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.

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Research

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.



QUESTRADE INCHES CLOSER TO WINNING CANADIAN BANKING LICENCE

G&M - James Bradshaw (2025-04-01)

Questrade Financial Group Inc.


FRANCE'S LE PEN SAYS COURT RULING IS 'POLITICAL' AND AIMED AT BLOCKING HER FROM 2027 ELECTION

Yahoo Finance (2025-04-01)

France's far-right leader Marine Le Pen said that the ruling barring her from seeking public office is 'political' and aims at preventing her from running for president in 2027.


CANADIAN MORTGAGE ARREARS CLIMB TO THE HIGHEST RATE SINCE 2021

Better Dwelling (2025-04-01)

Canadian mortgage borrowers are having a tough time coping with the slowdown.


FDIC, CFTC RETRACT PAST CRYPTO GUIDANCE

Investment Executive - James Langton (2025-04-01)

“With today’s action, the FDIC is turning the page on the flawed approach of the past three years,” said Travis Hill, acting chairman of the FDIC, in a release.


CHARLIE JAVICE GUILTY OF DEFRAUDING JPMORGAN INTO BUYING COLLEGE AID STARTUP

Reuters - Luc Cohen and Tatiana Bautzer (2025-04-01)

Entrepreneur Charlie Javice was convicted on Friday of defrauding JPMorgan Chase (JPM.N),


YOU'LL RARELY HEAR THE WORD "STAGFLATION" UTTERED BY CENTRAL BANKERS, FOR GOOD REASON

FP (2025-04-01)

Most people signing their first mortgage today weren’t even a twinkle in their parents’ eyes when Canada last tangoed with stagflation back in the early ’80s.


'WORST IS OVER' FOR THE CANADIAN DOLLAR, SAYS DESJARDINS

Yahoo Finance - Jeff Lagerquist (2025-03-31)

Canada’s currency (CADUSD=X) fell to its lowest level against the U.S.


ALREADY HIT BY CHINA, NOVA SCOTIA'S SEAFOOD SECTOR BRACES FOR U.S. TARIFFS NEXT WEEK

Yahoo Finance (2025-03-31)

“People are nervous,” he said in an interview Friday.


COLOMBIA CENTRAL BANK BOARD LIKELY TO RESUME CUTS AS NEW MEMBERS DEBUT

Yahoo Finance - Nelson Bacanegra (2025-03-31)

Monday will mark the first interest rate votes by Laura Moisa-Elicabide and Cesar Giraldo, who were recently named to the seven-member board by President Gustavo Petro, and by new finance minister German Avila, who told journalists on Thursday he would opt for a rate cut.


GOLD RISES ABOVE $3,100 FOR FIRST TIME AS US LEVIES BOOST HAVENS

Yahoo Finance (2025-03-31)

Bullion gained as much as 0.9%


GOLDMAN SEES MORE RATE CUTS FROM FED AND ECB AS TARIFFS HURT GROWTH OUTLOOK

Yahoo Finance - Joel Jose and Siddarth S (2025-03-31)

The Wall Street brokerage increased its 12-month recession probability for the world's largest economy to 35% from 20% and lowered the region's 2025 GDP growth forecast to 1.5%


CANADIAN STUDY PERMIT APPLICATIONS PLUMMET MORE THAN PLANNED

Better Dwelling (2025-03-31)

However, there’s a little more to this reduction.


ONEDIGITAL IN TALKS WITH ‘UP TO 50’ CANADIAN FIRMS

Investment Executive - Kevin Press (2025-03-31)

OneDigital targets mass affluent clients primarily, but not exclusively.


ATB FINANCIAL PARTNERS WITH U OF A ON LEADERSHIP CERTIFICATION

IE (2025-03-31)

The program focuses on leading people, effectively using resources to lead in business and identifying and responding to change, said Tara Lockyer, chief people and communications officer with ATB, in an interview.


