brook Dane, portfolio manager at Goldman Sachs Asset Management, joins The Exchange to discuss the firm\'s top AI picks and the reasoning behind these picks.
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Does Printing Money Cause Inflation?

The link between the money supply and inflation.
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HSBC, the Untouchable Titan of Global Finance

From the filmmaker behind \'Goldman Sachs: The Bank that Rules the World\' comes a compelling new exposé delving into corruption within one of the globe\'s premier financial institutions – HSBC.
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US Economist’s Shock Warning: “Biggest Crash in Ou

This time, it’s got to crash 86% for the S&P 500 just to get back to the last low in early 2009, cautions Harry Dent
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Toni Gravelle Speech

On December 7, 2023, Deputy Governor Toni Gravelle speaks before the Windsor-Essex Regional Chamber of Commerce.
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Alberta Premier on the Supreme Court\'s ruling, an

Danielle Smith, Alberta\'s Premier, joins BNN Bloomberg to discuss the Supreme Court\'s ruling against Ottawa\'s environmental impact law, and the possibility of Alberta abandoning the Canada Pension Plan to run its own stand-alone fund.
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What Bank of America Just Said is Shocking

Bull market based on hype not reality.
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Horrific Canadian Banking Corruption Right Before

Fasten your seat belts as the banks continue moral hazard.
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The Banking System is in Free-Fall

Fall as Deposits Leave in Record Numbers Amid a Collapse in Lending
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The Financialization of Real Estate

REITS, private investors, private equity are using housing to prime their portfolios.
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Bitcoin regulations are coming

Lovers and haters of Bitcoin are polarized over the Ponzi. One thing is clear, regulations are coming.
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Are we in a bubble and, if so, when will it pop?

Since 2008 Canada has been pushing home prices higher. Canadian homes are considered by many to be the least affordable of all G20 nations. What gives?
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Canadian real estate and government, March 29

The latest Canadian real estate and government news. Risk of collapse, end of QE and rate rise are some of the issues discussed. Also the governments poor foreign policies on Ukraine are covered.
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FIRE report January 12th

Indigenous banking part 2 a continuation of earlier discussion of First Nations Bank. Other news:-Inflation-M&A under scrutiny-RBC has eyes on Europe
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BOC and reconciliation with Indigenous people

The Bank of Canada and other central banks, in conjunction with indigenous leaders want reconciliation and better economic outcomes for individuals. This video explores what is happening, gives the back story and sets the stage for a more in-depth analysis.
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Nov 26 FIRE report

Inflation and tariffs hit Trudeau in the face. Oil route as new strain goes viral. BNPL benefits questioned and investors open their wallets to receive dividends.
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FSIM FIRE report Nov 23

Duobank/Fairstone merger & Amozon boycott of Visa along with recent banking, insurance and real estate news from Canada.
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Nov 18th FIRE report

The latest financial news from the financial services industry monitor. Insurance companies should know that in 1990 BC flooding devastated the same flood plains as today. This report features coverage of insane inflation, interest rates hikes and the ongoing real estate melt-up.
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Poloz debunked, Nov 12 FIRE report

Poloz is wrong about inflation, university pension funds are out of their league, Home Capital run away, real estate wars and more from the financial services industry monitor.
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Central bank digital currencies: foundational prin

Central bank digital currencies: foundational principles and core features
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Nov 5th FIRE report

Topics todayDividends are backHigher interest rates are comingCOP26: Central bankers making miners richTO real estate melt-up
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FIRE report November 2nd

The latest Canadian FIRE news covering inflation risk and opportunities, Canadian Western bank expansion, governance and stablecoins.
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Canadian real estate February 24

Recap of recent real estate news in Canada. Tiff Macklem and market exuberance, cottage country price appreciation and the rise of lumber prices.
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Real estate: Feb 9, bulls vs bears

Bulls versus the bears, this week in the Canadian real estate industry.
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Feb 1, The Dumb Money Real Estate Vid

We a living a ponzi real estate market and the economy is at risk. Yet Doug Porter, economist BMO, is on record as saying Candian\'s want to pay more for houses. Yes, you can\'t make this stuff up. This video discusses the issues related to Porter\'s statement and explains why he is wrong.
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January real estate report 2021

2020 was a record year, except for condos. Montreal REM sites the exception to this rule. This video shares insights regarding the Canadian real estate segment.
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December 4th real estate report

Taxes are going up, TO condo prices are going down and recreational property up 15% to 40% in the Canadian market.
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Real estate, mortgage debt to income ratio improve

The mortgage debt to income ratio declined despite the pandemic. In this issue I discuss real estate stalling and immigration's impact on home prices.
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Real estate: fiscal conservatism/ponzi neoliberali

This video is intended to give viewers an understanding of the economic ideas behind Canada's potential housing bubble. This video also explains why Siddal, President and CEO of the CMHC, was likely pushed from his post.
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Caution for real estate investors, Oct 14th report

October 14th real estate report describing the issues in the market the last two weeks.
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Canadian bank industry overview - part 1

Overview of Canadian banking industry. This multi-part series looks at issues facing Canadian banks from a variety of angles. Part 1 examines the types of banks and scale using ROE and EBITDA as measures.
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Why insurance should partner with flood-claim.com

'Pros on the Go', a Fierce Tartan company are seeking insurance partners to pilot its new solution for streamlining the claims process.
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Canadian large bank comparison

Using financial data, Mark Sibthorpe compares the performance of TD bank to its rivals. TD grew faster in 2017 than its rivals, but was cited for aggressive sales practices.
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Current state of fintech in Canada

Mr. Michael R. King, Tangerine Chair in Finance and Co-Director, Scotiabank Digital Banking Lab / Ivey Business School at Western University
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XE.com explains their Big Data and AI strategy.

This video covers XE.com's presentation at the AI, Big Data and Analytics event which took place in Toronto February 7/8, 2018. Cecelia Tamez and Jean Louis provide insights into their evolution and winning strategy.
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Greenpeace urges TD bank boycott

Greenpeace's campaign to stop TD financing the oil sands is delusional. Trillions of dollars are at stake for the banks and the Canadian economy. This video explores the related financial issues.
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Insurance flood US vs Can comparison.

This video provides an overview of the main differences between Canada's approach to overland flooding versus the US approach.
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Canadian bank industry overview part 5

Canadian bank overview part 5, medium-large banks. Banks include Manulife, Tangerine and Laurentian Bank.
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Canadian banking industry overview part 4

Canadian banking industry overview of Canadian Tire Bank, Presidents Choice Financial, Equitable Bank, B2B Bank
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Part 3 Canadian bank industry overview

Overview of small-medium size banks in Canada. Banks covered include Versabank, Hollis Bank, Equity Bank and Caisse Populaire Acadienne.
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Canadian banking overview - part 2

Review of small banks including Bridgewater,Vancity Bank, Concentra, Wealth One, Zag...
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Death to bitcoin, long live bitcoin

Jamie Dimon calls bitcoin a fraud used by criminals, yet he has jumped into the blockchain with both feet.
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RBC to integrate Wave Technologies

RBC invested $24 million into Wave Technologies and now they will roll out Waves accounting, invoicing, reporting and billing platform to SMEs.
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Deposits have skyrocketed since the start of the p

Canadian banks have increased their deposits by $127 billion since the start of the pandemic. This video uses charts to show which banks gained the most and how.
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About

About BankNews TV: financial services industry monitor (FSIM), analytics and research

Latest news and events for Canadian financial service companies, analytics, fintech and AI. BankNews.TV provide the latest technology news and reports for banks and insurance companies looking to compete in a rapidly changing market.

Analytical information and financial information related to technogies that can change your business.

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Please download and complete the data template that you need to upload. See financial data upload section above for details of how this data will be used.

Research

Foreign assets held by Canadian banks overview document  

fsim.ca/docs/Foreign assets held by Canadian banks overview document.pdf

Mark Sibthorpe

Canadian banks, apart from the Big 5, have generally avoided foreign diversification. All of the Big 5 have a significant foreign presence, however, RBC’s massive diversifactation ($1.86T foreign assets, 37% revenue) eclipses its rivals. Whereas, National Bank has also proven highly competitive, despite its domestic focus.

