FDATA in the News

Steve joined the Fintech Newscast podcast to discuss the future of consumer-permissioned financial data rights, including the evolving status of Section 1033 in the United States and Canada's progress toward implementing open finance. He underscored the importance of ensuring consumers retain control over their financial data while advancing the transition toward secure, API-based data sharing. Steve also explored the opportunities and governance considerations associated with agentic AI in financial services, emphasizing the need for appropriate guardrails that foster innovation while protecting consumers.

Steve joined Open Banking Expo Unplugged host Ellie Duncan for a discussion on the evolving state of open banking in the United States and Canada. The conversation explored ongoing regulatory developments, the growing adoption of consumer-permissioned financial data tools, and the implications of policy uncertainty for consumers, fintechs, and financial institutions. Steve also shared his perspective on Canada’s transition to consumer-driven banking, key implementation challenges ahead, and how policymakers can support innovation while maintaining consumer protections. The episode concluded with a preview of FDATA’s 2026 Global Open Finance Summit in Toronto and a discussion of emerging issues shaping the future of open finance.

Steve joined the Investing News Network podcast to discuss Canada's transition from open banking legislation to implementation following the passage of Bill C-15. He emphasized the importance of adopting a proportional accreditation framework that supports innovation and broad participation, cautioning that overly restrictive models could lead to market concentration. Steve also highlighted the need for clear technical standards, enforceable timelines, and strong coordination among stakeholders to ensure Canada's consumer-driven banking framework delivers greater competition, enhanced consumer choice, and expanded access to financial services.

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.