DOW FUTURES, GLOBAL MARKETS DROP ON TARIFF CONCERNS

WSJ (2025-03-31)

“You’d start with all countries,” Trump said on Air Force One late Sunday—though he said the tariffs would be more generous than trade partners had been to the U.S. The


CHINA’S BIG STATE BANKS TO GET $71.6 BILLION CAPITAL INJECTION

WSJ (2025-03-31)

Four of China’s largest banks are planning to raise up to $71.6


LARRY FINK WARNS ‘PROTECTIONISM HAS RETURNED WITH FORCE’

FT - Eric Platt (2025-03-31)

BlackRock chief executive Larry Fink told shareholders in the world’s largest asset manager that “protectionism has returned with force”, days before US President Donald Trump is set to escalate a tariffs war with America’s trading partners. Fink,


CAR FINANCE CASE COULD SPARK BILLIONS IN DRIVER PAYOUTS

BBC - Kevin Peachey (2025-03-31)

In other words, customers should be told clearly how much commission would be paid - and agree to it - without those details being buried in the terms and conditions of the loan.


CARNEY SAYS CANADA CANNOT RELY ON U.S. ANY LONGER, MUST ACHIEVE ‘ECONOMIC AUTONOMY’

G&M - Steven chase, Laura Stone (2025-03-28)

Prime Minister Mark Carney vowed to retaliate against Donald Trump’s new tariffs on foreign-made autos but warned that Canada must start fundamentally reshaping its economy to reduce dependence on the United States and create “strategic economic autonomy in this country.” He


AUDIT INDUSTRY REGULATOR TO BEGIN IDENTIFYING ACCOUNTING FIRMS IN ITS ANNUAL REVIEWS

G&M - David Milstead (2025-03-28)

The country’s top audit regulator is going to start naming names. Until


SAGICOR FINANCIAL IS BASED IN BARBADOS, TRADES IN TORONTO AND IS GROWING FAST

G&M - John Daly (2025-03-28)

“I think we have tremendous value,” he says.


'WORST IS OVER' FOR THE CANADIAN DOLLAR, SAYS DESJARDINS

Yahoo Finance - Jeff Lagerquist (2025-03-28)

However, Desjardins economists say the loonie’s recent thrashing may be over.


POILIEVRE HOPES TFSA TOP-UP WILL HELP FIGHT TRUMP TARIFFS

BNN - Mike Le Couteur (2025-03-28)

Julian says only a small number of Canadians actually contribute to the limit of their TFSA’s.


U.S. FED BACKSTOP FEARS COULD THREATEN U.S. DOLLAR, DEUTSCHE BANK SAYS

BNN (2025-03-28)

Should the Fed choose to withhold liquidity support in times of immediate stress — or attempt to leverage the facility as a quid pro quo for other U.S.


GOLDMAN INCREASES GOLD FORECAST TO $3,300 AN OUNCE BY YEAR-END

BNN (2025-03-28)

The new $3,300 an ounce forecast reflects a pick up in purchases through the November through to January period — with central banks scooping up about 190 tons per month, the Goldman analysts said.


AMERICAN BANKER ON TRIAL SAYS INNOCENT VERDICT WILL HELP JAPAN

G&M - Takashi Nakamichi and Nao Sano (2025-03-28)

An American former executive of a large Japanese brokerage who has been criminally charged in Japan asked a court to rule him innocent, and said the outcome of his trial will have bearings on the country’s standing as an international financial hub. “Unfounded


CLAUDIA COHEN AND TARA PATEL

Bloomberg - SocGen Taps Macron’s Top Adviser to Head Investment Banking (2025-03-28)

Societe Generale SA named Alexis Kohler chairman of its investment bank, tapping French President Emmanuel Macron’s longstanding top adviser to oversee one of its key businesses. Kohler


CANADIAN JOB VACANCY RATE HITS THE LOWEST LEVEL IN OVER 7 YEARS

Better Dwelling (2025-03-28)

Those with a job are going to want to hang on tight because there are fewer companies hiring.


NEW PREMIUMS FOR LIFE INSURANCE HIT RECORD HIGH IN 2024, WHILE NUMBER OF POLICIES FELL

Investment Executive - Michelle Schriver (2025-03-28)

Total new annualized premiums of Canadian life insurance were $2.04


GOOD NIGHT TO A BIDEN OVERDRAFT RULE

WSJ (2025-03-28)

The Senate passed a resolution, 52-48, disapproving the CFPB overdraft rule.


TELUS PUTS STAKE IN TOWER NETWORK UP FOR SALE, HIRES TD BANKERS TO PITCH INVESTORS

G&M - Andrew Willis, Irene Galea (2025-03-27)

Telus Corp.