Methodology

This document looks at 4 categories of Canadian banks via charts. The charts are derived from OSFI data which provides details with respect to foreign operations held by Canada’s domestic banks. I have categorized them as Small/Medium, Mid-Tier, Large and Big 5.

The purpose is to provide a snapshot on foreign diversification and to demonstrate how banks have benefited from diversification. I summarize the how, why and where for each of the banks that met the criteria, and to determine the impact on revenue and risk management.

 


Part 2: The Merchant Loyalty Industrial Complex Collapse  

fsim.ca/docs/Credit_cards_Part_2v4.pdf

Mark Sibthorpe

Since November 2, 2021, Loyalty Ventures Inc.'s (Airmiles) market cap has decreased from $861.42M to $2.11M, a decrease of -99.75%. This compares closely to 2018, when Aimia sold Aeroplan back to Air Canada and partners TD and CIBC for $238 million. For reference, in 2005 Aeroplan launched an IPO valuing it at $2 billion. Related to Aimia’s downfall, it had also previously sold the UK Nectar program to Sainsburys for $120 million, $580 million lower than it paid for Nectar in 2007.

This report digs under the surface and uncovers why loyalty is going the way of the dodo.


Merchants should not waste time fighting card networks  

fsim.ca/docs/Card_fees_ongoing.pdf

Mark Sibthorpe

This is part one of a two part assessment of merchant frustration due to high credit card fees. The second part of this report will outline an alternative approach that merchants can consider. An approach that is a win for them and also for the card networks.


The full story of SVB March 12th, 2023  

fsim.ca/docs/SVB_special_report2.pdf

Mark Sibthorpe

Aggregated news and research related to SVB. Apart from SVB, included in this report is related news with respect to other banks and non-traditional companies looking to add financial services that also appear risky.


March 2023 bank earnings summary  

fsim.ca/docs/bankearningsfriday.pdf

Mark Sibthorpe

This report provides a snapshot into recent bank earnings and related news as published in fsim.ca reports.


Real estate report: October 30th, 2020  

fsim.ca/docs/Oct30rereportv1.pdf

Mark Sibthorpe

The big buzz in real estate recently is Mark Carney being scooped up by Brookfield. This means more juice for riskier borrowers. Brookfield, a huge player in real estate, both residential and commercial, recently bought its remaining shares from Sagen (Genworth MI Canada), which values the company at $3.8 bn.


VersaBank’s New High-Security VPN Proving Especially Valuable During COVID-19 Pandemic  

fsim.ca/docs/TailscaleReleaseMarch30FINAL.pdf

Press Release

VersaBank (TSX:VB) (“VB” or the “Bank”) today announced the implementation of its new high security Virtual Private Network (VPN) remote access software solution, developed in partnership with Tailscale, a leading provider of secure network connectivity solutions. The software enables VersaBank employees to securely and directly connect to all the Bank’s servers across multiple offices and cloud providers, using two factor authentication and with every connection encrypted. The Tailscale-based solution uses the Office 365 setup and Windows client/server applications that the Bank already had in place.


2014 FSIM when Bernanke visited Montreal  

fsim.ca/docs/MockBernanke.pdf

Mark Sibthorpe

Considering Bernanke is hated by the Republicans and hated even more by the Democrats, and is currently under scrutiny for saving AIG but not Lehman, (in hindsight) with respect to issues over solvency vs liquidity, the Montreal lovefest attended by 1,100 people yesterday must have been a welcome respite. Click the link to read the entire 2014 report.


Eisman's big Canadian bank short  

fsim.ca/docs/eisman2.pdf

Mark Sibthorpe

I have been reporting on Steve Eisman's short position for quite some time.  As the analyst reaction to Eisman shows (link below), Eisman has taken a lot of heat for shorting Canadian banks. Instead of capitulating, in September 2019 he publicly disclosed the fact that he added Canadian Tire to his position, He explains the rationale for this in a BNN interview late 2019. Essentially, his big concern with respect to banks was non-performing loans in Alberta. He feels Canadian bank CEOs are not prepared for a credit cycle. He specifically referenced ATB (a private bank) in discussing his concerns. Looking at the numbers today, my guess is that he has made off like a bandit.


VersaBank Beta-Testing Its New, High Volume Mortgage Finance App   

fsim.ca/docs/VBCortelMortFinanceAppFeb62020.pdf

Press Release

VersaBank announces it is initiating beta-testing on its newly developed high-volume mortgage software app with the Cortel Group, one of Canada’s largest home and condominium builders. The app, named “Direct Connect”, was designed to facilitate and significantly reduce the lengthy finance approval process typically experienced by home buyers when visiting home and condo pre-construction sales offices.


How and why you need to defend your brand against disruptors  

Mark Sibthorpe

Technology, and being open to opportunities, has preempted transformation in banking. At the top of change are Mint, PayPal and ApplePay; three examples of transformative solutions that are now ubiquitous. On the horizon: Uber and Google, both having recently announced partner based banking services. Further down in the plumbing is Duca Impact Labs, Versabank, and Revolut. This report shows how cost conscious FIs can, not only stay relevant in the face of adversity, but punch well above their weight. All thanks to creative thinking and the ongoing commoditization of technology.


Kick the can(nomics)  

fsim.ca/docs/Kick.pdf

Mark Sibthorpe

Canada has used consumer debt to provide life support to the economy. This strategy which basically pushed the day of reckoning to the next government was old back in 2014, and now is well past its sell-by-date. Recognizing this, and desperate to keep the economy out of a recession, Trudeau is spending more money now than any government in Canadian history. This report disusses a possible alternative.


ScoreCard Bill Morneau, Canada's Minister of Finance  

fsim.ca/docs/ScoreCardMorneau.pdf

Mark Sibthorpe

This report is a scorecard I designed in order to rank the performance of the current Minister of Finance, Bill Morneau. I do regular rankings because, otherwise, I cannot measure the performance in a meaningful way. The scoring is based on a variety of metrics as detailed on the ‘score-table’ on page 3. Examples of the criteria and weighting include:

 


Observations and overview of 2018 NB flood support from government and insurance companies.  

fsim.ca/docs/Observations and overview of 2018 NB flood support from government and insurance companies..pdf

Mark Sibthorpe

 


Flood aftermath is linked to post traumatic stress. Here are some findings from a study conducted by Queensland University following a flood:

"The findings showed that aftermath stress contributed to poor mental health outcomes over and above the flood itself, prior mental health issues and demographic factors," Ms Dixon said.

 

"Aftermath stress was the strongest predictor of post-traumatic stress symptoms with 75 per cent of people saying the most difficult aspect was the aftermath and dealing with insurance companies," she said.

 

With this in mind, I felt it was important to understand how New Brunswick flood victims were treated.

 


Update Argentina: a sign of the times  

fsim.ca/docs/Update Argentina_ a sign of the times.pdf

Mark Sibthorpe

Argentina is in the news daily because the situation is dire, and may be an indication of further contagion. The most dramatic story that speaks of the a leading cause of its troubles was the recent arrest of the public works secretary, Jose Lopez. June 15th he was caught hiding millions in cash in a monastery. No this is not a plot for a comedy.


Summary of Canada's flood news, 2017 to present  

fsim.ca/docs/Summary-of-flood-news-2017-present.pdf

Mark Sibthorpe

This report covers flood news in Canada from 2017 to present and highlights the relevent issues for home-owners and the insurance industry.


Banking on Pot  

fsim.ca/docs/c10191_banking-on-pot.pdf

SBS

As states across the US legalize marijuana for both medicinal and recreational purposes, it has fueled a growing industry of marijuana related businesses (MRBs).


Canadian banking industry overview  

Mark Sibthorpe

The industry overview is divided into 5 parts:

Introduction
Small banks
Small medium sized banks
Medium sized banks
Medium large banks


2014 Mobile payments the Apple pay way  

fsim.ca/docs/Mobile_Payments_Apple_Pay_2014.pdf

Mark Sibthorpe

With Walmart Pay about to userp Apple Pay, I thought I would share my 2014 book on mobile payments and loyalty. The guilde was written for Merchants that want to understand loyalty, credit, mobile payments and Apple Pay, but anyone involved with credit and loyalty might find it useful.
The book is a prelude to Walmart leaving MCX, and chronicles the evolution that led to Walmart Pay. There is an extensive case study of Walmart that looks into its efforts to become an ILC and to avoid paying credit card transaction fees ('merchant discount').
It offers readers a step-by-step methodology for evaluating and transforming credit and loyalty programs. The strategies are based on proven examples and industry facts. The Nectar, Target, Canadian Tire and Walmart case studies are examples of the practical approach I have taken, written with the intent that merchants can use them as blueprints for their own initiatives. 


