Foreign assets held by Canadian banks overview document  

fsim.ca/docs/Foreign assets held by Canadian banks overview document (2).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.

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

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  

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

CWB cause for concern  

fsim.ca/docs/cwbupdate.pdf

Mark Sibthorpe

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.

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

Currency Cheat Sheet: a guide for the rest of us  

fsim.ca/docs/currencycheatsheet.pdf

Mark Sibthorpe

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

Canada's Economy, a strategic solution  

fsim.ca/docs/ces.pdf

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

fsim.ca/docs/booksample.pdf

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.

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.

VENEZUELA: A CRUDE AWAKENING?

Central Banking (2026-01-12)

2004, Chaves demanded that the BCV hand over $1 billion in international reserves to fund the government’s agricultural programme.

TRUMP ADMINISTRATION THREATENS TO INDICT FED CHAIR JEROME POWELL

G&M (2026-01-12)

The Trump administration has threatened to indict Federal Reserve ‍Chair Jerome Powell over Congressional testimony he gave last summer about a Fed building project, an action Powell called a “pretext” to gain more influence over the central bank and monetary policy. The

WALL STREET SKEPTICAL TRUMP’S PROPOSED CREDIT CARD RATE CAP WILL ADVANCE

G&M - Manya Saini (2026-01-12)

U.S.

BANK EARNINGS TO CAP BANNER 2025, SET THE TABLE FOR GROWTH IN 2026: 'EVERYTHING IS MOVING UP AT THE SAME TIME'

Yahoo Finance (2026-01-12)

America's biggest banks will report fourth quarter and annual results in the coming days, with JPMorgan Chase (JPM), the nation's largest bank, kicking off proceedings with its results on Tuesday morning.

GOLDMAN SACHS CHIEF ECONOMIST SAYS FED DECISIONS WILL NOT BE SWAYED BY POWELL CRIMINAL PROBE THREAT

Yahoo Finance (2026-01-12)

"Obviously there ​are more concerns that Fed independence is ‌going to be under the gun, with the latest news on the criminal investigation into Chair Powell really having reinforced those concerns," Hatzius said at a 2026 Goldman Sachs Global Strategy ⁠Conference.

TRUMP SAYS CREDIT CARD FIRMS VIOLATE LAW IF RATES NOT CAPPED

Yahoo Finance (2026-01-12)

“They really abused the credit cards,” he said of major lenders.

THIS IS WHO COMPANIES CALL WHEN THEY WANT TO BECOME A BANK

Bloomberg (2026-01-12)

Financial firms are racing to secure US bank charters during Trump’s presidency, with Klaros Group advising at least a dozen of them. Want

WHY HAVE PUBLIC MARKET LISTINGS FALLEN SO PRECIPITOUSLY?

Investment Executive (2026-01-12)

A market that is slow to police, hard to navigate and stuck on outdated processes pushes away both issuers and investors.

CANADIAN PRIVATE EQUITY SEES FUNDRAISING BOUNCE, BUT LIQUIDITY REMAINS A CHALLENGE

Investment Executive (2026-01-12)

Fundraising in Canadian PE recovered in 2025 after tanking by 95% in 2024, when only $1.6

FROM POTENTIAL TO PERFORMANCE: HOW CUS CAN CAPTURE THE FINTECH PARTNERSHIP OPPORTUNITY

Pymnts - Pymnts (2026-01-09)

Digital banking demand and a realignment in FinTech partnership strategy are pushing innovation toward credit unions—and away from traditional banks.

RISE OF AI CHATBOTS FOR ONLINE SHOPPING BOOSTS ANALYST HOPES FOR SHOPIFY’S GROWTH

G&M - Irene Galea (2026-01-09)

Shopify Inc.

TRUMP TELLS FANNIE, FREDDIE TO BUY $200 BILLION OF MORTGAGE DEBT

Yahoo Finance - Josh Wingrove (2026-01-09)

He added that his decision not to sell Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac during his first term allowed them to amass “$200 BILLION DOLLARS IN CASH” and that he was making his announcement “because of that.”

HOT PICKS: THREE FINANCIAL STOCKS FAVOURED FOR GROWTH AND STABILITY

BNN (2026-01-09)

Several financial stocks are drawing attention for their ability to combine earnings resilience with long-term growth, even as consumer credit conditions tighten and regulatory scrutiny remains elevated.

CANADA’S TRADE DEMAND IS RUNNING HOT, UNDERMINING BOC RATE CUTS

Better Dwelling (2026-01-09)

Imports showed broad-based growth from both consumer and industrial goods.