BMO TIGHTENS MORTGAGE RULES FOR SELF-EMPLOYED IN ‘TARIFF-IMPACTED’ STEEL AND ALUMINUM INDUSTRY

G&M - Shane Dingman (2025-03-27)

As of March 19, hundreds of thousands of self-employed Canadians working in the steel and aluminum space, along with nine other “tariff-impacted industries” that BMO believes could face a “turbulent economic landscape,” will find it tougher to secure attractive lending rates as a result of U.S.


RBC INVESTORS WEIGH GROWTH PLANS AS TRADE TENSIONS WITH U.S. WORSEN

G&M - Nivedita Balu (2025-03-27)

When Royal Bank of Canada RY-T -0.34%decrease


CANADA HOME PRICES LIKELY TO DROP IN 2025 AS TARIFF UNCERTAINTY PERSISTS: TD

G&M - John MacFarlane (2025-03-27)

“This reflects muted demand conditions in both markets and supply/demand balances that are heavily skewed in favour of buyers,” Sondhi wrote.


MONTREAL ARCHDIOCESE LAUNCHES REAL ESTATE ARM AIMED AT MAXIMIZING SOCIAL IMPACT

Yahoo Finance - Sidhartha Banerjee and Morgan Lowrie (2025-03-27)

The creation of the Roman Catholic Real Estate Corp.


US BANKS FINANCE THEIR OWN COMPETITION TO TUNE OF $1 TRILLION

Yahoo Finance - Yizhu Wang and Weihua Li (2025-03-27)

The phenomenon underscores the seismic shift taking hold in US finance, where less-regulated lenders have stepped into a void opened up after the financial crisis prompted banks to slow certain types of lending.


BANK OF CANADA SAYS IT WOULD HAVE LIKELY HELD RATE STEADY IF NOT FOR TARIFFS

Yahoo Finance - Craig Lord (2025-03-27)

But the council noted that tariff threats had already “sharply” weakened business and consumer confidence.


‘TARIFF FOR TARIFF’: DOUG FORD SAYS HE SUPPORTS RETALIATORY TARIFFS IN LIGHT OF TRUMP’S 25 PER CENT AUTO LEVY

BNN - Laura Sebben (2025-03-27)

“I’m in full support of preparing retaliatory tariffs,” Ford said at Queen’s Park Wednesday.


DEALMAKERS STARTED 2025 PREDICTING ONE OF THE BEST HAULS IN A DECADE. IT WASN’T LONG BEFORE THEY HAD TO DELIVER A STARK REALITY CHECK.

Bloomberg - Michelle F Davis, Aaron Kirchfeld, Bailey Lipschultz, and Yiqin Shen (2025-03-27)

Dealmakers started 2025 predicting one of the best hauls in a decade.


CAR REPOSSESSIONS SURGED LAST YEAR TO HIGHEST LEVEL SINCE 2009

Bloomberg - Claire Ballentine (2025-03-27)

Car repossessions surged last year to the most since 2009, a sign that mounting consumer stress is reverberating through the US economy. In


CANADIAN UNEMPLOYMENT TO RISE 190K PEOPLE WITHIN MONTHS: NBF

Better Dwelling (2025-03-27)

Less spending means lower revenues for businesses, which in turn will result in cutbacks.


SECURITIZATION MARKET FACES U.S. POLICY RISK

Investment Executive - James Langton (2025-03-27)

“Potential risks stem from macro-economic policies increasing pressure on U.S.


GLOBAL BANKS’ CAPITAL RISES, LIQUIDITY DIPS

Investment Executive (2025-03-27)

The group of global bank regulators reported that its latest assessment of international banking data (to June 30, 2024) revealed banks’ risk-based capital ratios rose last year, with the common equity tier 1 capital ratio climbing to 13.4%


SUN LIFE’S COMP FOR 2024-APPOINTED CANADA PRESIDENT, CFO

Investment Executive - Jonathan Got (2025-03-27)

Jessica Tan succeeded Jacques Goulet as president of Sun Life Canada in September 2024.


HOW WEALTHSIMPLE’S AI CHATBOT WORKS

Investment Executive - Jonathan Got (2025-03-27)

Wealthsimple is exploring using AI to respond to customer emails, but Talasila isn’t comfortable with the technology’s quality yet.