Death to bitcoin, long live the blockchain   (See full report)

Mark Sibthorpe

Jamie Dimon calls bitcoin a fraud used by criminals, yet he has jumped into the blockchain with both feet.


TD bank industry conduct  

fsim.ca/docs/tdind2.pdf

Mark Sibthorpe

TD’s share price recently collapsed by $7 bn in one day due to CBC’s allegations of aggressive selling tactics. A huge fall from a bank that was trading at a premium as recently as January. This was even before the most recent allegation of TD attempting to avoid paying taxes on advertising.
This report chronicles the events leading up to the collapse, shows TD's performance, analyses other related issues.


Book review: Back from the Brink  

fsim.ca/docs/backbrink.pdf

Mark Sibthorpe

This is a book review of the book Back from the Brink by Paul Halpern, Caroline Cakebread, Christopher C. Nicholls and Poonam Puri.


Footnote 151  

fsim.ca/docs/footnote151.pdf

Mark Sibthorpe

Footnote 151 implies an important regulatory change related to derivative contracts. It means that US Banks will not be required to hold as much capital against commodities. If you want to understand the implications of this regulatory change in more detail, see the enclosed related article detailing the changes. For contextual purposes, I have also included two Rolling Stones Magazines reports from 2010 and 2014 that chronicle the role large US banks have played in manipulating commodities. You might question the credibility of these sources, but rest assured, these reports are based on United States Senate hearings which outline the issues in a 396 page report related to the implied risks. 


Save the Canadian economy now  

fsim.ca/docs/helecopter-money.pdf

Mark Sibthorpe

Consumer debt spending appears to have insulated Canada from the worst of the credit crisis, but now the alarming magnitude of consumer debt ($1.92-trillion) could exacerbate a day of reckoning.
This report assesses the issues at hand and recommends the solution to get Canada's economy on track.


Reasons financial service companies should consider gamification  

fsim.ca/docs/GamingEventProposal-printsample--en-final.pdf

Mark Sibthorpe

Gamification of business processes resulted on Mint.com growing to 10 million users within 4 years. This report explains how.


National Bank Special Report  

fsim.ca/docs/NatBSpec.pdf

Mark Sibthorpe

According to Bloomberg, National Bank of Canada will take a C$64 million ($48 million) restructuring charge in the fourth quarter and said its investment in Maple Financial Group Inc., which is being probed by German regulators, may be at risk of a “substantial loss.”


Will Canadian banks charge companies for deposits?  

fsim.ca/docs/depgrowthimpact2.pdf

Mark Sibthorpe

In light of today’s possible rate cut, this report discusses how a bank rate cut and capital ratio pressure could precipitate negative corporate deposit interest rates in Canada.


Canadian Tire's (CTC) - Canadian Tire Financial Services (CTFS) Scotia deal overview and risk assess  

fsim.ca/docs/ctfsfinal.pdf

Mark Sibthorpe

Review of the Canadian Tire Financial Services deal with Scotiabank, risks, opportunity and benefits.


Finance minisiter scorecard August 26, 2015  

fsim.ca/docs/Scorejo-August-2015.pdf

Mark Sibthorpe

This report looks at Joe Oliver, minister of finance’s progress to date, and assigns a grade to his government’s performance to date.


Xtreme Branch  

fsim.ca/docs/xbranch.pdf

Mark Sibthorpe

Branches are evolving to meet the digital age. This documents tracks the evolution with real-world examples.


Canadian Nudge  

fsim.ca/docs/nudge.pdf

Mark Sibthorpe

Whether he knew it or not, Tom Reid, a senior vice-president at Sun Life, made a case for the behavior modification concept ‘Nudging’ when he recently proposed auto-enrolling Canadians in his company’s pension plans. Sun life cover 1.2 million Canadians, about 60% of the eligible employees.
According to Reid,


CWB cause for concern  

fsim.ca/docs/cwbupdate.pdf

Mark Sibthorpe

In an earlier report BankNews.TV expressed concerns about CWB. Here are 5 charts that show cause:
1. First earnings drop in years;
2. Deposits dropping which will increase cost of funds in the future.


BNTV Overview  

fsim.ca/docs/overviewpdf.pdf

BNTV

BankNews.TV Publishing Corp services overview document:

  • Analytics
  • Financial services industry monitor (FSIM) industry briefings and developments reports
  • Research


Challenger banks not a threat to big banks  

fsim.ca/docs/challenger.pdf

Mark Sibthorpe

This report looks at Canadian challenger banks (apart from merchant led banks) and explains why they have not threatened larger institutions. It also looks at ways in which these upstarts have achieved success.


Gamification of financial data project  

fsim.ca/docs/GamingEventProposal-printsample--en-final_original.pdf

Mark Sibthorpe

This document contains details on how BankNews.TV is helping kids learn programming via gamification of financial data.


The impact a rate rise will have for Canadian banks  

fsim.ca/docs/irr-f.pdf

Mark Sibthorpe

Canadian banks have made money throughout the credit crisis, but this trend may be about to reverse. The rational supporting this prediction is that revenue has grown despite a declining net interest margin (NIM). It has grown in spite of this fact because Canadian debt (loan lease volume) has risen significantly, as shown in chart 2.

This report looks at the issues facing Canadian banks in the event of a Bank Rate rise.  


FIFA: the new goldenballs  

fsim.ca/docs/goldenballs.pdf

Mark Sibthorpe

Yesterday, the Attorney General of Switzerland (OAG) opened criminal proceedings related to the FIFA scandal. This report outlines some of the events related to the criminal investigation, with a particular focus on banking.


Scorecard Minister of Finance: JIm Flaherty  

fsim.ca/docs/Scorecard Min Fin Flaherty April 8 2014.pdf

Mark Sibthorpe

March 18, Finance Minister Jim Flaherty resigned from cabinet after having endured a difficult year due to health issues. This report looks at his legacy and attempts to grade his government’s performance to date.


Sample RFP for a Loyalty Program  

fsim.ca/docs/sample RFP for a loyalty program.pdf

Mark Sibthorpe


Merchants extend financial services  

fsim.ca/docs/merchantfs.pdf

Mark Sibthorpe

Merchant led financial services are growing in importance once again. This is exemplified in the ongoing UK rivalry between ASDA, Sainsbury and Tesco. Together these merchant/financial service companies provide the backstop for three different approaches for merchants looking to extend their financial services.


Hot Money: real-estate  

fsim.ca/docs/hotmoney.pdf

Mark Sibthorpe

Canadian and London real estate, like Macau, may also be a convenient means for China’s elite to move money offshore; with the deleterious effect of driving up home values. Louise Shelley`s research concurs. In a published paper written for the National Defense University, Shelley argues that money laundering in real estate (MLRE) increases prices.


Currency Cheat Sheet: a guide for the rest of us  

fsim.ca/docs/currencycheatsheet.pdf

Mark Sibthorpe

Readers of this document will be presented with monetary policy issues and facts
that show the USD will likely remain the dominant reserve currency, despite
questionable Chinese practices, record US debt levels, and a shaky economy.


Riches to Rags? Summary of possible risks for Genworth MI CANADA, INC.  

fsim.ca/docs/gq4risk.pdf

Mark Sibthorpe

Genworth had its Q4 2014 earnings call. Genworth own about 30% of the mortgage default insurance in Canada. Not surprisingly, the earnings call became focussed on Alberta; and for good reason, with 20% of its outstanding insured mortgage balance in Alberta, sensitivity to the oil shock and how Genworth plan to manage related risks were discussed in detail.


Canadian Western Bank Competitive Forecast  

fsim.ca/docs/cwbf.pdf

Mark Sibthorpe

Based on historical financial data (see detailed charts pages 5-8), the oil based recession in Alberta, and comparison against two of its peers, this document outlines my observation with respect to CWB’s future performances.


