10 Canadian Fintech Hubs to Discover in 2017

The Ontario Securities Commission's OSC LaunchPad engages with fintech startups, provides support in navigating the requirements, and strives to keep regulation in step with digital innovation.

Founded in 2013, the Bitcoin embassy is the first entrepreneurial hub in the world dedicated entirely to Bitcoin and cryptocurrency technologies. The embassy organizes many events and training sessions with the goal of bringing together participants of the cryptocurrency community with different backgrounds and expertise.

The Digital Finance Institute is a think tank which focuses on financial innovation, digital finance regulations, financial inclusion and women in financial technology. The institute was started by Christine Duhaime, a well known Femtech leader. She is consistently voted one of the Top 100 most influential personalities in Fintech.

As part of the prestigious MaRS Discovery District, the MaRS’ Finance & Commerce Cluster connects the financial services sector with local Fintech startups, offering services such as: funding, venture assistance, systems change and facilities leasing. In addition, the organization offers many paid events and workshops.

The FCP Fintech Studio was started by Ferst Capital Partners, a venture capital fund founded by Canadian Fintech veterans Dominique and Jay Ferst. The studio is a large open space which gives local Fintech entrepreneurs the opportunity to work alongside other Fintech companies and diverse teams of experienced entrepreneurs, designers, and engineers. FCP does not ask for equity nor charges rent to member companies. Furthermore, it is a great venue for Fintech-related events and workshops.

Finance Montréal, Quebec’s financial cluster, was created in 2010 by institutions in the financial services industry at the invitation of the Quebec Government. Finance Montréal brings together 23 Governor Members, 4 Partner Members, 14 Associate Members and close to 300 volunteer professionals. Its mission is to develop and promote Quebec’s financial services industry. The organization works to enhance Montreal's reputation as world-class financial hub and engages in international business development activities to attract foreign firms in Montréal by promoting various fiscal incentives including the IFC tax credit. Finance Montreal fosters cooperation among a vast range of institutions to stimulate the industry’s growth while raising awareness of the financial specializations found in Montreal.

Desjardins Lab by Desjardins, one of the largest financial cooperatives in the world, provides rapid prototyping and IT exploration services. It also makes a significant contribution to developing a culture of innovation by gathering like-minded individuals who wish to contribute to innovation, creating added value for Desjardins members, clients and communities.

FinFusion is a non-profit organization that helps develop, promote and support innovation in the finance and technology community in Montreal, in Quebec and in Canada. Acting as an open, central and independent hub for entrepreneurs, investors, businesses, governments, higher education and research centers, FinFusion aims to grow local Fintech ecosystems and connect them at the national and international levels through events and other initiatives.

Decentral is an innovation hub for disruptive and decentralized technologies. It offers consultancy and software development services and organizes community-driven events. Decentral is also the home of Decentral.tv: a 24-hour internet dashboard packed with curated news and information, interviews, feature programs, charts, and exchange tickers.

FormFintech is an organization with the aim of forming teams around deep tech to solve problems in the financial industry. FormFintech administers workshops, publishes articles and will soon organize "formathons" where one will be able to form teams around research and experts.