CIBC SIGNS FEDERAL GOVERNMENT’S VOLUNTARY CODE OF CONDUCT FOR GENERATIVE AI

G&M (2025-03-26)

It says it is the first major Canadian bank to sign the code. CIBC


CHINA FLOODS THE WORLD WITH AI MODELS AFTER DEEPSEEK SUCCESS

Yahoo Finance - Saritha Rai and Yazhou Sun (2025-03-26)

Baidu Inc.


‘CANADA’S ETF MARKET IS AT A PIVOTAL MOMENT’: J.P. MORGAN ASSET MANAGEMENT LISTS 2 ETFS ON THE TSX

BNN - Daniel Johnson (2025-03-26)

“Through JAVA and JGRO, investors can access opportunities across both growth and value segments with JAVA focusing on sectors like financial, health care and industrials and JGRO capitalizing on growth in sectors like tech, communication services and consumer discretionary,” Jay Rana, head of Canadian advisor business at J.P.


CARNEY RECRUITS EX-GOLDMAN BANKER HODGSON FOR POLITICAL RUN

Bloomberg (2025-03-26)

Mark Carney recruited Timothy Hodgson, a former Goldman Sachs banker who was an adviser to him at the Bank of Canada, to run for the Liberal Party in the country’s election. Hodgson


WALL STREET’S NEW MONEY IS SHAKING UP THE RANKS OF THE SUPERWEALTHY

Bloomberg - Tom Maloney and Benjamin Stupples (2025-03-26)

Twenty years ago, swaggering hedge fund managers, leveraged buyout kings and corporate raiders would have dominated any list of masters of the Wall Street universe.


CANADIAN CONSUMER CONFIDENCE PLUNGES TO A RECORD LOW

Better Dwelling (2025-03-26)

“Canadian consumers are feeling very downbeat these days.


MEXICO’S BANKS TO FACE PROFIT PRESSURE: FITCH

Investment Executive - James Langton (2025-03-26)

With Mexico’s economy coming under pressure from trade-driven stresses, the country’s big banks are facing rising credit risks and intensified pressure on earnings, says Fitch Ratings.


PURPOSE TO ACQUIRE STEADYHAND’S $1.3B IN ASSETS

Investment Executive - Michelle Schriver (2025-03-26)

The transaction, which is subject to regulatory and unitholder approval, will increase Purpose’s total assets to more than $30 billion, the release said, and will combine Steadyhand’s personalized client service with Purpose’s technology platform and wealth management capabilities.


FISCAL POLICY TO EASE, REGARDLESS OF ELECTION RESULTS

Investment Executive - James Langton (2025-03-26)

Neither party is likely to campaign on promises of fiscal austerity and both are likely to pursue promises of middle-class income tax relief and increased military spending — which could amount to almost $50 billion, the report suggested.


7-ELEVEN PARENT SAYS COUCHE-TARD IS UNDERSTATING ANTITRUST RISKS OF POTENTIAL MERGER

G&M - Nicolas Van Praet (2025-03-25)

Japan’s Seven & i Holdings Inc.


PRIVATE EQUITY FIRM CLEARLAKE TO BUY DUN & BRADSTREET FOR US$4.1-BILLION IN CASH

G&M (2025-03-25)

Dun & Bradstreet DNB-N has agreed to be acquired by private-equity firm Clearlake Capital for $4.1-billion,


NEW BMO PORTER CREDIT CARDS REWARD CANADA’S FREQUENT FLIERS

G&M - Barry Choi (2025-03-25)

In addition to new partnerships with Air Transat and Alaska Airlines, announced last week, the changes mean VIPorter will likely leapfrog WestJet Rewards in the eyes of some frequent flyers.


FEW CANADIAN MANAGED FUNDS BEAT THE MARKET IN 2024. IS THE ACTIVE VS. PASSIVE DEBATE OVER?

Yahoo Finance (2025-03-25)

“Mathematically, [fund managers] would have been better at picking stocks out of a hat than making the active bets that they did in 2024," said Joseph Nelesen, S&P’s head of specialists of index investment strategy.


