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   (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

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.

NEW MORTGAGE RULES ATTRACTING POTENTIAL BUYERS AFTER YEARS OF SLOW SALES, BROKERS AND REALTORS SAY

G&M - RACHELLE YOUNGLAI (2024-09-18)

The relaxation of Canada’s mortgage rules has the potential to be a game changer for the housing market, which has been mired in slow sales for about two years. Realtors

A BOLD NEW TOOL IS TARGETING MONEY LAUNDERING. BUT IT MAY BE VIOLATING CANADIANS’ BASIC RIGHTS

G&M - Alexandra Posadzki (2024-09-18)

First, authorities moved to seize a house on British Columbia’s Salt Spring Island, bought for $1-million cash by the former spouse of a man accused of having ties to a global pump-and-dump stock scheme. Next,

WHY DOES OTTAWA KEEP STOKING HOUSING DEMAND INSTEAD OF ADDRESSING SUPPLY?

G&M - DANIEL DORMAN AND PETER COPELAND (2024-09-18)

Daniel Dorman is the managing editor and director of operations at the Macdonald-Laurier Institute and a contributor to Young Voices. Peter

CANADA’S INFLATION RATE COOLS TO 2% IN AUGUST, HITTING BANK OF CANADA’S TARGET

G&M (2024-09-18)

Canada’s annual inflation rate cooled to 2 per cent in August, returning to the Bank of Canada’s 2-per-cent target for the first time since 2021. The

ODDS OF A JUMBO RATE CUT INCH UP, AS INFLATION REACHES LOWEST LEVEL SINCE FEBRUARY 2021

Yahoo Finance - Alicja Siekierska (2024-09-18)

The Bank of Canada's closely-watched measures of core inflation (CPI-median and CPI-trim) also eased in August.

EUROPEAN CITIES BRACE FOR PEAK OF FLOODS AS CLEANUP STARTS

Yahoo Finance - Marton Eder, Piotr Bujnicki, Kevin Whitelaw and Irina Vilcu (2024-09-18)

The floods have triggered emergency measures in Austria, the Czech Republic and Romania, after thousands of people were evacuated.

RECORD WAGERS ON FED CUTS AT RISK IF POWELL FAILS TO GO BIG

BNN - Edward Bolingbroke and Carter Johnson (2024-09-18)

Activity in October fed funds futures, which investors are using to bet on this week’s policy meeting, has jumped to the most extreme level of any such contract since the derivative’s inception in 1988, according to data compiled by Bloomberg.

BANK OF CANADA’S ROGERS SAYS INFLATION BATTLE ISN’T OVER YET

Bloomberg - Erik Hertzberg (2024-09-18)

The Bank of Canada’s second-in-command said policymakers still want to see more progress on core inflation measures, even with the primary measure of price pressures back to the central bank’s 2% target. Senior

JPMORGAN IN TALKS WITH APPLE TO TAKE OVER CREDIT CARD FROM GOLDMAN

Bloomberg - AnnaMaria Andriotis, Alexander Saeedy (2024-09-18)

Discussions started earlier this year and have advanced in recent weeks, but a deal could still be months away, according to people familiar with the matter.

THE FED ISN’T FIRST TO CUT RATES, BUT IT IS THE SIGNAL OTHER CENTRAL BANKS WANT

WSJ (2024-09-18)

The Federal Reserve’s expected rate cut Wednesday will sound the all-clear for overseas central banks that are also concerned about their domestic economic growth. Some

CI FINANCIAL ASKS RATING AGENCY TO STOP COVERING IT

Bloomberg - Rudy Mezzetta (2024-09-18)

In a release Wednesday, CI said that it had requested Morningstar DBRS drop its coverage over concerns with the agency’s ratings methodology, which relied on IFRS metrics as opposed to the firm’s adjusted results that CI said more “appropriately reflect the company’s underlying results and financial condition.”

EQB INC. ANNOUNCES CHANGES TO ITS BOARD OF DIRECTORS

EQB (2024-09-18)

Changes: Chair of its Governance and Nominating Committee, Yongah Kim, and have appointed current director, Vincenza (Vin) Sera, as Chair of the Board of Directors of EQB Inc.

OTTAWA TO EASE MORTGAGE RULES IN BID TO HELP BUYERS AFFORD PRICIER HOMES

G&M - RACHELLE YOUNGLAI (2024-09-17)

The changes, which take effect Dec.

