Financial technology, or Fintech, in Canada has traditionally trailed behind the U.S. by nearly a decade. Until recently, even basic processes like virtual onboarding were rare in Canada, where advisors and clients often dealt with stacks of paper for signatures and mailed-off documents. But a global pandemic has accelerated change, bringing digital solutions and smartphone-driven client experiences to the forefront.

In this episode of Global Thinking, Rob sits down with Oliver Yoon, Head of Harness Investment Management, to explore the rapidly evolving Canadian Fintech landscape. Together, they discuss Oliver's extensive experience in finance, Harness’s mission to empower advisors with independent investment solutions, and how technology is transforming client interactions. They also dive into the role of AI in financial services and the exciting future for advisors embracing innovation.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

01:07 Oliver Career in Finance

06:24 Understanding Harness and Its Role

09:56 The Importance of Independence in Canada

13:02 A Fintech Solution for Advisors

18:29 AI's Role in Financial Services

20:29 Future Opportunities for Harness

22:24 Competition and Unique Offerings

24:33 Personal Insights and Closing Remarks

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2024 is proving to be another year full of surprises. Investors have been bracing for recession as a waterfall of misleading signals have dominated headlines. While many braced for a looming recession, markets defied expectations with strong returns—leaving many sidelined in cash or GICs, missing out on the upside.

In this episode of the Global Thinking Podcast, Rob sits down with Forstrong’s CEO and CIO, Tyler Mordy, to unpack the themes from Tyler's latest article, 5 Questions Keeping Investors Up at Night. Together, they tackle the big questions shaping today’s investment landscape: Where are we in the economic cycle? Are geopolitical shocks here to stay? What impact could the U.S. election bring? Is China’s economic stimulus a real game-changer? And, finally, what does the future hold for the powerhouse MAG-7 tech stocks? Join us for a deep dive into these pressing topics and find out why keeping perspective—and staying invested—matters now more than ever.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

01:07 The Five Questions

02:36 Where are we in the Economic Cycle?

10:40 Are Geopolitical Shocks Becoming More Frequent?

17:06 What are the Implications of US Elections?

24:54 Are China's Economic Stimulus a Game Changer?

30:14 What is the Future of the MAG-7 Tech Stocks?

Disclosures: https://forstrong.com/disclosures/

Global Thinking Podcast Series - https://forstrong.com/podcast/

Global Thinking Insights - https://forstrong.com/insights/

Who is Forstrong Global - https://forstrong.com/who-we-are/

Ask Forstrong - https://forstrong.com/category/ask-forstrong/

Invest With Us - https://forstrong.com/invest-with-us/

Over the past year, China has grappled with escalating challenges—from a real estate meltdown to tech crackdowns and slowing growth—leading many investors to deem the country "un-investable." However, recent policy moves from Beijing, including significant interest rate cuts and liquidity injections, may point to a major inflection point ahead.

In this episode, Rob Duncan speaks with Forstrong’s Research Analyst, Shibo Gu, on the ground in Northern China. Together, they unpack the latest stimulus measures and their potential impact on investors eyeing opportunities in the world’s second-largest economy. Is this renewed optimism justified, or should caution still prevail?

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to China's Economic Landscape
03:28 Stimulus Measures and Their Implications
08:42 Investment Opportunities in the Wake of Stimulus
12:04 Market Outlook and Investor Sentiment
18:09 On-the-Ground Insights from China

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Forstrong Insights

Previous posts on visiting China.

Ask Forstrong: Postcard from China

Global Thinking: Postcard from China, Part 2