PBOC’S NEW LOAN PRICING MAY LEAD TO STEALTH RATE CUT FOR BANKS

Yahoo Finance (2025-03-25)

The change will allow banks to borrow from the PBOC at rates closer to those prevailing in the market, which have largely been lower than the MLF rate in recent years, according to analysts and a report by PBOC-backed outlet Financial News.


UK PLOWS £2 BILLION INTO GRANTS TO BUILD 18,000 NEW SOCIAL HOMES

Yahoo Finance - Alex Morales (2025-03-25)

Labour is seeking to deliver on one of its headline pledges from last year’s general election — to build 300,000 homes a year, including social homes — for the duration of the current Parliament.


X PLANS PURCHASE OF LAST US$1.2 BILLION BUYOUT DEBT HELD BY BANKS

BNN (2025-03-25)

The repurchase of the roughly US$1.2


PARIS AND LONDON’S WEALTH LOSS IS DUBAI’S GAIN

Bloomberg (2025-03-25)

Springtime is here in Paris.


BANK OF CANADA SQUANDERING ITS ABILITY TO RESPOND TO TRADE WAR: SCOTIABANK

Better Dwelling (2025-03-25)

Unsure what the heck the central bank is trying to do? You’re not alone.


GLOBAL CENTRAL BANKS ON HOLD: MOODY’S

Investment Executive - James Langton (2025-03-25)

“Central bank decisions… reflected careful calibration as policymakers navigate the fallout and heightened global uncertainty from U.S.


THE CLIMATE INDICATOR BANKS ARE FACING RISING PRESSURE TO REPORT

Investment Executive - Ian Bickis (2025-03-25)

When Canada’s big banks left the Net Zero Banking Alliance earlier this year, they assured they could push on reducing emissions without the help of the international climate coalition launched in 2021 by Mark Carney, now Canada’s prime minister.


THOUSANDS OF HUDSON’S BAY EMPLOYEES FACING LAYOFFS WITH COMPANY SET TO LIQUIDATE STORES

G&M - SUSAN KRASHINSKY ROBERTSON (2025-03-24)

“Everybody is worried.


CANADIAN ARM OF CHINA’S LARGEST BANK HAD PLANS TO SET UP PAYMENTS PROCESSOR TO COLLECT SPENDING DATA

G&M - Rita Trichur (2025-03-24)

The Canadian subsidiary of China’s largest bank spearheaded a project to establish a new payments processor that would collect financial information about Canadians of Chinese descent, as well as Chinese nationals and other consumers, according to a person familiar with the matter. Industrial


HE WAS APOLLO’S MR. FIX-IT. NOW HE’S TRUMP’S PICK TO POLICE WALL STREET

Bloomberg - Ava Benny-Morrison and Sridhar Natarajan (2025-03-24)

He Was Apollo’s Mr.


US BANKING RULE REFORM IS TOO IMPORTANT TO RUSH

Bloomberg - PAUL J. DAVIES (2025-03-24)

Banks’ businesses don’t change radically year to year so nor should their capital requirements.


INDUSTRY MOVES THIS WEEK

Investment Executive - Alisha Hiyate (2025-03-24)

CIBC, Infrastructure Bank, BMO, Manulife all made moves.


TRUMP’S HOUSING CHIEF EMBARKS ON SHAKE-UP AT MORTGAGE GIANTS FANNIE MAE AND FREDDIE MAC

WSJ - Gina Heeb (2025-03-24)

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent also last week suggested on a podcast that the administration could use Fannie and Freddie for a sovereign-wealth fund, though he didn’t elaborate on specifics.


SHE’S ACCUSED OF DUPING JPMORGAN. SOMEHOW, THE BANK IS FEELING THE HEAT.

WSJ - Alexander Saeedy (2025-03-24)

In a trial that began Feb.


WSJ MARKETTALK

WSJ (2025-03-24)

Canada and a consortium including Quebec-based pension fund Caisse de Dépôt et Placement and AtkinsRéalis Group (formerly known as SNC-Lavalin) have signed a C$4 billion, six-year contract to develop a high-speed rail network in eastern Canada.


BANK OF CANADA UNVEILS NEW PLAYBOOK AS TRUMP’S TARIFF THREATS CREATE MAYHEM

G&M - MARK RENDELLE (2025-03-21)

In a speech in Calgary, Mr.


IS THE FINANCE INDUSTRY READY FOR WOMEN WITH WEALTH?