U.S. INTEREST RATE FUTURES SEE HIGHER ODDS OF SUPER-SIZED FED MOVE

G&M (2024-09-17)

On Monday, Dudley reiterated his stance on the need for the Fed to do a big cut on Wednesday.

RBC NAMES NEW CFO, FINALIZING REPLACEMENT FOR NADINE AHN, WHO WAS TERMINATED

G&M - Tim Kiladze (2024-09-17)

A 22-year veteran of the bank, Ms.

ECONOMIC HIGHLIGHTS OVERVIEW

Yahoo Finance - Jordan Gowling (2024-09-17)

The economy is expected to be front and centre on Parliament Hill in the coming months as the minority Liberal government finds itself under pressure from both the left and right following the collapse of a support agreement with the NDP.

CENTRAL BANK DIGITAL CURRENCY MOMENTUM GROWING, STUDY SHOWS

Yahoo Finance - Marc Jones (2024-09-17)

The research by the U.S.-based

GERMAN INVESTOR CONFIDENCE PLUMMETS AFTER SPATE OF BAD NEWS

BNN - Alexander Weber (2024-09-17)

The prospects for Europe’s biggest economy have darkened after output surprisingly shrank in the second quarter amid a weak industrial performance.

HAS THE FED LEARNED ANY LESSONS?

WSJ (2024-09-17)

The Fed calculated that it could monetize an unprecedented peacetime government spending blowout without triggering inflation.

IGNORING RISK, INVESTORS STILL BUYING US JUNK DEBT WITH WEAK PROTECTIONS

Reuters - Shankar Ramakrishnan (2024-09-17)

The warning came against the backdrop of growing worries in credit markets after an increasing number of companies have used similar weaknesses to borrow more against the same assets, in a practice euphemistically called a liability management exercise. That

CANADIAN REAL ESTATE PRICES SLIP FURTHER ON WEAK DEMAND, RISING INVENTORY

Better Dwelling (2024-09-17)

Canadian real estate remains pudding-soft, despite expectations that rate cuts would firm the market.

FED RATE CUTS TO HIT BANKS’ INCOME: MOODY’S

Investment Executive - James Langton (2024-09-17)

“Initially, the rate cuts will be credit negative for most U.S.

AIR CANADA PILOTS TO RECEIVE RAISES OF NEARLY 42% IN FOUR-YEAR TENTATIVE AGREEMENT

G&M - Eric Atkins (2024-09-16)

Air Canada’s pilots would receive cumulative raises of almost 42 per cent in a four-year tentative agreement announced over the weekend, averting a strike or lockout that would have disrupted travel for hundreds of thousands of passengers and harmed the Canadian economy. The

CANACCORD ACQUIRES TEAM OF CIBC WEALTH ADVISERS WITH $1.4-BILLION OF CLIENT ASSETS

G&M - Andrew Willis (2024-09-16)

“This move highlights the growing momentum at Canaccord Genuity, where we continue to attract the industry’s most respected advisors,” said Matt Cicci, the company’s head of private wealth, in a press release late Friday. The

CANADIAN BANKS’ ‘RUTHLESS OLIGOPOLY’ IS NOT THE PROBLEM YOU THINK IT IS

G&M - Kevin Yin (2024-09-16)

chief executive Dave McKay argued last week that Canada’s banking sector is a “ruthless oligopoly” – not that lenders are ruthless to their customers but are “ruthlessly competitive” with each other. After

AIR CANADA'S AEROPLAN PROGRAM RANKED TOP IN NORTH AMERICA BY REWARDS SEARCH PLATFORM

G&M - Alicja Siekierska (2024-09-16)

Point.me

CANADA IS ON A PATH TO GET INFLATION UNDER CONTROL, STEPHEN POLOZ SAYS

BNN - Sydney Punchard (2024-09-16)

We have a lot of downward pressure built up in the system now, inflation down to 2.5

FLOOD DEATH TOLL RISES IN EUROPE WITH MORE HEAVY RAIN FORECAST

BNN (2024-09-16)

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk is holding an extraordinary cabinet meeting this morning, after flooding forced the evacuation of more than 3,000 people, with three fatalities reported by local media.

WORLD BRACES FOR FED EASING AMID 36-HOUR RATE ROLLERCOASTER

Bloomberg (2024-09-16)

The world economy’s tectonic plates will shift this week when a US easing cycle begins, just as officials from Europe to Asia set policy against a backdrop of brittle markets. A

THE SUAVE ITALIAN BANKER WHO WANTS TO BE THE JAMIE DIMON OF EUROPE

WSJ (2024-09-16)

Andrea Orcel made his name helping banks choose the moment to pounce on a rival.