CANADA POSTED $583M MERCHANDISE TRADE DEFICIT FOR OCTOBER

Investment Executive (2026-01-09)

Canada’s imports outpaced the growth of exports in October as the country posted a merchandise trade deficit of $583 million for the month.

EUROPE ADDING ESG RISKS TO INDUSTRY STRESS TESTING

Investment Executive - James Langton (2026-01-09)

“The guidelines are designed to support a consistent, long-term approach to ESG stress testing while allowing flexibility to accommodate future methodological advances and improvements in data availability,” the regulators said.

A SHADOW FLEET SMUGGLES ILLICIT OIL ACROSS THE HIGH SEAS. THIS IS HOW IT WORKS.

WSJ (2026-01-09)

Two sanctioned oil tankers shut off their transponders earlier this month and powered to a meetup point, drawing alongside each other in the Sea of Japan. The

RAISING THE FDIC LIMIT RISKS REPEATING THE S&L CRISIS

WSJ - Jeb Hensarling and Michael Solon (2026-01-09)

Government insurance programs are often tied to budget-busting bailouts and economic crises.

FORMER TD EMPLOYEE PLEADS GUILTY TO FACILITATING MONEY-LAUNDERING SCHEME

G&M - Stefanie Marotta (2026-01-08)

A former Toronto-Dominion Bank TD-T employee based in New York has pleaded guilty to shuffling hundreds of millions of dollars for a money-laundering network through the bank’s accounts. The

OFFICE VACANCY RATES CONTINUE TO DROP, BUT THE RECOVERY IS UNEVEN

G&M - Meera Raman (2026-01-08)

The rate of empty office space in Canada is continuing to drop but the recovery is uneven, with newer, high-quality buildings in cities seeing the biggest improvements while older offices still have high vacancy levels. Office

TRUMP SAYS HE WANTS TO BAN LARGE INVESTORS FROM BUYING HOUSES

G&M - Josh Boak (2026-01-08)

U.S.

RISING U.S. INFLUENCE IN LATIN AMERICA COULD BENEFIT SCOTIABANK’S GROWTH PLANS, CEO SAYS

G&M - Stefanie Marotta (2026-01-08)

Bank of Nova Scotia BNS-T chief executive Scott Thomson said Tuesday that an increasingly pro-business climate and rising U.S.

ROCK BOTTOM SALES IN CANADA’S HOUSING MARKET MAKE 2025 ‘ONE FOR THE HISTORY BOOKS’: EXPERT

BNN - Adrian Ghobrial (2026-01-08)

The number of home sales in Toronto reached a 25-year low in 2025, dropping to around 62,400.

ODD LOTS: HERE'S WHAT COULD HAPPEN TO VENEZUELA'S MESSY $170 BILLION OF DEBT

Bloomberg (2026-01-08)

There are a bunch of questions right now about the future of Venezuela, and one of the big ones is what's going to happen to its circa $170 billion pile of debt.

THE BANKER, THE BROTHERS, THE FRIENDS AND THEIR FRAUDS

Investment Executive - James Langton (2026-01-08)

The U.S.

NO IMPACT ON BANKS FROM MADURO’S OUSTER: DBRS

Investment Executive - James Langton (2026-01-08)

“Against this very unfavourable backdrop, most Western banks have exited Venezuela,” the report said — including Citigroup Inc.,

JPMORGAN CHASE REACHES DEAL TO TAKE OVER APPLE CREDIT CARD

WSJ - AnnaMaria Andriotis, Gina Heeb (2026-01-08)

The biggest bank in the country will become the new issuer of the tech-giant’s credit card, one of the largest co-branded programs with some $20 billion in balances. Goldman

MODERNIZING POLICIES, GUIDANCE, AND SUPERVISION FOR REGULATORY EFFICIENCY

OSFI (2026-01-08)

As such, we are delaying several policy and guidance initiatives from our original schedule.

JOIN CENTRAL 1’S BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Central 1 (2026-01-08)

As a director, you’ll play a vital role in guiding Central 1’s strategy and governance.

PAYMENTS INDUSTRY MOVES TOWARD ALWAYS-ON FINANCE

IBS (2026-01-08)

The expansion of 24/7 settlement frameworks across more markets is also raising questions around standards, governance and interoperability.

ROSENBERG RESEARCH: EVEN AFTER THEIR RECENT SURGE, WE’RE STILL BULLISH ON CANADA’S BIG SIX BANKS

G&M - Mehmet Beceren (2026-01-07)

Canadian bank stocks, the so-called Big Six, have long been treated as stable, dividend-paying, and decidedly “boring” stocks to own.