Liquid Canada: the tipping point  

fsim.ca/docs/Liquid.pdf

Mark Sibthorpe

This report examines liquidity issues in the Canadian financial service industry.


Bank Fees  

fsim.ca/docs/Bank fees.pdf

Mark Sibthorpe

Recently the CBC and The Globe and Mail both reported on what has been referred to as a consumer “bank fee outcry”. CBC compares banks to cable and phone companies, standing accused of trying to gouge customers with service fees. The backlash appears to have originated in conjunction with the NDP and the Consumers Council of Canada which argues that there is anxiety ‘among consumers about banking fees’.


Cheap Oil Report  

fsim.ca/docs/co2.pdf

Cheap oil has pushed the Bank of Canada's governor, Stephen Poloz onto a slippery slope. For some background on this, take October 22nd, when Poloz bid farewell to forward guidance, resulting in yesterday's surprise rate cut. A cut that has enraged TD and other banks, which see this as eroding profits.
 


Canada's Economy, a strategic solution  

fsim.ca/docs/ces.pdf

This report explores Canada's strategies to compete globally. The report begins with an analyses of the housing market, because housing is the canary in the coal mine; explores what happens in the event of collapse; and analyses the underlying problem causing Canada to be uncompetitive.
 


Mobile Payments Blueprint: guide to credit and loyalty transformation for merchants  

fsim.ca/docs/booksample.pdf

Merchants that want to understand loyalty, credit and mobile payments should read this book. It offers readers a step-by-step methodology for evaluating and transforming credit and loyalty programs. The strategies are based on proven examples and facts. The Nectar, Target, Canadian Tire and Walmart case studies are examples of the practical approach I have taken, written with the intent that merchants can use them as blueprints for their own initiatives.
 


Guide to system selection  

fsim.ca/docs/gssnow.pdf

Read sample report: Guide to system selection. This sample would normally cost $99 but is available free as a sample. Click here view sample report.


News feed

SCOTIABANK SAYS TECHNICAL GLITCH THAT DISRUPTED DIRECT DEPOSIT, CHEQUE PAYMENTS HAS BEEN RESOLVED

G&M (2026-01-28)

“We are deeply sorry for the inconvenience the earlier technical issue has had on our clients, and sincerely appreciate their patience as we worked through this,” Ms.


WALL STREET BANKS PREPARE FOR ROUND-THE-CLOCK STOCK TRADING, RELUCTANTLY

G&M - Anirban Sen (2025-12-16)

Round-the-clock trading is fast approaching U.S.


WHY CANADA IS NO COUNTRY FOR SMALL BANKS

G&M - JOHN TURLEY-EWART (2025-12-16)

John Turley-Ewart is a contributing columnist for The Globe and Mail, a regulatory compliance consultant and a Canadian banking historian. Canada


US OVERDRAFT FEES JUMP AT BIG BANKS AMID REGULATORY, ECONOMIC SHIFTS

Yahoo Finance - Douglas Gillison (2025-12-16)

The increase in fee income coincides with congressional Republicans' move in May to scrap a Biden-era Consumer Financial Protection Bureau regulation that would have curtailed overdraft fees, which the CFPB estimated would have saved depositors $5 billion a year.


GEN X IS SCRAMBLING TO CLOSE THE SAVINGS GAP AS THEY NEAR RETIREMENT

Yahoo Finance (2025-12-16)

More than 8 in 10 are worried that they will not have enough money for a comfortable retirement, according to the Schroders 2025 US Retirement Survey, which provided an exclusive first look at the report to Yahoo Finance.


DEALS: SCOTIABANK WRAPS SALE TO DAVIVIENDA, TAKES 20% STAKE

Investment Executive - Roland Inacay (2025-12-15)

Scotiabank now has a 20% stake in the Colombia-based institution.


TRUSTEED PENSION FUNDS NEAR $2.2T IN NET ASSETS

Investment Executive (2025-12-15)

Of that, $975 million was held equities, $638 million in bonds and the rest were in infrastructure, among other investment categories.


OLD MEETS NEW ECONOMY: AI BOOM TO SUPERCHARGE EUROPEAN BANKS' RALLY

Reuters - Joice Alves (2025-12-15)

Yet investors have snapped up bank stocks in earnest.



EXPLAINER: WHAT ARE THE LEGAL RISKS OF EU'S 'REPARATIONS LOAN' FOR UKRAINE?

Reuters (2025-12-15)

The loan aims to raise 90 billion euros ($105 billion) in 2026 and 2027 to help Ukraine defend itself against Russia.


THE FED DID BANKS A SOLID THIS WEEK. MORE FAVORS MAY BE NEEDED

WSJ - Telis Demos (2025-12-15)

For banks and other players in the U.S.


BANK OF AMERICA SHARES FINALLY RECOVER FROM 2008 FINANCIAL CRISIS

WSJ (2025-12-15)

Bank of America BAC 1.06%increase;


WALL STREET IS HAVING ONE OF ITS BEST YEARS EVER

WSJ - Alexander Saeedy (2025-12-15)

Executives from the biggest banks in the country said this week that they were on track to end a bumper year for Wall Street operations on a high. Leaders


THE BEST TRAVEL INSURANCE COMPANIES FOR 2025: EXPERT-RATED

Forbes - Michelle Megna (2025-12-15)

To identify the best travel insurance, we evaluated 69 policies from 23 companies.


CRYPTO FRAUDSTER SENTENCED FOR 'EPIC' $40BN STABLECOIN CRASH

BBC - Peter Hoskins (2025-12-15)

US District Judge Paul A Engelmayer, who handed down the sentence, said the Stanford graduate had repeatedly lied to investors who trusted him with their money.


CANADIANS UNDER 35 ARE DEBT-STRESSED — AND BUY NOW, PAY LATER UBIQUITY ISN'T HELPING

CBC - Jena Benchetrit (2025-12-15)

The Credit Counselling Society — the debt management non-profit where Kalinowski works — served more 18-to-34-year-olds in 2025 than at any other point in its history, its spokesperson told CBC News.


WHAT'S NEXT FOR INTEREST RATES AFTER BANK OF CANADA HOLDS FIRE? FP VIDEO

FP (2025-12-15)

This week FP Video looks at the Bank of Canada’s interest rate decision this past week, economic forecasts for next year and hears from experts as they weigh in on the energy-export expanding Memorandum of Understanding between Alberta and Ottawa.


WHY INTEREST RATES ARE DOWN, BUT YOUR MORTGAGE ISN’T

G&M - John Rapley (2025-12-15)

Since the summer of 2024, the Bank of Canada has reduced its benchmark interest rate by nearly three percentage points.


A ‘NEW ERA’ IN THE HOUSING MARKET IS ABOUT TO BEGIN AS AFFORDABILITY FINALLY IMPROVES ‘FOR THE FIRST TIME IN A BUNCH OF YEARS,’ ECONOMIST SAYS

Yahoo Finance (2025-12-15)

Home sales flatlined amid unaffordable conditions after rising demand collided with tepid supply growth, pushing up home prices.


'I THINK THE ECONOMIC NUMBERS IN THE U.S. ARE GOING TO START TO DECELERATE': THORNE

BNN (2025-12-15)

James Thorne, chief market strategist at Wellington-Altus Private Wealth, joins BNN Bloomberg to provide a 2025 market roundup and discuss what investor should watch for in 2026.


FOREIGN ASSETS HELD BY CANADIAN BANKS OVERVIEW DOCUMENT

fsim.ca - Mark Sibthorpe (2025-12-15)

The purpose is to provide a snapshot on foreign diversification and to demonstrate how banks have benefited from diversification.


CANADIAN QUARTERLY ECONOMIC FORECAST

TD (2025-12-15)

As the world turns the page on 2025, key global growth players are on track to meet or exceed our forecasts from earlier this year, despite the disruption from U.S.