AMERICANS ARE FALLING BEHIND ON THEIR BILLS. WALL STREET IS ALARMED.

WSJ - Angel Au-Yeung (2024-09-16)

On top of soaring prices for groceries and just about everything else, people have been dealing with higher interest rates on their credit cards.

HEDGE FUNDS SWITCH TO BUYING BANKS, INSURANCE AND TRADING FIRMS, SAYS GOLDMAN SACHS

Reuters - Nell Mackenzie (2024-09-16)

Banks, insurance and trading firms returned to favour as hedge funds last week snapped up these company stocks at the fastest pace since June 2023, a Goldman Sachs (GS.N),

WAITING FOR LOWER INTEREST RATES? WHY VARIABLE-RATE MORTGAGE BORROWERS MAY SEE DISAPPOINTING DISCOUNTS

G&M - Penelope Graham (2024-09-13)

Mortgage borrowers across Canada are likely feeling hopeful.

FED, READY, STEADY, CUT: WORLD MARKET THEMES FOR THE WEEK AHEAD

G&M (2024-09-13)

The Fed is tipped to conclude a two-day meeting on Wednesday with its first rate cut of this cycle.

RUSSIAN HACKERS HIT TAIWAN BOURSE, BANK IN SURPRISE ATTACK

Yahoo Finance - Betty Hou, Yian Lee (2024-09-13)

Two groups that go by the handles “NoName057” and “RipperSec” on Telegram swamped targeted websites with a so-called Distributed Denial of Service attack, which caused unstable connection issues for the platforms Thursday afternoon, the Ministry of Digital Affairs said Friday.

TRUMP ALLIES ARE WORKING ON PLANS TO PRIVATIZE FANNIE AND FREDDIE, WSJ REPORTS

Yahoo Finance (2024-09-13)

One path to privatization includes assessing bypassing congressional approval and instead proceeding through the Federal Housing Finance Agency, which oversees Fannie and Freddie, and the Treasury Department, the report said.

BANK OF CANADA TO START JUMBO RATE CUTS BY DECEMBER, CIBC SAYS

BNN - Erik Hertzberg and Jay Zhao-Murray (2024-09-13)

Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce says policymakers led by Governor Tiff Macklem will reduce the policy rate by 50 basis points at each meeting in December and January, according to new forecasts released Thursday.

FROM BAD TO WORSE: CANADA’S PRODUCTIVITY SLOWDOWN IS EVERYONE’S PROBLEM

TD - Beata Caranci, James Marple (2024-09-13)

So the fact that Canada’s performance has deteriorated so materially since the pandemic should be of grave concern to all Canadians, particularly younger generations.

CHINA LEVIES RECORD PENALTY ON PWC OVER EVERGRANDE FRAUD

Bloomberg (2024-09-13)

China suspended the operations of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP for six months and imposed a record fine over lapses in its auditing of China Evergrande Group. The

HOW CENTRAL BANKS WON THE BATTLE BUT LOST THE WAR

Bloomberg (2024-09-13)

As US inflation subsides and the Federal Reserve readies its first interest rate cut since the pandemic, central bankers must confront a new reality: in the fight against rising prices, they are no longer the only show in town. For

US 30-YEAR FIXED-RATE MORTGAGE FALLS TO 6.20%

Reuters (2024-09-13)

The average rate on the popular 30-year fixed-rate mortgage fell to 6.20%,

MASTERCARD BOLSTERS THREAT INTELLIGENCE CAPABILITIES WITH $2.65 BILLION DEAL FOR RECORDED FUTURE

Reuters - ARASU KANNAGI BASIL (2024-09-13)

Mastercard (MA.N),

US APPEALS COURT VOIDS $564 MILLION VERDICT AGAINST BANK OF MONTREAL IN PONZI CASE

Reuters - Jonathan Stempel (2024-09-13)

Bank of Montreal (BMO.TO),

EUROPEAN CENTRAL BANK CUTS RATES, AGAIN. NEXT UP: THE FED

Investment Executive - David McHugh (2024-09-13)

The bank’s rate-setting council lowered the deposit rate from 3.75%

THE MOMENT WHERE LOW MORTGAGE RATES AND LOW REAL ESTATE PRICES MEET IS COMING

G&M - SALMAAN FAROOQUI (2024-09-12)

The bank’s historic period of rate hikes over the past couple of years had the desired impact of slowing Canada’s housing market and pushing down real estate prices in some major markets.

