A new non-profit community group, Finclusiv Edge, has launched in Halifax with a mission to foster conversations around financial technology and inclusion, drawing on the city's history as the founding place of three major Canadian banks.
Finclusiv Edge aims to leverage Halifax's banking heritage to position the city as a catalyst for discussion amongst fintech professionals, entrepreneurs, financial institutions, government stakeholders, educators, and students.
Halifax holds a notable role in Canada's financial history. The city's legacy as the founding home of national banks continues to influence its financial and technological landscape today, a heritage that Finclusiv Edge hopes to channel as it convenes diverse voices in the ecosystem.
The organisation was set up to address the societal impact of financial technology by providing an inclusive community space. This space is intended for members to connect, learn, and collaborate beyond commercial interests, focusing on the public good.
"Halifax isn't just participating in fintech's future - we're helping write it," said Carrie Forbes, Co-founder of Finclusiv Edge. "As the birthplace of major Canadian banks, our city has financial innovation in its DNA. Finclusiv Edge channels that legacy into building an inclusive community where the future of finance gets shaped by diverse voices and perspectives."
The non-profit's approach is underpinned by three key principles: building bridges across sectors, hosting conversations that matter, and nurturing an inclusive ecosystem.
In terms of building bridges, Finclusiv Edge works to create connections between diverse groups, including fintech companies, established banks, community leaders, academics, students, and public sector representatives.
Through various events such as roundtables and panel discussions, the organisation explores topics like financial inclusion and ethical artificial intelligence in finance. These discussions are designed to go beyond traditional networking, challenging existing assumptions about technology's impact on society.
Finclusiv Edge's programming also emphasises inclusivity, seeking to welcome newcomers, underrepresented voices, and students. Specific activities include educational workshops on financial literacy, innovation ethics, and technology accessibility. The group is particularly focused on providing mentorship opportunities that connect experienced professionals with emerging talent, especially individuals from underrepresented backgrounds.
The non-profit also brings together a range of stakeholders through policy roundtables on inclusive financial services and organises community events to promote cross-sector knowledge sharing. Research initiatives are another component, examining financial inclusion, the ethics of new technologies, and broader community impact.
According to Finclusiv Edge, participants in the network can expect to find meaningful connections with founders, fintech professionals, educators, and others involved in the ecosystem. The organisation seeks to offer a fresh perspective on the future of finance, encourage cross-sector collaboration, and foster a sense of belonging for its members.
"This is about more than business networking," explained Michele Poole, Co-founder. "We're building a community where people don't need all the answers - just a willingness to explore, share, and grow together."
Finclusiv Edge is a women-led initiative and emphasises partnership and collaboration with other groups that support fintech growth in Atlantic Canada. While partner organisations help companies grow on a global scale, Finclusiv Edge has chosen to focus on community and the wider societal aspects of fintech development.
The non-profit invites individuals interested in financial technology and inclusion to join its community through its website or participate in programming and future events. Its launch activities will include conversations around Halifax's banking heritage and fintech's future, in line with its mission to explore the intersection of tradition and modern technological change.