CANADIAN HOUSEHOLD BALANCE SHEET (2025 Q3)

TD (2025-12-15)

Financial asset growth accelerated, rising by 4.8%


NOVEMBER HOME SALES, PRICES DOWN AS BUYERS REMAIN ON SIDELINES

G&M - Andrew Willis (2025-12-15)

Canada’s residential real estate market slumped in November, with sales declining and home prices falling as sellers offered discounts to move properties. The


BITCOIN BREACHES $86,000 WHILE SINKING TOWARD YEAR’S LOWS

Bloomberg - David Pan (2025-12-15)

Bitcoin dropped below $86,000 for the first time in two weeks with investor sentiment weakening as the largest cryptocurrency slips deeper into bear market territory. The


CANADIAN REAL ESTATE PRICES ACCELERATE DECLINES INTO WINTER

Better Dwelling (2025-12-15)

The benchmark price dropped 0.9%


REALTORS OWED COMMISSION PAYMENTS AFTER IPRO COLLAPSE COULD SEE HALF THIS WEEK, REGULATOR SAYS

G&M - Shane Dingman, Rachelle Younglai (2025-12-15)

Realtors owed commission payments delayed for months by the collapse of iPro Realty Ltd.


FORD DUMPS LIGHTNING

WSJ - Sharon Terlep (2025-12-15)

Ford Motor F -0.80%decrease;


PAYPAL APPLIES TO ESTABLISH BANK

WSJ - Katherine Hamilton (2025-12-15)

PayPal PYPL -1.49%decrease;


CANADIAN INVESTORS LEAN ON THE BIG SIX BANKS MORE THAN IS GOOD FOR THEM, THIS ADVISER SAYS

Yahoo Finance - Gigi Suhanic (2025-12-14)

Canada’s big banks have posted a strong year on the stock market so far this year, but investors need to look across the Atlantic to find the real stars of the financial sector, says one adviser.


TRUMP'S FED PICK COMES INTO FOCUS, ECONOMIC DATA BACKLOG CLEARS: WHAT TO WATCH THIS WEEK

Yahoo Finance (2025-12-14)

A Friday afternoon report from the Wall Street Journal put Kevin Warsh, a former member of the Fed's board of Governors, back in play.


CREDIT OUTLOOK NEUTRAL FOR NORTH AMERICAN CORPORATES

Investment Executive - James Langton (2025-12-14)

In a new report, the rating agency said that its current outlook for corporate credit in the year ahead is “neutral” for North America, despite the heightened uncertainty around trade policy and geopolitics.


THE GLOBE’S BIG GUIDE TO CANADIAN CREDIT CARDS

G&M - Mariya Postelnyak (2025-12-12)

Free flights to Japan, thousands of dollars in points for groceries and coffee, money toward a new iPhone and no foreign-transaction fees.


DEUTSCHE BANK, GOLDMAN SEE FED CUTS REKINDLING DOLLAR’S SLIDE

Yahoo Finance (2025-12-12)

The dollar’s decline is expected to be more muted and not as broad as it was this year, when it lost ground against all of the major currencies, leaving the the Bloomberg Dollar Spot Index down nearly 8% in its deepest annual drop since 2017.


CHINA'S SMALL BANK MERGERS SHRINK SECTOR BUT RAISE FINANCIAL RISKS

Yahoo Finance (2025-12-12)

The consolidation mainly targets a sprawling network of ‌more than 3,600 rural banks and credit cooperatives that account for about 14% of the country's $58 trillion banking sector, according to official data.


UBS HITS 17-YEAR HIGH AS LAWMAKERS FLOAT CAPITAL COMPROMISE

Bloomberg (2025-12-12)

A group of influential Swiss lawmakers proposed watering down the capital demands that the country wants to impose on UBS Group AG, sending shares to a 17-year high. The


CANADIAN HOUSEHOLD DEBT NOW MIRRORS US BEFORE THE 2008 CRASH

Better Dwelling (2025-12-12)

Canadian DTI jumped 1.6


CANADIAN HOUSEHOLD NET WORTH UP $461 BILLION IN Q3

Investment Executive (2025-12-12)

Households’ financial assets jumped 4.8%


FINANCIAL SERVICES ROUNDUP: MARKET TALK

WSJ (2025-12-12)

Visa shares are up 5% to $341.30,


VERSABANK FOURTH QUARTER RESULTS

VersaBank (2025-12-11)

"The rapidly accelerating ramp up of our Receivable Purchase Program ("RPP") in the US, alongside steady growth of our RPP in Canada, resulted in a very healthy year-over-year increase in credit assets of 20% to a new record, which, combined with a steady expansion of our net interest margin, drove


BANK OF CANADA HOLDS BENCHMARK RATE AT 2.25% AS FINANCIAL MARKETS SEE EXTENDED PAUSE

G&M - Mark Rendell (2025-12-11)

The Bank of Canada held its benchmark interest rate steady on Wednesday, moving back to the sidelines for what financial markets expect to be an extended pause. As


BMO NAMES CAROLINE DUFAUX AS U.S. DIVISION CFO

G&M (2025-12-11)

Bank of Montreal BMO-T has tapped Caroline Dufaux as chief financial officer of its U.S.


WHY WE’RE NOT COUNTING ON A BETTER OFFER FOR LAURENTIAN BANK

G&M - Caellum Gallander (2025-12-11)

The $40.50


BITCOIN DIPS BELOW $90,000 AFTER FED CUT WIDENS STOCKS SPLIT

Yahoo Finance (2025-12-11)

Bitcoin is in a weakened position after enduring a weeks-long selloff that began in early October with a major liquidation event, which wiped out about $19 billion in levered bets.


‘SILENT DISSENTS’ REVEAL GROWING FED RESISTANCE TO POWELL’S CUTS

Bloomberg (2025-12-11)

Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell downplayed dissenting votes against Wednesday’s decision to lower interest rates again, but a slew of finer details from the meeting revealed just how divided the central bank has become. Powell


BANK OF CANADA CONFIRMS RATE FLOOR, AND IT’S BAD NEWS FOR REAL ESTATE

Better Dwelling (2025-12-11)

The most disturbing part of the BoC’s announcement was Governor Macklem dropping the term “structural adjustment.”


CRYPTO HYPE A GROWING RISK FOR BANKS: FITCH

Investment Executive (2025-12-11)

Indeed, the rating agency sees growing risks associated with banks increased crypto exposure.


CANADIAN FERTILIZER GIANTS IN CROSSHAIRS OF TRUMP ADMINISTRATION’S PRICE-FIXING PROBE

G&M - Kate Helmore (2025-12-10)

Canada’s fertilizer giants risk becoming the target of a U.S.


HOW TO PICK A GREAT BANK STOCK. OR THREE OF THEM

G&M - David Berman (2025-12-10)

If you are looking for the ultimate Buy Canada move as a snub to U.S.


AUSTRALIA’S IFM INVESTORS OPENS TORONTO OFFICE TO BACK INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENTS

G&M - Andrew Willis (2025-12-10)

One of Australia’s largest infrastructure investors is expanding in Canada as the federal government moves to attract more foreign capital into nation-building projects. Melbourne-based


BANK OF CANADA SET TO ANNOUNCE LAST INTEREST RATE DECISION OF 2025

Yahoo Finance (2025-12-10)

Jobs data out last week showed the unemployment rate dropped 0.4


THE CLOSE ODDS OF FED RATE CUT ON WEDNESDAY NEAR 90%

BNN (2025-12-10)

Thomas Hoenig, distinguished senior fellow at Mercatus Center at George Mason University, ex-Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, ex-Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City, joins BNN Bloomberg to provide a rate roadmap for the U.S.


INTEREST RATES NEED TO BE LOWER THAN GROWTH: BALA ON RATE PATH FOR THE BOC AND U.S. FED

BNN (2025-12-10)

Jay Bala, CEO and senior portfolio manager at AIP Asset Management, joins BNN Bloomberg to discuss the Canadian and U.S.


BUYOUT CEO SAYS SECONDARIES ARE PREVENTING PRIVATE EQUITY CRASH

Bloomberg - Tara Patel (2025-12-10)

The CEO of a private equity firm backed by a group of ultra-wealthy European families gave a stark warning on the industry, saying only the booming so-called secondaries market is rescuing it from a huge downturn. Jean-Marie


CANADIAN REAL ESTATE INVESTORS CAPTURED NEARLY 75% OF OWNERSHIP GROWTH

Better Dwelling (2025-12-10)

Investors accounted for 50,750 of those units—about 72.5%


MASSIVE DEBT-FUELED DEALS ARE BACK ON WALL STREET

WSJ (2025-12-10)

The megadeal is back and so is Wall Street’s immense appetite for debt. Paramount’s


ACCELERATING HOUSING SUPPLY

CMHC - CMHC (2025-12-10)

Research related to accelerating housing supply including research on supply challenges, housing projects etc.