WITH $2.8-BILLION IN PAYOUTS, CALGARY’S AUGUST HAILSTORM BECOMES CANADA’S SECOND MOST EXPENSIVE WEATHER EVENT

G&M - SALMAAN FAROOQUI (2024-09-12)

A storm that hit Calgary in August with egg-sized hail was the second most expensive severe-weather incident in history for the Canadian insurance industry, with an estimated $2.8-billion

TD BANK FINED $28-MILLION BY U.S. REGULATORS FOR SHARING INACCURATE DATA FOR CONSUMER REPORTS

G&M - Tim Kiladze (2024-09-12)

Toronto-Dominion Bank’s TD-T regulatory woes continue to pile up in the United States, with the lender paying US$28-million in penalties for sharing inaccurate information about its clients. The

SUN LIFE NAMES JESSICA TAN AS PRESIDENT OF DOMESTIC BUSINESS

G&M (2024-09-12)

Canadian insurer Sun Life SLF-T +0.27%increase

TWO QUEBEC REAL ESTATE BROKERS SUSPENDED FOR USING FAKE BIDS TO DRIVE UP PRICES DURING PANDEMIC

G&M - Maura Forrest (2024-09-12)

Girouard is a well-known broker who previously appeared on a Quebec reality show that follows top real-estate agents in the province.

IS A CENTRAL BANK DIGITAL CURRENCY REALLY SO LOONIE?

G&M (2024-09-12)

Conservative MP Ted Falk recently introduced Bill C-400, which aims to ensure continued access to cash across Canada and includes a provision that would prohibit the Bank of Canada from issuing a digital form of the dollar.

MARK CARNEY’S APPOINTMENT AS ECONOMIC ADVISER SHOWS JUSTIN TRUDEAU’S LACK OF FAITH IN KEY CABINET MINISTERS

G&M - Andrew Willis (2024-09-12)

When it comes to the economy, the federal Liberals are clearly out of ideas. What

MORE BANKING M&A DEALS EXPECTED—HOW TO PLAY THE FINANCIAL SECTOR

Yahoo Finance - Julie Hyman and Josh Lipton (2024-09-12)

“We absolutely are at an inflection point on M&A,” and “the question is how much happens now and how much happens in the next six months,” Marinac said, highlighting that “the stocks haven't yet discounted that positive news,” leaving an opportunity for investors.

BROOKFIELD TAKES POLITICAL HEAT OVER CARNEY’S TIES WITH TRUDEAU

BNN - Brian Platt (2024-09-12)

Poilievre alleged Carney was attempting to duck conflict-of-interest disclosures by developing policy for the political party, rather than taking a government position.

CHINA DETAINS INVESTMENT BANKERS, TAKES PASSPORTS IN CORRUPTION SWEEP

Bloomberg (2024-09-12)

State-owned brokers have made staff hand in travel documents.

SANTANDER’S BOTIN BETS ON US WITH RETAIL BANK AND DEAL ADVICE

Bloomberg (2024-09-12)

Chair of Spanish lender highlights ‘ambitious plans’ for US.

WALL STREET CURBS YOUNG BANKERS’ HOURS AFTER OVERWORK OUTCRY

WSJ - Alexander Saeedy (2024-09-12)

JPMorgan JPM 0.81%increase;

THE SHADOW DOLLAR THAT’S FUELING THE FINANCIAL UNDERWORLD

WSJ - Angus Berwick and Ben Foldy (2024-09-12)

Its name: tether.

BANK OF ENGLAND EYES GROWTH WITH LIGHTER BANK CAPITAL REFORMS FOR UK LENDERS

Reuters - Sinead Cruise (2024-09-12)

The Bank of England aims to roll out revised new rules on how much capital UK banks must set aside to cope with future crises, as it juggles efforts to shock-proof lenders while supporting growth and without hurting their global commercial interests. In

STANDARD CHARTERED CREATES NEW BANKING TEAM AS IT BIDS FOR BIG CROSS-BORDER DEALS

Reuters (2024-09-12)

Henrik Raber, will lead the new team which will combine the lender's mergers and acquisitions (M&A) advisory and global credit markets teams, the memo said.

BROOKFIELD ASSET MANAGEMENT CONSIDERS MOVING HEAD OFFICE TO U.S. TO QUALIFY FOR STOCK INDEXES

G&M - James Bradshaw (2024-09-11)

Brookfield Asset Management Ltd.

AFTER TWO TERRIBLE YEARS, REIT PRICES ARE SOARING ON THE TSX. IS THE RALLY SUSTAINABLE?