G&M - Nicole Edwards (2025-03-21)

The great wealth transfer, where an expected $4-trillion will move into the hands of women, is forecasted to be a reality by 2028.


SMALL BUSINESS OPTIMISM IN CANADA COLLAPSES TO 25-YEAR LOW

Yahoo Finance - Erik Hertzberg (2025-03-21)

Nearly 60% of respondents expect their business performance to be somewhat weaker or much weaker 12 months from now, a similar proportion to March 2020, when the shutdowns of the Covid-19 pandemic began.


DEUTSCHE BANK DECIDES AGAINST CALLING ONE OF ITS AT1S BONDS

Yahoo Finance - Estaban Duarte (2025-03-21)

The lender said it will not exercise a call option to redeem the $1.25


CENTRAL BANKERS MOVE SLOWLY THROUGH FOG OF TRUMP’S TRADE WARS

Yahoo Finance - Philip Aldrick, Jana Randow and Reade Pickert (2025-03-21)

“It is incredibly difficult to say where interest rates are going to move,” said European Central Bank Governing Council member Klaas Knot.


PM CARNEY TO CALL ELECTION ON SUNDAY WITH VOTE AS SOON AS APRIL 28: SOURCES

BNN - Stephanie Ha and Rachel Aiello (2025-03-21)

Asked by reporters on Thursday about the looming election call at an announcement in Edmonton, Carney would not answer directly but said “the first person who will know whether the recommendation to call an election, it will be the governor general, as for convention.”


HOUSEHOLD DEBT GROWTH SLOWS: STATCAN

Investment Executive - James Langton (2025-03-21)

On Thursday, the national statistical agency reported that total household debt rose by 0.3%


GROWING RISK OF A HARD LANDING FOR GLOBAL ECONOMY

Investment Executive - James Langton (2025-03-21)

The firm’s latest forecast sees real GDP growth of just 2.5%


U.S. HOME SALES ROSE IN FEBRUARY

Investment Executive - Alex Veiga (2025-03-21)

Existing home sales rose 4.2%


REAL ESTATE SECURED LENDING

OSFI (2025-03-20)

Risks in the Canadian housing and residential mortgage markets can impact financial stability.


CANADA POST LAUNCHES FINANCIAL ACCOUNTS THROUGH KOHO WITH FEW NO-FEE OPTIONS

G&M - Erica Alini (2025-03-20)

Canada Post has launched spending and savings accounts in a move that mirrors programs in other countries where postal services offer basic banking options to lower-income customers and underserved communities.


CREDIT CARDS ARE GREAT, BUT USING THEM SUPPORTS AMERICAN BIG FINANCE

G&M - Rob Carrick (2025-03-20)

Every time you make a purchase using a credit card, you support a U.S.


FED SEES 2 RATE CUTS IN 2025, PROJECTS HIGHER INFLATION AND LOWER ECONOMIC GROWTH

Yahoo Finance (2025-03-20)

Along with its policy announcement, the Fed released updated economic forecasts in its Summary of Economic Projections (SEP), including its "dot plot," which maps out policymakers' expectations for where interest rates could be headed in the future.


BLACKROCK BETS ON CONSUMER PUSH AS IT CHASES EUROPEAN SAVERS

Yahoo Finance - Iain Withers (2025-03-20)

BlackRock is betting on an expanded range of retail-focused products, including more exchange-traded funds, to attract a new generation of Europeans into investing, an executive said, as it tries to outcompete local rivals slowly gaining ground.


HOW TD BECAME AMERICA’S MOST CONVENIENT BANK FOR MONEY LAUNDERERS

Bloomberg (2025-03-20)

Rapid expansion made TD Bank a household name, but left it vulnerable to crooks.