GTA DEVELOPMENT FEES UNDER FIRE AS REPORT WARNS OF “PRICED OUT” GENERATION

CMP - Liezel Once (2025-12-10)

In Priced Out: The High Cost of Development Charges, the Board said fees has climbed 176% across the GTA since 2011, with tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars in charges now embedded in the price of a single detached home.


OTTAWA WEIGHING TAX REFORMS TO ATTRACT FOREIGN CAPITAL FOR CANADIAN REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENTS

G&M - Tim Kiladze (2025-12-09)

The federal government is considering changing the tax code to attract large foreign investors to domestic real estate developments, with support for such reforms coming from the head of Build Canada Homes, the new federal agency tasked with building affordable housing at scale. Ana


GLOBAL CENTRAL BANK BODY BIS RAISES CONCERNS OF DOUBLE BUBBLE IN GOLD AND STOCKS

G&M - Marc Jones (2025-12-09)

The combination of gold and share prices soaring in unison is a phenomenon not seen in at least half a century and raises questions of a potential bubble in both, global central bank umbrella body, the Bank for International Settlements, says. While


WHY FAIRFAX SHARES HAVE BEEN STRUGGLING – AND ARE NOW DUE FOR A REBOUND

G&M - Asheef Lalani (2025-12-09)

Investing is hard, and it has changed substantially since the global financial crisis.


LAWSUIT ALLEGES SCOTIABANK MISUSED PROPRIETARY INFORMATION TO BUILD RIVAL PENSION PLAN FOR DOCTORS

G&M - James Bradshaw (2025-12-09)

Pension plan provider Blue Pier is suing Bank of Nova Scotia BNS-T and its subsidiaries for $700-million in damages, alleging the bank used confidential information to set up a rival plan after talks about a possible partnership broke off. Blue


LARRY BERMAN: BANK OF CANADA NEXT MOVE – A RATE HIKE! THE NEED FOR ALTERNATIVE INCOME

BNN - Larry Berman (2025-12-09)

With Equity markets expensive and bond markets not likely to do the job, privates and alternatives will be an essential part of your portfolio needs going forward.


INTEREST RATES NEED TO BE LOWER THAN GROWTH: BALA ON RATE PATH FOR THE BOC AND U.S. FED

BNN (2025-12-09)

Jay Bala, CEO and senior portfolio manager at AIP Asset Management, joins BNN Bloomberg to discuss the Canadian and U.S.


JAMIE DIMON’S EU COMPLAINT IS TOTALLY ACCURATE

Bloomberg (2025-12-09)

Of all the American barbs raining down on Europe over the past few days — from Elon Musk’s risible claims of censorship by Brussels to the Trump administration’s warning of civilizational wipeout — those from JPMorgan Chase & Co.


PRIVATE CREDIT HIT DEPLOYMENT RECORD LAST YEAR, ACC REPORT SAYS

Bloomberg - Francesca Veronesi (2025-12-09)

The amount of capital that private credit firms have deployed reached a record last year, according to a new report from the Alternative Credit Council, with the larger players like Ares Management Corp.,


CANADIAN INFLATION OVERSTATES RENTAL PRICE GROWTH, WARNS CIBC

Better Dwelling (2025-12-09)

Once a market becomes saturated, it creates a spillover effect that cascades into more affordable markets.


BANK OF CANADA’S INFLATION CONCERNS OVERDONE: CIBC

Investment Executive - James Langton (2025-12-09)

These concerns about “cost-push” inflation have continued to linger, it said, with households potentially facing pricier imports and/or rising costs for domestic production.


BANK OF CANADA EXPECTED TO HOLD KEY RATE ON WEDNESDAY

Investment Executive (2025-12-09)

At its last decision in October, monetary policymakers signaled they might be satisfied with where the policy rate sits unless incoming economic data strays significantly from its projections.


JAMIE DIMON FORMS ADVISER SUPERGROUP FOR $1.5 TRILLION AMERICAN RESILIENCY PLEDGE

WSJ - Alexander Saeedy (2025-12-09)

Jamie Dimon wants to protect America from potential foreign adversaries.


MARKETS BET BANK OF CANADA HIKES BY LATE 2026 AFTER JOBS SURPRISE

Canadian Mortgage Trends (2025-12-08)

Markets increasingly expect the Bank of Canada’s next move will be a rate hike next year, as the country’s unexpected labour market strength suggests further monetary easing may not be needed despite U.S.


STABILITY BUFFER BRIEFING

OSFI (2025-12-08)

The Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions will hold an analyst briefing regarding the level of the Domestic Stability Buffer (DSB) on Thursday, December 18, 2025 at 10:00 a.m.


BANK COMPLETES ADDITIONAL FUNDING WITH ECN SUBSIDIARY, SOURCE ONE, BRINGING TOTAL FUNDINGS TO DATE TO US$90 MILLION

VersaBank (2025-12-08)

Steve Hudson, Chief Executive Officer, ECN Capital Corp.


BANK OF CANADA EXPECTED TO HOLD INTEREST RATE STEADY WHILE FED EXPECTED TO CUT

G&M - Mark Rendell (2025-12-07)

The Bank of Canada is expected to end the year back on the sidelines, likely holding interest rates steady on Wednesday after a string of surprisingly sturdy economic reports. The


RETAIL BANKING COMPETITION WAS TOO INTENSE FOR LAURENTIAN BANK, CEO SAYS

G&M - Ian Bickis (2025-12-07)

The head of Laurentian Bank of Canada LB-T says the country’s retail banking industry had become too competitive for it to try and go it alone. The


CANADA’S CRYPTO TAX CRACKDOWN REAPS MILLIONS. SO WHY NO CRIMINAL CHARGES?

BNN (2025-12-07)

The CRA had gone to Federal Court to obtain an order to unmask thousands of clients of Dapper Labs Inc.,


CHRISTOPHER LIEW: NOT ALL BANKS ARE CREATED EQUAL. HERE’S HOW TO CHOOSE WISELY

BNN - Christopher Liew (2025-12-07)

When it comes to where you put your money, you want a bank that fits your lifestyle and finances.


BOC INTEREST RATE ANNOUNCEMENT

BNN (2025-12-07)

December 10th: 9:45am: BOC Interest Rate Announcement, 10:30am: Bank of Canada news conference 2:00pm: FOMC Announcement and Summary of Economic Projections


BANKS FACE ‘DETERIORATING’ OUTLOOK: FITCH

Investment Executive - James Langton (2025-12-07)

The report added that any further interest rate cuts — which may ease the pressure on households — would still likely be negative for the Big Six banks.


REGULATORS RELAX RULES ON HIGH-RISK LENDING FOR BANKS

WSJ - Alexander Saeedy, Dylan Tokar (2025-12-07)

Regulators in Washington have rolled back rules put in place after the 2008 financial crisis that limited how much risk banks can take in corporate lending and fueled the boom in the multitrillion-dollar private credit industry. The


REGIONAL BANKS COULD LEAD PRIVATE CREDIT PUSH

WSJ (2025-12-07)

Partnerships between regional banks and private credit firms are expected to continue growing as both sides seek the benefits of cooperation.


NEW DEBIT CARDS HAVE AN UNEXPECTED FEATURE: REWARDS

WSJ (2025-12-07)

Debit cards are getting the credit-card treatment. This


DEVELOPER FEES COULD ADD MORE THAN $100,000 TO PRICE OF NEW HOMES, CMHC FINDS

G&M - SALMAAN FAROOQUI (2025-12-05)

Charges that municipalities impose on homebuilders are worsening Canada’s housing affordability, and could be costing some homeowners more than $100,000 for new units located in cities with the highest fees, according to new data from the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp. It’s


WHOEVER CONTROLS DIGITAL WALLETS WILL CONTROL THE FUTURE

FT - Danielle Zanzalari (2025-12-04)

While lawmakers debate how to regulate cryptocurrencies, a far more consequential battle is unfolding over who controls your digital wallet and, with it, your identity.  A


RBC, NATIONAL BANK AND SCOTIABANK: A BREAKDOWN OF THE BIG BANKS’ YEAR-END EARNINGS SO FAR

G&M (2025-12-04)

Canada’s biggest banks are reporting their earnings for the fiscal year-end, covering the three months that ended Oct.