G&M - Tim Kiladze (2024-09-11)

Canadian REITs have long been sensitive to interest rates because they have large retail investor bases – and Canadians have an obsession with yield.

MARKETS ARE UNDERESTIMATING HOW MUCH THE BOC IS GOING TO CUT RATES: CIBC ECONOMIST BENJAMIN TAL

G&M - Jennifer Dowty (2024-09-11)

Things are basically moving as expected, but it seems that the Bank of Canada will cut to 3.75

RBC’S MCKAY SAYS CANADA IS ON ‘WRONG PATH’ AND NEEDS TAX REFORM

BNN - Derek Decloet (2024-09-11)

The RBC executive also said it’s important for Canadian policymakers and businesses to figure out “what the United States needs from us” and to be more responsive to its most important trading partner.

JPMORGAN LEADS BANKS IN DIMMING OUTLOOKS, SPOILING WIN ON RULES

Bloomberg - Hannah Levitt, Katanga Johnson, and Paige Smith (2024-09-11)

US banks scored a big break from regulators on new capital rules — only to ruin their own celebration with downbeat outlooks on lending. Fears

JPMORGAN PLANS TO REPORT CUSTOMERS WHO EXPLOITED TIKTOK ‘GLITCH’ TO AUTHORITIES

WSJ - Alexander Saeedy (2024-09-11)

Chase is investigating thousands of incidents of possible check fraud committed as part of a TikTok craze and plans to share the evidence it gathers with police departments around the country. Users

ITALY’S UNICREDIT TAKES 9% STAKE IN GERMANY’S COMMERZBANK

WSJ - Adrià Calatayud (2024-09-11)

The Italian bank—one of the biggest in the eurozone—said Wednesday it would engage with Commerzbank about value-creating opportunities and request authorization to potentially exceed a 9.9%

CITI CFO EXPECTS INVESTMENT BANKING FEES TO RISE 20% IN THIRD QUARTER

Reuters - Tatiana Bautzer and Manya Saini (2024-09-11)

Citigroup's (C.N),

GOLDMAN SACHS CEO SAYS TRADING REVENUE IS HEADING FOR A 10% SLIDE IN 3Q

Reuters (2024-09-11)

Goldman Sachs' (GS.N),

CANADA SAW THE SHARE OF HOUSEHOLDS STRUGGLING TO MAKE ENDS MEET JUMP 50%

Better Dwelling (2024-09-11)

Canadian inflation is slowing but households are most-likely facing harsher conditions.

GLOBAL TRADE IN A CHANGING WORLD

BOC - Tiff Macklem (2024-09-11)

Governor Tiff Macklem talks about how geopolitical, economic and social forces are changing global trade.

INSURANCE COMPANIES SEEK REFORMS TO ALLOW INSURANCE ADJUSTERS TO MORE EASILY WORK IN OTHER PROVINCES AFTER DISASTERS

G&M - Clare O'Hara (2024-09-10)

“We are entering truly unchartered waters, and patience will be needed as the property and casualty industry undertakes in earnest its efforts to help its home, auto and businesses customers recover,” the letter said. Currently

FIVE THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT A POTENTIAL WORK STOPPAGE AT AIR CANADA

Yahoo Finance (2024-09-10)

Passengers will receive refunds for cancelled flights, but customers won't be entitled to any additional compensation.

MARK CARNEY TO LEAD LIBERAL ECONOMIC TASK FORCE AHEAD OF NEXT ELECTION

Yahoo Finance (2024-09-10)

"As chair of the Leader’s Task Force on Economic Growth, Mark’s unique ideas and perspectives will play a vital role in shaping the next steps in our plan to continue to grow our economy and strengthen the middle class, and to urgently seize new opportunities for Canadian jobs and prosperity

BANK OF AMERICA BOOSTS US MINIMUM HOURLY WAGE TO $24

Yahoo Finance - Lananh Nguyen and Niket Nishant (2024-09-10)

The second-largest U.S.

EMERGING CURRENCIES WEAKEN FOR SECOND DAY AS STOCKS HALT SELLOFF

Yahoo Finance - Selcuk Gokoluk (2024-09-10)

Emerging-market currencies weakened for a second day as the US dollar held on to gains and US Treasury yields rose ahead of key data and rate decisions in the coming week.

HOW AMERICANS VOTED THEIR WAY INTO A HOUSING CRISIS

Bloomberg - Kriston Capps (2024-09-10)

In housing circles, Jerusalem Demsas has emerged as a critical voice for supply-side policy.