SUSPECT IN DESJARDINS DATA LEAK INVOLVING 9.7 MILLION MEMBERS ARRESTED IN SPAIN

Yahoo Finance (2026-01-07)

Juan Pablo Serrano had been sought by police since June 2024 for the theft and resale of personal information belonging to the 9.7

'ECONOMIC WAR' AND GROWING DISPARITY KEY WORRIES OF BANK CEOS

Yahoo Finance (2026-01-07)

He cautioned that rising inequality is a key underlying cause of some of the political shifts going on, as the top 20 per cent of earners break further away from the majority.

BARCLAYS BUYS INTO STABLECOIN-SETTLEMENT COMPANY UBYX

Yahoo Finance (2026-01-07)

Barclays has bought a stake in U.S.

HOW DELCY RODRíGUEZ COURTED DONALD TRUMP AND ROSE TO POWER IN VENEZUELA

Yahoo Finance (2026-01-07)

This account of Rodríguez's political rise is drawn from interviews with 10 former U.S.

TRADE UNCERTAINTY WEIGHS ON CANADIAN BANKS IN 2026

BNN (2026-01-07)

BNN Bloomberg spoke with Carl De Souza, senior vice-president at Morningstar DBRS, about how U.S.

TORONTO HOUSING MARKET ENDED 2025 WITH DECLINES IN PRICES, SALES

Bloomberg (2026-01-07)

Toronto home sales and prices declined in December, capping off a year of tepid buyer interest as a result of trade tensions with the US. The

COURT GREEN LIGHTS SHAREHOLDER CLASS ACTION

Investment Executive (2026-01-07)

One of the major issues that the court considered in determining whether to certify the case as a class action revolved around a dispute over whether the allegedly deficient disclosures were “material” under securities law, and whether the plaintiff met the test for proceeding with an action alleging secondary market

THE DIGITAL EURO THAT EUROPE URGENTLY NEEDS

FT (2026-01-07)

The European Central Bank has announced timelines to launch two digital euros: a retail one for the general public and a wholesale version accessible to the same institutions that have access to central bank money today.

INTEREST RATE FORECAST

Central 1 (2026-01-06)

This links to a table with economic indicators including GDP growth, unemployment and CPI, and provides related financial forecasts based on the data.

INTRODUCING SASKATCHEWAN’S NEWEST CREDIT UNION

Conexus (2026-01-06)

In a historic milestone for the Saskatchewan credit union system, Conexus, Cornerstone and Synergy credit unions legally merged on Jan.

CHINA LAUNCHES ‘CREDIT REPAIR’ SCHEME TO BOOST LENDING

Central Banking (2026-01-06)

The People’s Bank of China has launched a one-time ‘credit repair’ scheme to remove overdue personal debt from the country’s credit records, in a bid to boost household lending.

WALMART AIMS AT CLOSING AMAZON ONLINE SALES GAP

Pymnts (2026-01-06)

Amazon has long dusted Walmart in eCommerce, capturing 56% compared to 9.6%

PAY LATER RESHAPES HOW AMERICA FINANCES THE HOLIDAYS

Pymnts (2026-01-06)

Pay Later plans are becoming a key part of how consumers afford meaningful moments amid rising financial pressure.

CANADIAN ETFS: A BIG SIX BANK ‘ULTRAYIELD’ FUND AMONG TWO LAUNCHES IN DECEMBER

G&M - Amy Mak (2026-01-06)

The start of the Santa Claus rally appeared promising, with the S&P 500 nearly reaching the 7000 mark before the end of the 2025 year.

VANCOUVER AREA SAW FEWEST HOME SALES IN MORE THAN TWO DECADES IN 2025

Yahoo Finance (2026-01-06)

Greater Vancouver home sales dropped 12.9

CREDIT MARKETS REV UP AFTER $61 BILLION OF DEALS IN ONE DAY

Yahoo Finance - Finbarr Flynn (2026-01-06)

The issuance surge highlights confidence in the global economy at the start of the year, a period that is typically one of the busiest for funding by companies and governments.

CANADIAN, U.S. MARKETS RISE AFTER RAID ON VENEZUELA AS OIL MARKET COMES INTO FOCUS

BNN (2026-01-06)

Canada’s main stock index rose to new highs Monday, helped by gains in the basic materials sector, while U.S.