RBC, NATIONAL BANK AND SCOTIABANK: A BREAKDOWN OF THE BIG BANKS’ YEAR-END EARNINGS SO FAR

G&M (2025-12-04)

Canada’s biggest banks are reporting their earnings for the fiscal year-end, covering the three months that ended Oct.


CIBC, TD AND BMO BEAT ANALYSTS’ PROFIT ESTIMATES AS BANKS BENEFIT FROM TUMULTUOUS MARKETS

G&M (2025-12-04)

Three of Canada’s biggest banks have beaten analysts’ profit expectations, topping off a year when markets shrugged off economic concerns over trade disputes while deal activity surged on renewed interest in key resource sectors.


EQB SHARES LEAP ON PC FINANCIAL DEAL; CEO SAYS MOVE GIVES BANK 'COMPLETE' PRODUCT LINEUP

Yahoo Finance (2025-12-04)

“Now we'll have that ability to have millions of Canadians every week see our brand and then become more familiar with our complementary products.”


BIG SIX BANKS REPORT $16.45B PROFIT IN FOURTH QUARTER AS CAPITAL MARKETS BOOM

BNN (2025-12-04)

“We benefited from a constructive backdrop, especially in capital markets,” said Kelvin Tran, chief financial officer at TD Bank Group, on an earnings call Thursday.


CIBC PROFITS RISE ON BROAD GAINS INCLUDING FROM INCREASED U.S. EXPOSURE

BNN (2025-12-04)

“Our strategy remains consistent.


BMO REPORTS $2.3 BILLION PROFIT, RAISES DIVIDEND AS U.S. BUSINESS IMPROVES

BNN (2025-12-04)

“While it takes time to work through impaired files, we have seen a steady decline in new watchlist formations and expect that this will lead to lower impaired balances over time.”


TD BANK RAISES DIVIDEND DESPITE Q4 PROFIT DROP TO $3.28B

BNN (2025-12-04)

“TD had a strong fourth quarter, delivering robust fee and trading income in our markets-driven businesses as well as volume growth year-over-year in Canadian personal and commercial banking, capping a year of strong performance,” TD chief executive Raymond Chun said in a statement.


BANKER BONUS POOLS RISE 15% AT CANADA’S BIG LENDERS IN BUSY YEAR

Bloomberg - Christine Dobby (2025-12-04)

Canada’s biggest lenders set aside 15% more for banker bonus pools in fiscal 2025, a year when the firms’ capital-markets divisions were more active on deals and US President Donald Trump’s policy swings kept trading desks busy. Bank


CANADA CUTS HOUSING BUDGET 56% DESPITE CRISIS, DEFUNDS CMHC: PBO

Better Dwelling (2025-12-04)

“Federal planned spending on housing programs is set to decline 56 per cent, from $9.8


WINNERS AND LOSERS IN A FANNIE, FREDDIE IPO

WSJ (2025-12-04)

For months, the biggest banks have been vying for roles on a potential transaction by pitching solutions to its uniquely thorny issues.



RBC HIKES PROFITABILITY TARGET AFTER POSTING 29% JUMP IN FOURTH-QUARTER EARNING

G&M (2025-12-03)

Royal Bank of Canada RY-T posted a surge in fourth-quarter earnings on a boost in capital markets and wealth management activity as the lender raised its profitability target. Profit


NATIONAL BANK RECORDS HIGHER PROFIT, RAISES DIVIDEND AFTER BOOKING CWB-RELATED COSTS

G&M (2025-12-03)

National Bank of Canada NA-T reported a jump in fourth-quarter profit that topped analysts’ estimates on a spike in capital markets and wealth management earnings, even as the lender booked costs related its acquisition of Canadian Western Bank. National


FIRST NATIONS BANK SELLS ALMOST 10% STAKE TO WABIGOON LAKE OJIBWAY NATION

G&M (2025-12-03)

First Nations Bank of Canada is raising $12.8-million


WITH MONTHLY PAYMENTS OVER $1,000, AUTO LOANS ARE INCREASINGLY LIKE CAR MORTGAGES

G&M (2025-12-03)

Canadians are used to hearing about pricey housing.


WHAT 6.3% MORTGAGE RATES WILL MEAN FOR HOME AFFORDABILITY IN 2026

Yahoo Finance (2025-12-03)

While home prices continue to keep prospective buyers out of the housing market, this economist believes that mortgage rates will rise above 6% in 2026.


CANADA FALLING SHORT OF HOUSING GOAL, WITH 56% CUT IN FUNDING, WARNS GOVERNMENT WATCHDOG

BNN (2025-12-03)

Federal housing spending is set for a steep decline over the next three years unless Ottawa renews its programs, according to a new report by the Parliamentary Budget Office.


TORONTO REAL ESTATE PRICES DOWN 25%, RECORD INVENTORY FLOOD CONTINUES

BNN (2025-12-03)

The price of a typical home fell 0.5%


NOVEMBER AUTO SALES DOWN 8.6% AMID ECONOMIC HEADWINDS: DESROSIERS

Investment Executive (2025-12-03)

DesRosiers says the market is tracking close to its forecast despite the headwinds from trade disputes and economic challenges.


RBC POSTS RECORD Q4 PROFIT BUT CEO RAISES CONCERNS ABOUT UNEVEN ECONOMIC RECOVERY

Investment Executive (2025-12-03)

“The impact of the K-shaped economy is increasingly polarizing, with more affluent consumers investing disposable income and growing markets, while less affluent consumers struggle with affordability.”


CANADA'S LARGEST OFFICE REIT CUTS PAYOUT BY 60%, UNITS RISE ON TSX

Yahoo Finance (2025-12-02)

“With a view to reducing indebtedness and associated interest expense going forward, the trustees of Allied have decided to reduce the monthly distribution to unit-holders in December of 2025 and throughout 2026 by 60 per cent to $0.06


UK’S BIGGEST BANKS SHOW RESILIENCE IN LATEST BOE STRESS TEST

Yahoo Finance (2025-12-02)

The central bank also cut its estimate of how much capital the UK’s banking sector needs for the first time in a decade, and signaled a consultation that could free up extra lending and higher payouts to shareholders.


CRYPTO’S RETAIL TRADERS HIT HARD AS STRATEGY ETFS PLUNGE 80%

Yahoo Finance (2025-12-02)

Retail investors who piled into Michael Saylor’s grand Bitcoin experiment are paying a heavy price.


‘BUY NOW, PAY LATER’ FIRMS PRESSED BY STATES FOR LOAN DETAILS

Yahoo Finance (2025-12-02)

In a statement announcing the letter, Connecticut Attorney General William Tong expressed concern that heavy marketing of such services was luring consumers into costly and onerous arrangements.


BITCOIN ROUT PICKS UP STEAM AS INVESTORS FRET OVER A NEW ‘CRYPTO WINTER’

WSJ (2025-12-02)

SBitcoin tumbled more than 6% on Monday, its biggest one-day drop since March.


COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE IS GETTING TOO CHEAP TO IGNORE

WSJ (2025-12-02)

Poor commercial real estate.


