FDATA in the News

Steve was featured in a Finextra article discussing the current state of open banking and Section 1033 in the U.S., emphasizing that while regulatory momentum has slowed, consumer-permissioned data access continues to evolve through commercial agreements and fintech innovation. He highlighted growing use cases around cash flow underwriting, the long-term importance of secure API-based data sharing, and the need for adaptable frameworks as agentic AI and new financial technologies reshape how consumers interact with their financial data.

Steve was featured on the Investing News Network podcast discussing Canada’s shift from open banking legislation to implementation. He highlighted the importance of clear standards, effective coordination, and the Bank of Canada’s central role, noting that strong execution can drive competition and strengthen consumer data rights, while missteps could slow progress.

Steve was quoted in Global News on the federal government’s proposal to establish a new Financial Crimes Agency (FCA). He emphasized that the rise in fraud and financial crime is not unique to Canada but part of a broader global trend, noting that the FCA represents Canada’s response to increasingly sophisticated scams and illicit activity. Steve also underscored the importance of coordination, warning that the agency’s success will depend on how effectively it works alongside existing authorities to address financial crimes without duplicating current responsibilities.

Steve was quoted in The Logic on the federal government’s proposal to establish a new Financial Crimes Agency (FCA). He noted that the agency could serve as an important tool to protect Canadians, but cautioned that its effectiveness will depend on avoiding overlap with existing regulators. Steve emphasized that the FCA should function as a coordination and intelligence hub, rather than a parallel enforcement body that duplicates or conflicts with current supervisory frameworks.

Steve was featured on the At the Forefront: Fintech Conversations podcast with Head of Content Sam Belden to discuss the foundations of open finance and the policy landscape shaping its future. The conversation highlights why consumer-permissioned data access is central to modern financial services and explores the importance of clear regulatory frameworks, strong consent and security standards, and the growing influence of AI as the U.S. moves toward a more open, consumer-driven financial ecosystem.

Steve was interviewed by Finopotamus' John San Filippo following his panel discussion on the new rules of data sharing at Fintech Meetup. In the piece, Steve explains why the U.S. is falling behind on open banking, how “manufactured complexity” and data tolls hurt consumers and smaller FIs, and why a strong consumer data right is essential for competition and the future of agentic AI.

Steve was quoted in Fintech Futures discussing the key building blocks needed for Canada’s open banking framework to succeed. He emphasized that clear API standards and proportionate, tiered accreditation will be critical to ensuring the ecosystem supports innovation and competition rather than consolidating control among a small number of large players. Steve also noted that transitioning from screen scraping to secure API-based data sharing will improve security while giving consumers greater control over their financial data.

Steve was featured on the Fintech Takes podcast alongside former CFPB official Dan Murphy to discuss how Canada has quietly leapfrogged the U.S. on open banking regulation. The conversation explores how Canada learned from global missteps—including U.S. litigation and implementation gaps—to build a more deliberate, comprehensive framework that could make it the most advanced open banking regime by 2026. Steve and Dan also unpack how market structure, liability design, and write access factor into Canada’s approach to open finance reform.

Steve was featured in FinTech Weekly for his op-ed on how open finance and Section 1033 can strengthen competition, expand financial inclusion, and support sustainable fintech growth in the U.S. He argues that enforceable consumer data rights are essential to lowering switching costs and shifting competition away from data control toward better prices, products, and services. The piece highlights Section 1033 as a generational opportunity to make consumer choice and competition work as intended in financial services.