RETAIL TRADERS TAKE ON HEDGE FUNDS IN EUROPE’S ANSWER TO ‘MEME STOCK’ MANIA

FT - Mari Novik and Jamie John, George Steer (2025-03-20)

A handful of European stocks have become a battleground for retail traders taking on hedge fund short sellers, in a campaign with echoes of the “meme stock” craze that gripped Wall Street during the Covid-19 pandemic. Companies


FUND BOSSES PILE INTO DEFENSE BETS ONCE DEEMED ‘LAUGHABLE’

Yahoo Finance - Lisa Pham and Frances Schwartzkopff (2025-03-19)

Since Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine and through the end of the fourth quarter of last year, the share of sustainable funds in Europe that devote at least 1% of their portfolios to aerospace and defense stocks has climbed by 37% for actively managed funds and 67% for passive products,


WORLD’S WORST CURRENCY FACES PAIN AS TANZANIAN IMPORTS BOOM

Yahoo Finance - Eric Ombok (2025-03-19)

The shilling has weakened 8.9%


BANCO SANTANDER TO CLOSE BRANCHES, REDUCE STAFF IN THE UK

Bloomberg - Macarena Munoz Montijano (2025-03-19)

Banco Santander SA will close some of its branches in the UK and cut jobs as it seeks to improve performance at the unit. Spain’s


CLOSE TO 5,000 ESG FUNDS IN EUROPE NOW HOLD OIL, GAS AND COAL

Bloomberg - Alastair Marsh (2025-03-19)

Almost 5,000 funds marketing themselves as ESG now hold stakes in companies in the fossil-fuel industry, according to a fresh study of the European market by a team of nonprofits. The


CANADIAN INFLATION IS ABOUT TO SMASH THROUGH THE BOC’S CEILING

Better Dwelling (2025-03-19)

It’s easy for the average household to appreciate that rate cuts were delivered to offset the trade war.


AUSSIE PENSION FUND HIT WITH GREENWASHING PENALTY

Investment Executive - James Langton (2025-03-19)

While its marketing materials promised that it excluded investments in oilsands, coal mining, gambling, and Russia, the fund allegedly violated those commitments in its direct and indirect portfolio holdings.


UP TO INVESTORS TO SUE BANKS IN PONZI CASE

Investment Executive (2025-03-19)

Indeed, PwC said that, while there is some precedent for legal action against financial institutions in these kinds of cases, “the results are mixed” — and the actions that have been successful have generally been brought by investors rather than by a receiver.


TRUMP RELEASES JFK ASSASSINATION FILES

WSJ - Joel Schectman, Jack Gillum and Brian Whitton (2025-03-19)

Trump had said last year on the campaign trail he would disclose those documents if elected, and on Monday said most of the 80,000 remaining pages would be released in full.


REVOLUT SEES U.K. BANKING LICENSE PAVING WAY FOR POTENTIAL IPO, EXPANSION

WSJ - Elena Vardon (2025-03-19)

Revolut’s bid to become a fully operational bank in the U.K.


POWELL CONTENDS WITH DOUBLE THREAT OF ECONOMIC CHAOS AND POLITICAL HOSTILITY

WSJ - Nick Timiraos (2025-03-19)

Not long ago, it looked like Jerome Powell’s final test as Federal Reserve chair would be to stick the soft landing.


AS DEBT CEILING LOOMS, THE FED CONSIDERS TWEAKING ITS PORTFOLIO RUNOFF

WSJ - Nick Timiraos (2025-03-19)

Federal Reserve officials on Wednesday are set to weigh an adjustment to their policy of shrinking their $6.8


THE FED’S WAIT-AND-SEE OUTLOOK OBSCURES A BIGGER STRATEGY SHIFT

WSJ - Nick Timiraos (2025-03-19)

Federal Reserve officials are set to hold interest rates steady at the end of their two-day meeting Wednesday.


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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.



QUESTRADE INCHES CLOSER TO WINNING CANADIAN BANKING LICENCE

G&M - James Bradshaw (2025-04-01)

Questrade Financial Group Inc.


FRANCE'S LE PEN SAYS COURT RULING IS 'POLITICAL' AND AIMED AT BLOCKING HER FROM 2027 ELECTION

Yahoo Finance (2025-04-01)

France's far-right leader Marine Le Pen said that the ruling barring her from seeking public office is 'political' and aims at preventing her from running for president in 2027.