LAURENTIAN BANK TO BE SOLD TO FAIRSTONE, NATIONAL BANK FOR $1.9 BN

G&M - Stefanie Marotta (2025-12-02)

Laurentian Bank of Canada LB-T has struck an agreement to be taken over by Fairstone Bank of Canada in an all-cash deal valued at $1.9-billion,


SCOTIABANK BEATS PROFIT ESTIMATES ON CAPITAL MARKETS, WEALTH MANAGEMENT STRENGTH

G&M - Stefanie Marotta (2025-12-02)

Bank of Nova Scotia BNS-T posted a jump in profit in fourth-quarter results as activity in capital markets surged, heading into a year when the lender expects growth to accelerate as it continues its strategic turnaround plan. Even


WHAT LAURENTIAN BANK CUSTOMERS CAN EXPECT AMID SALE TO NATIONAL BANK

BNN (2025-12-02)

While the length of the transition isn’t known yet, Natasha Macmillan, Ratehub.ca’s


LAURENTIAN BANK ANNOUNCES SPLIT SALE TO FAIRSTONE BANK AND NATIONAL BANK

BNN (2025-12-02)

Under the terms, the more than 175-year-old Laurentian Bank name will live on as part of Fairstone with the head office of the commercial segment to remain in Montreal, and chief executive Éric Provost to continue in his role.


PBO PROJECTS BUILD CANADA HOMES WILL ADD 26,000 HOUSING UNITS, A FRACTION OF THOSE NEEDED, OVER FIVE YEARS

Yahoo Finance (2025-12-02)

Build Canada Homes, a federal agency launched by Prime Minister Mark Carney in September, has a mandate to scale the supply of affordable housing.


GENSLER SAYS BITCOIN REMAINS 'SPECULATIVE, VOLATILE'

Bloomberg (2025-12-02)

Former SEC chair Gary Gensler said that investors should be aware of the risks of investing in a 'speculative, volatile' asset like crypto even as it becomes more accepted in the mainstream and by Trump White House.


CANADIAN REAL ESTATE SPILLOVER: RENTS EXPLODE HIGHER IN CHEAP CITIES

Better Dwelling (2025-12-02)

It’s often said that real estate is local, and that’s true—for most of the real estate cycle.


FINTRAC SANCTIONS CURRENCY EXCHANGE

Investment Executive (2025-12-02)

FINTRAC imposed a $70,537.50


EDWARD JONES SETTLES CLIENT OVERCHARGING CASE

Investment Executive (2025-12-02)

It also clawed back almost $500,000 from 276 financial advisors, representing their share of the overcharged fees, the settlement noted.


JAMIE DIMON SAYS U.S. NEEDS TO ENGAGE WITH CHINA: 'THEY'RE NOT SCARED'

WSJ (2025-12-02)

JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon said during an economic forum that the U.S.


TRUMP'S ESCALATING PRESSURE ON MEXICO HITS ITS FINANCIAL SECTOR

WSJ (2025-12-02)

Mexican authorities are taking over three financial institutions after the U.S.


LOYALTY PROGRAMS—ONCE A PERK—NOW HELP AIRLINES SURVIVE

WSJ (2025-12-02)

American Airlines created the first airline frequent flier program in 1981.


BANK OF ENGLAND WARNS OF AI BUBBLE RISK

BBC (2025-12-02)

The central bank's financial stability report warned valuations are "particularly stretched" for companies focused on AI.


DEVASTATING TOXIC SPILL SEEN AS TEST OF WHETHER AFRICAN COUNTRIES WILL STAND UP TO CHINA

BBC (2025-12-02)

Some environmentalists, however, claim as much as 1.5


GLOBAL FINANCIAL SYSTEM MUST ADAPT TO BETTER SERVE ECONOMY, UN TRADE AGENCY SAYS

Reuters - Catarina Demony (2025-12-02)

The financial system risks undermining global trade if it fails to adapt to the economy's needs, with developing countries likely to suffer the most, the UN Trade and Development Agency said on Tuesday. Shifts


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SCOTIABANK SAYS TECHNICAL GLITCH THAT DISRUPTED DIRECT DEPOSIT, CHEQUE PAYMENTS HAS BEEN RESOLVED

G&M (2026-01-28)

“We are deeply sorry for the inconvenience the earlier technical issue has had on our clients, and sincerely appreciate their patience as we worked through this,” Ms.


WALL STREET BANKS PREPARE FOR ROUND-THE-CLOCK STOCK TRADING, RELUCTANTLY

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WHY CANADA IS NO COUNTRY FOR SMALL BANKS

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John Turley-Ewart is a contributing columnist for The Globe and Mail, a regulatory compliance consultant and a Canadian banking historian. Canada


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GEN X IS SCRAMBLING TO CLOSE THE SAVINGS GAP AS THEY NEAR RETIREMENT

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WHY CANADA IS NO COUNTRY FOR SMALL BANKS

John Turley-Ewart is a contributing columnist for The Globe and Mail, a regulatory compliance consultant and a Canadian banking historian. Canada is no country for small banks. And this year is full of reminders, with 179-year-old Laurentian Bank of Canada announcing this month that it will be broken up and sold in pieces to National Bank of Canada and Fairstone Bank of Canada. Its stay-small strategy didn’t pay. Eric Provost, the Montreal-based bank’s CEO, admitted as much in a recent call with analysts: “The substantial investments needed to sustain a competitive position in the Canadian banking landscape, coupled with the evolving regulatory requirements and rising customer expectations, have made it increasingly difficult to compete.” President’s Choice Bank, owned by Loblaw Cos. Ltd., has tapped out as well and will merge with EQ Bank. In March, the all-digital Motus Bank was shuttered. The month before, National Bank closed its acquisition of Canadian Western Bank. For Fairstone and EQ Bank the deals are wins. They give both more banking bulk. Yet these mergers suggest that what Canada needs isn’t more banks, but more big banks. Why we’re not counting on a better offer for Laurentian Bank Retail banking competition was too intense for Laurentian Bank, CEO says For half a century, efforts to increase bank competition have been underwhelming. Changes to the Bank Act in 1980 opened the door to foreign-owned banks, called Schedule II banks. They also encouraged new domestic banks, permitting investors to hold more than a 10-per-cent interest in an institution for as long as a decade. Such concentration is normally prohibited. Now, after the recent merger announcements, there will be 26 small domestic chartered banks and 15 foreign bank subsidiaries that most Canadians have never heard of. The Big Six banks control almost all the banking assets in the country. What new and foreign banks have failed to do since 1980 is scale – grow big enough to make a material market difference. There are multiple ways to forge big banks with pace today. Starting as a bank is not one of them. Consider the credit-spinoff case study that is Capital One Bank. It opened in 1994 and used innovative data analytics to expand a mass market credit business across the U.S. and globally. It developed credit products for underserved markets, nurtured a brand and generated profitability first, then moved into traditional banking about a decade later. It now ranks as the sixth-largest bank in America by assets, according to the Federal Reserve. Ally was founded in 2009 and bills itself as the “Original Digital Disruptor” bank. An auto lender spinoff, it was built on the foundations of General Motors Acceptance Corp.’s auto financing business. It now ranks among the top 25 financial holding companies in the U.S., with more than US$180-billion in assets, serves 11 million customers and has grown rapidly by building full, digital consumer banking, offering auto dealer financial services and delivering corporate financial services to middle-market companies. SoFi, or Social Finance, is instructive too. Launched as a fintech venture by four business students at Stanford University in 2011, it was developed for college graduates to reduce refinancing student loans costs. It soon expanded into other lending, savings accounts and credit card offerings through the SoFi digital financial platform and is now one of the fastest-growing companies in the U.S. It has US$45-billion in assets. SoFi waited until 2022 before securing a national U.S. bank charter. Interesting is the U.K.’s Revolut, a privately owned global fintech company founded a decade ago. It created a global financial business around its foreign-exchange application for mobile phones that helps consumers exchange currencies and transfer money affordably. Now its product range includes savings accounts, stock and cryptocurrency trading and debit cards. It is reported to have 50 million users in 48 countries and about US$30-billion in assets. It made US$1.5-billion in net profit last year. It only secured a U.K. banking licence, allowing it to offer loans, credit cards and mortgages, in 2024. What all these examples tell Canadians seeking more bank competition is that making it easier to start a bank isn’t the answer. We have done that. It hasn’t worked since the 1870s. More mergers between small domestic banks should continue to be encouraged to create bigger players with the capacity to do what Laurentian Bank could not: make the substantial investments needed to compete. The larger challenge is developing more fintech firms in Canada and scaling them, as Canada’s Wealthsimple seems to be doing and as Capital One, Ally, SoFi and Revolut did: first developing the technology, products, customer base, revenues, marketing and profitability needed to have a shot at becoming a big bank too.



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