APPLE, GOOGLE LOSE MULTIBILLION DOLLAR COURT FIGHTS WITH EU

Bloomberg (2024-09-10)

Apple Inc.

PRIVATE EQUITY FIGHTS INSURANCE FOR $15 TRILLION RETIREMENT PRIZE

Bloomberg - Allison McNeely, Marion Halftermeyer, and Silla Brush (2024-09-10)

The swanky cabana by the rooftop pool at the Waldorf Astoria in Beverly Hills had been booked for the Milken Institute Global Conference by Nationwide Mutual Insurance Co.,

AUSTRALIA TO PHASE OUT AT1 BONDS FOR BANK CAPITAL AFTER CREDIT SUISSE WIPEOUT

Yahoo Finance - Finbarr Flynn and Amy Bainbridge (2024-09-10)

Australia’s big four banks each hold AT1 bonds equal to at least 1.5%

PAYPAL TEAMS UP WITH SHOPIFY IN CEO’S LATEST PARTNERSHIP DEAL

FP (2024-09-10)

As part of the agreement, PayPal’s wallet will also integrate with Shopify Payments, according to a statement Monday.

INSTRUCTIONS TO COMPLETE ICAAP DATA RETURN

OSFI (2024-09-10)

The ICAAP Data Return applies to all DTIs (note that this includes federally-regulated non-deposit-taking Trust and Loan Companies but excludes foreign bank branches).

WHY THE CANADA INFRASTRUCTURE BANK WON’T GO DOWN WITHOUT A FIGHT

G&M - Adam Radwanski (2024-09-09)

Hyped before its 2017 launch as a way to draw institutional and private investors into massive, transformational projects that would modernize Canada’s aging traditional infrastructure – a model that many countries have now adopted to make up for the inadequacy of public dollars alone – the CIB long proved unable

BANK OF CANADA SHOULDN'T WORRY ABOUT SHELTER INFLATION, SAYS BMO

Yahoo Finance - John MacFarlane (2024-09-09)

Changes to rent and mortgage costs are reflected in CPI data “very slowly,” Kavcic says, noting that the CPI figures “don’t pick up turning points in a timely fashion.”

CANADA’S UNEMPLOYMENT RATE APPROACHING ‘WORRYING LEVELS’

BNN - Jordan Fleguel (2024-09-09)

“The story really is that the job numbers aren’t keeping up with that soaring size of the labour force and it’s resulting in a weaker employment situation,” Brendon Bernard told BNN Bloomberg in a Friday interview.

NVIDIA’S $406 BILLION DROP THIS WEEK MAKES BITCOIN LOOK CALM

BNN - Bailey Lipschultz and Carmen Reinicke (2024-09-09)

Nvidia shares have swung between $90.69

MONTREAL HOME SALES, PRICES RISE IN AUGUST

BNN (2024-09-09)

The Quebec Professional Association of Real Estate Brokers says Montreal-area home sales rose 9.3

ECB’S ECONOMIC HOPES AT RISK AS CONSUMERS PUT SPENDING ON ICE

Bloomberg - Alexander Weber and Marilen Martin (2024-09-09)

Euro-zone consumers aren’t rushing to open their wallets — prompting some to ask whether the economic recovery they were supposed to spearhead will ever arrive. Growth

VERSABANK REPORTS THIRD QUARTER FISCAL 2024 RESULTS

VersaBank (2024-09-09)

Total revenue increased marginally year-over-year and decreased 5% sequentially to $25.1

US TO PROPOSE BASEL RULE REVISIONS THIS MONTH, BLOOMBERG REPORTS

Reuters (2024-09-09)

The new revised proposal would also reduce the market-risk requirement for the country's biggest lenders, which would not face as stringent requirements around mortgages or tax-equity exposures, the report said. Next

BUFFETT'S BERKSHIRE OFFLOADS BANK OF AMERICA SHARES AGAIN; TOTAL SALES NEAR $7 BLN

Reuters (2024-09-09)

The conglomerate, run by one of the world's most revered investors, disclosed late on Thursday it sold 18.7

FORMER RBC CFO FURTHER PUSHES BACK AGAINST FIRING IN LEGAL FILINGS

Investment Executive - Ian Bickis (2024-09-09)

Ahn categorically denies the allegations in the anonymous complaint, denies any knowledge of the poem, photobook or preserved coaster that the bank noted in its lawsuit, and maintains that the shared cocktails, nicknames and references of love were the actions of workplace friends.

