Montréal should create a FinTech hub to accelerate ecosystem development, says a new report from EY

Four recommendations to consolidate Montréal's position as a location of choice for FinTechs in Canada

MONTREAL, Feb. 9, 2017 /CNW/ - Montréal has what it takes to grow its FinTech ecosystem and drive technological development in the sector, states the report, which features four recommendations to make the most of the potential. Above all, Montréal needs to create a hub of excellence to foster the development of young FinTechs. By concentrating development in a single entity, Montréal will consolidate its industry position in Canada and raise its profile as a FinTech magnet worldwide, states a new report from EY.

"Investment in FinTech has been growing steadily," notes Sébastien René, Partner, Québec IT Advisory Leader. "But the province is lagging because consumers are unaware that solutions exist. Making Montréal's FinTech ecosystem successful means creating an environment Québec's energetic, creative and innovative entrepreneurs can thrive in."

The report, Accelerating development in Montréal's FinTech ecosystem, offers four recommendations to foster FinTech growth and make Montréal a Canadian reference for innovation and new financial technologies:

1. Create a FinTech hub to develop Québec's FinTech ecosystem through a shared vision among stakeholders and support existing or development stage firms.
   
   
2. Implement a formal mentoring program for FinTech entrepreneurs supported by all Québec financial institutions
   
   
3. Work with regulatory authorities to implement a sandbox environment and experiment with new technologies
   
   
4. Develop a standardized university curriculum in several Québec universities promoting professional careers in tech and financial services

"Montréal is known for entrepreneurship and innovativeness," remarked Mario Albert, Chief Executive Officer of Finance Montréal. "The City is a fertile environment for young FinTech businesses to develop in, but we have to give them more support. And Québec's major financial institutions are eager to access innovative approaches for their transaction and IT systems. So we need to work together to make the most of Montréal's FinTech potential and create the jobs of the future in our local financial services sector."

While business culture, available talent and accessible capital favour Montréal's position, strong and sustained demand is critical for successful FinTech development.

The recently published EY FinTech Adoption Index confirms that while demand for FinTech solutions and services is still in its early stages in Canada, it has seen constant growth and is expected to triple over the next 12 months.

Read EY's full report here: Accelerating development in Montréal's FinTech ecosystem.

About EY

EY is a global leader in assurance, tax, transaction and advisory services. The insights and quality services we deliver help build trust and confidence in the capital markets and in economies the world over. We develop outstanding leaders who team to deliver on our promises to all of our stakeholders. In so doing, we play a critical role in building a better working world for our people, for our clients and for our communities.

For more information, please visit ey.com/ca. Follow us on Twitter @EYCanada

EY refers to the global organization, and may refer to one or more, of the member firms of Ernst & Young Global Limited, each of which is a separate legal entity. Ernst & Young Global Limited, a UK company limited by guarantee, does not provide services to clients. For more information about our organization, please visit ey.com/ca.

About Finance Montréal

Finance Montréal, Québec's financial cluster, was created in 2010 by institutions in the financial services industry at the invitation of the Québec Government. Finance Montréal brings together 23 Governor Members, 4 Partner Members, 14 Associate Members and close to 300 volunteer professionals. Its mission is to develop and promote Québec's financial services industry. The organization works to enhance Montréal's reputation as world-class financial hub and engages in international business development activities to attract foreign firms in Montréal by promoting various fiscal incentives including the IFC tax credit. Finance Montréal fosters cooperation among a vast range of institutions to stimulate the industry's growth while raising awareness of the financial specializations found in Montréal. To learn more about Finance Montréal, visit http://www.finance-montreal.com.

SOURCE EY (Ernst & Young)

For enquiries about EY Canada or our global organization, please contact a member of our national PR team: Sasha Anopina, [email protected], 416 943 2637; Camille Larivière, [email protected], 514 879 8021; Victoria McQueen, [email protected], 416 943 3141; For questions concerning Finance Montréal, please contact: Matthieu Cardinal, Vice President, Public Affairs and Strategic Partnerships, [email protected], 514 287-1540 ext. 227