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YOU'LL RARELY HEAR THE WORD "STAGFLATION" UTTERED BY CENTRAL BANKERS, FOR GOOD REASON

Most people signing their first mortgage today weren’t even a twinkle in their parents’ eyes when Canada last tangoed with stagflation back in the early ’80s. However, if Trump’s trade mayhem continues on its present course, first-time homebuyers could get a front-row seat to this economic rarity — before the year’s out. For those who didn’t major in economic jargon, stagflation is when the economy hits the brakes while prices hit the gas. It’s like economic quicksand, where the harder central bankers fight inflation, the deeper unemployment drags us down. Nearly nine per cent of Canadian jobs are in industries that depend on U.S. demand for our exports, says Statistics Canada. Soon after Trump’s tariff announcement next Wednesday, we’ll start getting more precise unemployment estimates from economists. If his tariff threats aren’t just bluster, it may be a grim reality check on job losses. Inflation-wise, it’s often said that tariffs are a one-time price adjustment and not persistently high price increases. But the dangers are the ripple effects and central bankers reacting to them too late. If we all start believing inflation has legs, that ‘one-time’ impact could become a two- to four-year inflation-fighting marathon. And it doesn’t take years of inflation to send mortgage rates skyward. The last inflation bout lasted just 33 months, but that was enough to catapult average mortgage rates over 400 basis points. To put that into context, the 2021 to 2023 spike boosted payments on a standard $300,000 mortgage by over 50 per cent ($600-plus per month). It increased interest costs by roughly $57,000 for new five-year fixed mortgage terms. The bond market, which leads mortgage rates, anticipates the future with yields moving several weeks or months before Bank of Canada rate changes. Lenders then price in heightened credit risk and mortgage funding illiquidity. That often leads to steep reductions in mortgage discounts — especially on variable mortgages. Currently, one-year inflation expectations are soaring, as consumers brace for tariffs to drive prices higher. If those same surveys start showing soaring inflation expectations more than just one year out, and core inflation readings keep coming in hot, the Bank of Canada will have to hint at rate hikes to keep inflation expectations in check. Failing that, a swift policy reversal with increased rates might be on order. For now, the central bank might just kick back and play the wallflower, watching how the drama unfolds. After the 2021-’22 fiasco, however, where it waited too long to hike rates, it can’t afford to let inflation expectations de-anchor. If it does, those expectations could turn into prophecy faster than you can say “self-inflicted wound.” That’s largely why markets are pricing in only a one in three shot of a rate cut at the Bank of Canada’s next April 16 meeting. Meanwhile, if next week’s tariffs are as bad as some fear (and they may be, given that Trump just imposed so-called “permanent” 25 per cent automobile tariffs), our government will come to the rescue. It’ll inject the economy with billions in fiscal assistance. And if you’re semi-risk averse but still determined to go variable, be prepared to change course by locking into a fixed if: (a) inflation becomes a more significant threat, and (b) Canada’s five-year government bond yield rockets above 3.40 per cent.


CHARLIE JAVICE GUILTY OF DEFRAUDING JPMORGAN INTO BUYING COLLEGE AID STARTUP

Entrepreneur Charlie Javice was convicted on Friday of defrauding JPMorgan Chase (JPM.N), opens new tab into buying her college financial aid startup Frank for $175 million in July 2021. Javice and co-defendant Olivier Amar, who was Frank's chief growth officer, were each convicted on all four counts they faced: securities fraud, wire fraud, bank fraud and conspiracy. Javice showed no emotion as the verdict was read. The judge scheduled Amar's sentencing for July 23 and Javice's for August 26. They each could face decades in prison, though Hellerstein has broad discretion in determining their punishment. "While Javice and Amar may have thought that they could lie and cheat their way to a huge payday, their lies caught up with them," Acting Manhattan U.S. Attorney Matthew Podolsky, whose office brought the charges, said in a statement. In court after the verdict, Amar's lawyer, Sean Buckley, said, "He intends to continue to fight these charges." In her opening statement, prosecutor Rushmi Bhaskaran said Amar bought "sham lists" of student data from third parties, which he and Javice could pass off as customers to JPMorgan. Javice's lawyer Jose Baez told jurors that JPMorgan performed extensive due diligence and knew how many clients Frank had before completing the purchase, but complained due to "buyer's remorse." Baez said JPMorgan claimed it had been hoodwinked only when the bank wanted to get out of its contract with Frank because financial aid regulations changed, and that fraud was the only condition that allowed it to back out.


FDIC, CFTC RETRACT PAST CRYPTO GUIDANCE

“With today’s action, the FDIC is turning the page on the flawed approach of the past three years,” said Travis Hill, acting chairman of the FDIC, in a release.



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All amounts in millions of dollars