Fintech Fridays

Craig Asano
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Fintech Fridays gets inside the companies, deals and decisions driving financial innovation. Produced by NCFA Canada, the podcast brings founders, investors and financial leaders together for candid conversations about what it really takes to build, fund and scale fintech companies. Episodes explore the breakthroughs, setbacks, competitive pressures and defining choices behind the headlines. From payments and lending to digital assets, AI, open banking and capital markets, Fintech Fridays connects Canadi ncfa.substack.com

  1. 4d ago

    EP66: What It Takes To Build $1.5 Billion In Small Business Lending

    What does it take to build a lending business that has deployed nearly $1.5 billion to small businesses over 17 years? In this episode of NCFA Fintech Fridays, David Gens, Founder and CEO of Merchant Growth, shares how he built one of Canada's leading alternative small business lenders from the ground up. We explore why many good businesses still struggle to access financing, how technology and AI are changing underwriting, what it takes to scale responsibly, and the lessons learned from serving more than 15,000 businesses. David also reflects on launching a fintech at just 22 years old, navigating changing economic cycles, building long term lending partnerships, and balancing innovation with disciplined risk management in an increasingly competitive lending market. Whether you're building a fintech, running a growing company, investing in financial innovation, or interested in the future of small business lending, this conversation delivers practical insights on entrepreneurship, lending, risk management, AI, and long term growth.

    EP66: What It Takes To Build $1.5 Billion In Small Business Lending

  2. Jun 19

    EP65: Personal Guarantees: The Most Expensive Autograph an Entrepreneur Can Sign

    Most entrepreneurs understand business risk. Fewer realize that signing a personal guarantee on a business loan can put their personal savings, investments, and even their home at risk. In Season 4, Episode 65 of Fintech Fridays, NCFA Founder and CEO Craig Asano speaks with Craig Arnatt, Founder and CEO of PGI Cover, about Personal Guarantee Insurance in Canada and one of the most overlooked risks in business financing. Craig explains what personal guarantees are, why lenders require them, how they affect founders, business owners, search fund acquirers, and M&A buyers, and what can happen when a business loan goes into default. The episode also explores Canada’s business succession wave, leveraged acquisition financing, AI assisted underwriting, embedded insurance, fintech partnerships, and how PGI Cover is building a new category of protection for entrepreneurs. Whether you are raising capital, buying a business, advising clients, or lending to entrepreneurs, this episode offers a practical look at a risk often buried inside loan agreements but capable of creating serious personal financial consequences when things go wrong.

    EP65: Personal Guarantees: The Most Expensive Autograph an Entrepreneur Can Sign

  3. Apr 24

    EP64: House Rich Cash Poor And The New Home Equity Playbook

    In this episode of Fintech Fridays, Craig Asano sits down with Shael Weinreb, Founder and CEO of The Home Equity Partners, to unpack a financing gap that hits many Canadian homeowners hard. Shael explains how HEQ’s Home Equity Sharing Agreement (HESA) gives homeowners another way to access equity without taking on a traditional loan, monthly interest payments, or the pressure that comes with a refinancing decision. He also shares the personal story that sparked the business after his father, despite holding substantial home equity, could not access the funds he needed through a bank. The conversation goes beyond product basics. Shael breaks down how the HESA model works in practice, where it may fit better than a HELOC or reverse mortgage, and why education remains one of the biggest challenges when introducing a new financial category to the market. He also talks candidly about founder pressure, resistance to innovation, and why he believes Canadians need more choice as rigid lending practices leave too many homeowners stuck between valuable assets and weak cash flow. Enjoy!! Duration:  53 mins

    EP64: House Rich Cash Poor And The New Home Equity Playbook

  4. 10/20/2024

    EP63: From Angel Investor to Change-Maker: Investing with Impact

    In this episode of Fintech Fridays, host Craig Asano sits down with Marcia Dawood, an influential angel investor, author, and advisor who serves on the SEC's Small Business Capital Formation Advisory Committee. Marcia shares her journey from her first angel investing meeting to becoming a key figure in the industry, supporting over 50 early-stage companies. The conversation dives into the differences between angel investing and venture capital, strategies for successful investments, and the evolving landscape of early-stage investing. Marcia also discusses her new book, Do Good While Doing Well, which guides readers through the balance of achieving financial returns while making a positive impact. Tune in to hear expert insights, the importance of fostering diverse investment ecosystems, and how new investors can start their journey with confidence. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ncfa.substack.com