FRANCE, BELGIUM AND AUSTRIA FACE 50% CHANCE OF RATING DOWNGRADES, JPMORGAN SAYS

Bloomberg - Craig Stirling (2026-01-06)

France, Belgium and Austria are the euro-zone members most vulnerable to credit-rating downgrades in 2026, according to JPMorgan. Each

GREENLAND FINANCES ARE SUDDENLY WORSE, DANISH CENTRAL BANK WARNS

Bloomberg (2026-01-06)

Greenland’s public finances are pressured after a “surprisingly sharp deterioration” last year, Denmark’s central bank said in an analysis of the Arctic island that’s again stoking geopolitical tensions. The

NEW LICENSING PROCESS BEGINS IN ONTARIO FOR OUT-OF-PROVINCE INSURANCE ADVISORS

Investment Executive - Michelle Schriver (2026-01-06)

“Beginning January 1, working in Ontario will become easier for financial services professionals across Canada,” the regulator said in a release on Wednesday.

EMBOLDENED ACTIVIST INVESTORS ARE CIRCLING U.S. BANKS

WSJ - Gina Heeb (2026-01-06)

A relatively unknown hedge fund pushed Comerica CMA 1.88%increase;

GOLD PRICE RISES AFTER US CAPTURES VENEZUELA'S MADURO

BBC - Peter HoskinsandOsmond Chia (2026-01-05)

Gold was about 2.2%

YELLEN WARNS OF GROWING ‘FISCAL DOMINANCE’ THREAT TO US ECONOMY

Bloomberg (2026-01-05)

A panel of economic luminaries said the long-run risk posed by mounting federal debt represented a paramount problem facing the US economy. Those

UEDA HIGHLIGHTS BOJ’S INTENTION TO KEEP RAISING RATE TO BANKERS

Bloomberg (2026-01-05)

Bank of Japan Governor Kazuo Ueda used his first public appearance in the new year to underscore his intention to keep raising the benchmark rate in a speech to private bankers. “We

2025 — ANOTHER BANNER YEAR FOR PRIVATE WEALTH

Investment Executive (2026-01-05)

The fee margins make it one of the most profitable businesses in the financial services sector.

‘DOWN TO THE WIRE’: ECB’S DIGITAL EURO PROJECT FACES DECISIVE VOTE IN 2026

FT (2026-01-05)

One of the European Central Bank’s most complex and controversial projects is heading for a crucial test in the first half of 2026, when the European parliament is expected to vote on the digital euro. The

BEST MORTGAGE LENDERS IN CANADA FOR 2025

Forbes - Fiona Campbell, Jordan Lavin, Brian Kagan (2026-01-05)

This report ranks lenders and places Alterna Bank at the top of the pile.

CIBC HIRES FORMER AMBASSADOR DAVID MACNAUGHTON AS STRATEGIC ADVISER

G&M (2026-01-05)

David MacNaughton, a former Canadian ambassador to the United States, has joined CIBC CM-T as a strategic adviser. The

MORE THAN 145 COUNTRIES AGREE TO AMENDED GLOBAL MINIMUM CORPORATE TAX DEAL AFTER U.S. RAISED CONCERNS

G&M (2026-01-05)

More than ‍145 ​countries agreed on Monday to amend a 2021 global minimum corporate tax agreement, addressing Washington’s concerns the rules could penalize U.S.

US GIVES VENEZUELA ULTIMATUM AFTER MADURO CAPTURE BBC NEWS

BBC (2026-01-04)

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio says America is not at war with Venezuela, a day after US strikes on the country

THE $358 BILLION QUESTION FOR THE NEW CEO OF BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY

WSJ - Krystal Hur (2026-01-04)

Greg Abel’s time has come, and there’s a $358 billion question on investors’ minds: What will the new chief executive of Berkshire Hathaway BRK.B

CANADIAN MORTGAGE ARREARS HIT A 5-YEAR HIGH, BANKS SHRINK BOOKS

Better Dwelling (2026-01-04)

The decline in total mortgages is a sign the rising arrears isn’t the whole story.

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.

VENEZUELA: A CRUDE AWAKENING?

Central Banking (2026-01-12)

2004, Chaves demanded that the BCV hand over $1 billion in international reserves to fund the government’s agricultural programme.

TRUMP ADMINISTRATION THREATENS TO INDICT FED CHAIR JEROME POWELL

G&M (2026-01-12)

The Trump administration has threatened to indict Federal Reserve ‍Chair Jerome Powell over Congressional testimony he gave last summer about a Fed building project, an action Powell called a “pretext” to gain more influence over the central bank and monetary policy. The

WALL STREET SKEPTICAL TRUMP’S PROPOSED CREDIT CARD RATE CAP WILL ADVANCE

G&M - Manya Saini (2026-01-12)

U.S.