CIBC MAKING CHANGES TO SENIOR EXECUTIVE RANKS

Investment Executive (2024-09-09)

The bank says Jon Hountalas, senior executive vice-president and group head of Canadian banking, is moving to the role of vice-chair, North American banking, covering retail, commercial banking and wealth management as part of the changes that are effective Nov.

AI EXUBERANCE MASKS BROAD WEAKNESS IN TECH SECTOR, SAY INVESTORS

FT (2024-09-09)

Enthusiasm about artificial intelligence masks weakness across most of the technology sector, with many companies “still in a recession” following a slowdown that started in 2022, according to investors and analysis of recent financial reports. Massive

EUROPEAN BANKS SET FOR SLOWEST MORTGAGE LENDING GROWTH IN A DECADE

FT (2024-09-09)

European banks are on course to record zero growth in mortgage lending this year because of high interest rates, but a recovery is expected from 2025. Borrowers

7-ELEVEN PARENT REJECTS ‘OPPORTUNISTICALLY TIMED’ AND ‘GROSSLY UNDERVALUED’ COUCHE-TARD TAKEOVER OFFER

BBC - João da Silva (2024-09-06)

If successful the buyout would be the largest ever foreign takeover of a Japanese firm and create a 100,000-strong global convenience store giant.

FORMER RBC CFO DISPUTES BANK’S CLAIMS SHE HAD IMPROPER RELATIONSHIP WITH COLLEAGUE

G&M - James Bradshaw (2024-09-06)

Former Royal Bank of Canada chief financial officer Nadine Ahn is doubling down on her claim that the bank wrongfully terminated her, asserting in a new court filing that she did not have a romantic relationship with a colleague and did not abuse her power to advance his career. Lawyers

COULD AGGRESSIVE RATE CUTS UNLEASH A HOUSEHOLD SAVINGS TSUNAMI?

G&M - Jason Kirby (2024-09-06)

Canada’s savings rate, which reflects net savings as a share of household disposable income, has risen steadily since mid-2022, reaching 7.2

CANADA NEEDS AN ACTION PLAN TO COMBAT FINANCIAL SCAMS AHEAD OF OPEN BANKING, REAL-TIME PAYMENTS

G&M - Rita Trichur (2024-09-06)

Perhaps you’ve received a phishing e-mail from a purported Nigerian prince promising a big payout from his frozen account in exchange for a small fee and your banking information.

US GOVERNMENT ORDERS BIG US AIRLINES TO EXPLAIN THEIR FREQUENT-FLYER PROGRAMS

Yahoo Finance - David Koenig (2024-09-06)

“But unlike a traditional savings account, these rewards are controlled by a company that can unilaterally change their value,” he said in a statement issued by the Transportation Department.

HOW RENT CONTROLS ARE DEEPENING THE DUTCH HOUSING CRISIS

Bloomberg - Cagan Koc and Sarah Jacob (2024-09-06)

Two years ago, Nine Moraal and her two children moved into a one-bedroom flat near the Dutch city of Utrecht, a comfortable spot close to family and friends.

VERSABANK REPORTS THIRD QUARTER FISCAL 2024 RESULTS: RESULTS CONTINUE TO DEMONSTRATE STRENGTH OF BUSINESS MODEL AS BANK ENTERS US MARKET

VersaBank - Press Release (2024-09-06)

Net income and earnings per share for the first nine-months of fiscal 2024 increased 15% and 17%, respectively, from the first nine months of fiscal 2023.

TORONTO REAL ESTATE SALES HAD THE WORST MONTH IN 24 YEARS, PRICES DROPPED $15K OVER 31 DAYS

Better Dwelling (2024-09-06)

Greater Toronto’s weakness is being driven by a total lack of demand at this price level.

RUSSIAN COURT FREEZES RAIFFEISEN SHARES IN LOCAL BANK, BLOCKING SALE

Reuters - Emma-Victoria Farr, John O'Donnell and Alexandra Schwarz-goerlich (2024-09-06)

A spokesperson for Raiffeisen said that the Russian court move ruled out a sale of the bank, although they said it would have no impact on the Russian bank's operations or on the efforts demanded by the European Central Bank to reduce it. "We

CANADA'S BIGGEST BANKS EYE ORGANIC GROWTH INSTEAD OF U.S. ACQUISITIONS

FP - Naimul Karim (2024-09-06)

“Getting bigger for the sake of bigger is not the objective,” Dave McKay, Royal Bank of Canada’s chief executive, said during a fireside chat at the annual Scotiabank Financials Summit on Wednesday.