    EP63: From Angel Investor to Change-Maker: Investing with Impact

  5. 04/05/2024

    EP62: The Future of Investment Crowdfunding: Innovations, Data, and Opportunities

    In this enlightening episode of Fintech Fridays, Season 4, Episode 62, Craig Asano, CEO of NCFA Canada, sits down with the distinguished Sherwood 'Woodie' Neiss, a pioneer in the investment crowdfunding industry and an advisor to NCFA. Together, they delve into the evolution of investment crowdfunding, its impact on startups and investors alike, and the potential for future growth. Woodie shares his journey, from the inception of crowdfunding regulations to leading the charge with data-driven insights and AI technology in investment strategies. Listeners will gain an insider's perspective on the latest developments, the significance of data in shaping the industry, and the role of technology in advancing investment opportunities. Whether you're an investor, entrepreneur, or fintech enthusiast, this episode offers a comprehensive look into the dynamic world of investment crowdfunding, revealing how it's reshaping the landscape of finance and opening new doors for innovation and growth. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ncfa.substack.com

    EP62: The Future of Investment Crowdfunding: Innovations, Data, and Opportunities

  6. 01/26/2024

    EP61: Making Markets And Investing In Crypto With The Phoenix App

    In this enlightening episode 61 of Fintech Fridays, NCFA Founder, Craig Asano, sits down with Kay Khemani, an investment professional based in London, UK, the Co-Founder of the Phoenix App, and Managing Director of Hatchworks. Kay shares his journey from high finance at Goldman Sachs to the forefront of fintech innovation. Explore the revolutionary Phoenix app, a platform that simplifies market making in the crypto world, allowing users to become liquidity providers and earn from transaction fees, all simplified through smart contract technology. Learn about the risks and rewards of DeFi, the impact of ETFs on crypto markets, and gather essential insights for both new and seasoned investors. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ncfa.substack.com

    EP61: Making Markets And Investing In Crypto With The Phoenix App

  7. 12/08/2023

    EP60: Revolutionizing Small Business Lending and Empowering Entrepreneurs

    In this insightful episode of "Fintech Fridays," we dive into the evolving landscape of small business financing with David Souaid, the Chief Revenue Officer of OnDeck Canada. David brings over two decades of experience in the fintech industry and shares his journey from co-founding Evolocity Financial Group to its merger with OnDeck Canada, illustrating his role in transforming small business lending. The discussion delves into the challenges and innovations in the industry, highlighting OnDeck's customer-centric approach, technological advancements, and future trends. David's insights reveal how OnDeck Canada is not just financing businesses but also empowering them to thrive in a dynamic economic environment. This episode provides a valuable perspective on the transformative world of fintech, especially in the realm of small business lending, and is a must-listen for entrepreneurs and industry enthusiasts seeking to understand the future of financial services. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ncfa.substack.com

    EP60: Revolutionizing Small Business Lending and Empowering Entrepreneurs

  8. 05/05/2023

    EP59: Master Entrepreneurship with YEDI!

    On this week's episode of the Fintech Friday Podcast, our host Manseeb Khan sits down with Maria Konikov, Director of Operations at York Entrepreneurship Development Institute (YEDI). They talk about why education is crucial for entrepreneurs, how YETI offers tuition-free programs for Canadians, and what makes their diploma so special? Could it be because they have diploma program allows entrepreneurs to apply their learnings directly to their business and is taught by experienced professors who are also successful entrepreneurs? Enjoy!! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ncfa.substack.com

    EP59: Master Entrepreneurship with YEDI!
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About

Fintech Fridays gets inside the companies, deals and decisions driving financial innovation. Produced by NCFA Canada, the podcast brings founders, investors and financial leaders together for candid conversations about what it really takes to build, fund and scale fintech companies. Episodes explore the breakthroughs, setbacks, competitive pressures and defining choices behind the headlines. From payments and lending to digital assets, AI, open banking and capital markets, Fintech Fridays connects Canadi ncfa.substack.com

Information

  • Creator
    Craig Asano
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    66
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Craig Asano
  • Show Website
    Fintech Fridays