CANOLA INDUSTRY COULD TAKE $1-BILLION HIT FROM CHINESE TRADE ACTIONS

FP - Amanda Stephenson (2024-09-06)

“While there is no certainty on when (or even if) China will levy tariffs, how meaningful they could be, and for how long they would remain in place, the tariffs could have a meaningful impact,” the report stated, warning both global canola trade flows and Canadian grain handling companies could

TIFF MACKLEM FORECASTS RENT DECREASES, BUT RISE IN HOME PRICES ARE POSSIBLE

G&M - RACHELLE YOUNGLAI (2024-09-05)

Average monthly rental rates have already started to decline for studio condos across the country.

ANALYST SAYS LAURENTIAN BANK SHOWING ‘NOTHING’ TO INDICATE A TURNAROUND WITH NEW CEO, STRATEGIC REVIEW

G&M - Andrew Willis (2024-09-05)

Ten months after naming a new CEO and launching a strategic review, Laurentian Bank of Canada LB-T shows few signs of turning around its peer-lagging financial performance. On

SOME BANKS RETHINKING STRATEGY ON HOME MORTGAGE COMPETITION

Yahoo Finance - Ian Bickis (2024-09-05)

Scotiabank chief executive Scott Thomson has made multi-product relationships a key focus of the new strategy at the bank, and that's playing out in its mortgage business.

THE FEDERAL RESERVE SHOULD REFRESH ITS MANDATE: FORMER PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE VIVEK RAMASWAMY

Yahoo Finance - Brian Sozzi (2024-09-05)

"I personally believe the right policy is dollar stability — make that the sole focus of the Fed's mandate.

THE DEAL IS DONE:’ NDP LEADER PULLS OUT OF SUPPLY AND CONFIDENCE DEAL WITH LIBERALS

BNN - Mickey Djuric and Laura Osman, (2024-09-05)

In addition to dental and pharmacare programs, the New Democrats also used their deal with the Liberals to push forward a ban on replacement workers during a strike or lockout at federally regulated workplaces.

BANK OF CANADA WARNS OF EXCESS SUPPLY, INFLATION MAY SLOW “TOO MUCH”

Better Dwelling (2024-09-05)

Market experts don’t share the BoC concerns of inflation accelerating anytime soon.

REGULATORS DIVIDED ON DIGITAL BANK RUNS

Investment Executive - James Langton (2024-09-05)

“Global bank regulators are discussing whether changes are warranted to liquidity regulation and supervision regimes, or to crisis management frameworks, in terms of the provision of liquidity and resolution tools,” it said.

HUNTER BIDEN OFFERS TO CHANGE NOT GUILTY PLEA IN TAX CASE

BBC - Regan Morris (2024-09-05)

"In each year in which he failed to pay his taxes, the defendant had sufficient funds available to him to pay some or all of his outstanding taxes when they were due," the indictment said.

MABLETHORPE PERMANENT BANKING HUB CONFIRMED

BBC (2024-09-05)

Community bankers will work on rotation, with NatWest on Mondays, Lloyds on Tuesdays, HSBC and Santander on Wednesdays, Halifax on Thursdays and Barclays on Fridays.

CIBC REVAMPS TOP EXECUTIVE TEAM AS SUCCESSION RACE TAKES SHAPE

G&M - James Bradshaw (2024-09-05)

Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce CM-T +1.28%increase

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.

NEW MORTGAGE RULES ATTRACTING POTENTIAL BUYERS AFTER YEARS OF SLOW SALES, BROKERS AND REALTORS SAY

G&M - RACHELLE YOUNGLAI (2024-09-18)

The relaxation of Canada’s mortgage rules has the potential to be a game changer for the housing market, which has been mired in slow sales for about two years. Realtors

A BOLD NEW TOOL IS TARGETING MONEY LAUNDERING. BUT IT MAY BE VIOLATING CANADIANS’ BASIC RIGHTS

G&M - Alexandra Posadzki (2024-09-18)

First, authorities moved to seize a house on British Columbia’s Salt Spring Island, bought for $1-million cash by the former spouse of a man accused of having ties to a global pump-and-dump stock scheme. Next,

WHY DOES OTTAWA KEEP STOKING HOUSING DEMAND INSTEAD OF ADDRESSING SUPPLY?

G&M - DANIEL DORMAN AND PETER COPELAND (2024-09-18)

Daniel Dorman is the managing editor and director of operations at the Macdonald-Laurier Institute and a contributor to Young Voices. Peter