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Matthew Flynn

Technology Transaction Lawyer at Bennett Jones Toronto

Partner

Simon Grant

Banking & Finance Lawyer, Fintech Lawyer at Bennett Jones Toronto

Partner 

Kwang Lim

Corporate and Securities Lawyer at Bennett Jones Vancouver

Vancouver Managing Partner

Welcome to Bennett Jones' quarterly Fintech in Canada update, where our fintech lawyers address timely issues shaping the industry. In this Q2 2023 update, we look at considerations when considering the use of generative AI in a business and the SEC filing against Binance

Fintech in Canada Q2 2023 Navigating Industry Shifts and Legal Challenges

Fintech in Canada Q2 2023: Navigating Industry Shifts and Legal Challenges

In Bennett Jones' quarterly Fintech in Canada update, our fintech lawyers address timely issues shaping the industry. In this Q1 2023 update, we look at new and developing federal policies, what's new in the regulation of payment services, crypto-asset trading and stable coins, crypto crime, Canadian and global trends in M&A and corporate finance and the impact on fintech companies and investors.

Fintech in Canada Q1 2023 A Pivotal Moment

Fintech in Canada Q1 2023: A Pivotal Moment

Maureen M. Ward

Corporate and Commercial Litigation and Fraud Lawyer at Bennett Jones Toronto

Joseph N. Blinick

Commercial Litigation, Securities, Class Actions and Insolvency Lawyer at Bennett Jones Toronto

In June 2022, the Final Report of the Commission of Inquiry into Money Laundering in British Columbia was published. The report canvasses the nature and extent of money-laundering activities in British Columbia and examines multiple issues that have contributed to its precipitous rise.

The Cullen Commission Explores the Issue of Money Laundering Through Virtual Assets

Lincoln Caylor

Commercial Litigation and Fraud Lawyer at Bennett Jones Toronto

On June 15th, 2022, the Commission of Inquiry into Money Laundering in British Columbia (Commission or Cullen Commission) released its highly anticipated <a href="https://cullencommission.ca/files/reports/CullenCommission-FinalReport-Full.pdf">final report</a> (the Report) which comes after years of work and a review of extensive evidence, including testimony from nearly 200 witnesses. Led by B.C. Supreme Court Justice Austin Cullen, the Commission was established to inquire and report on the extent of money laundering in British Columbia, the role and effectiveness of regulatory authorities and barriers to law enforcement.

The Cullen Commission Releases Its Final Report Key Takeaways

The Cullen Commission Releases Its Final Report on Money Laundering in British Columbia—Key Takeaways

Serge Dupont

Senior Advisor at Bennett Jones Ottawa

Senior Advisor

The U.S. and global economies proved resilient in 2025. There were reasons, particularly around U.S. President Donald Trump&rsquo;s April 1 &ldquo;Liberation Day,&rdquo; to fear a global trade war or corrections in financial markets that would cause a recession in the United States and a sharp slowing of the global economy. In fact, while growth in the United States and most major economies slowed in 2025, other policy and market factors offset at least in part the early effect of disruptive policies by the U.S. administration. The United States&rsquo;s trading partners chose to avoid an all-out trade war, and most negotiated some form of accommodation with President Trump.

Economic Outlook 2026

Adapting to a New World: From Ambition to Investment

Ahmed Elmallah

Intellectual Property Lawyer at Bennett Jones Edmonton

Counsel, Patent Agent, Trademark Agent

Benjamin K. Reingold

Intellectual Property Litigation Lawyer at Bennett Jones Calgary

Stephen D. Burns

Technology Lawyer, Intellectual Property Lawyer at Bennett Jones Calgary

Partner, Trademark Agent

Stephen Thaler has appealed the Commissioner of Patents&rsquo; refusal to recognize his AI system, DABUS, as an inventor under the Patent Act. The case raises legal and practical questions as AI systems play a growing role in generating novel inventions. The outcome could influence how Canadian innovators protect AI-driven discoveries, particularly in pharmaceutical R&amp;D.

Appeal Filed Thaler Challenges Refusal to Recognize AI

Appeal Filed: Thaler Challenges Refusal to Recognize AI as an Inventor on a Patent—Implications Beyond Inventorship

Curtis A. Cusinato

Cross-border Mergers and Acquisitions and Capital Markets Lawyer at Bennett Jones Toronto

Vice Chair and Partner

Spencer Daniel

Lawyer at Bennett Jones Toronto

Associate

Nadia Plawiuk

In recent years, private equity investment in sports has surged globally, marking a transformative shift in the financial and operational landscape of professional athletics. The global sports market was valued at nearly US$516 billion in 2024, with forecasts projecting it will surpass US$893 billion by 2034. Major North American leagues, including the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL and MLS have responded to this momentum by easing ownership restrictions since 2020, allowing private equity firms to acquire minority stakes and fueling increased deal activity. In 2024, minority investments accounted for 48% of deal volume, reflecting a growing trend in passive investment structures. Today, over 74 North American sports teams are backed or affiliated with private equity, with many more viewing private equity as a strategic growth partner amid rising team valuations and evolving monetization models.

How Private Equity is Changing the Game for North American Sports and Beyond

David Wainer

Commercial Transactions Lawyer at Bennett Jones Calgary

This end-of-year overview examines the Federal Government&rsquo;s rapid expansion of AI-related funding in 2025, from large-scale investments in data centres and public compute infrastructure to programs supporting AI access, adoption and domestic research. It also explores the new commitments announced in Budget 2025 and signals key trends to watch in 2026 as Canada strengthens its AI ecosystem.

Canadas AI Efforts in 2025 A Year in Review

Canada's AI Efforts in 2025: A Year in Review

Laura Inglis

Commercial Litigation Lawyer at Bennett Jones Edmonton

Christine Plante

Civil Fraud Recovery, Employment and Shareholder Disputes Lawyer at Bennett Jones Calgary

David M. Price

Employment Services Lawyer at Bennett Jones Calgary

Effective January 1, 2026, Alberta will increase job-protected long-term illness and injury leave from 16 to 27 weeks. This update aligns Alberta with other leading Canadian jurisdictions that recently implemented similar extended leaves. Employers will need to revisit their workplace policies to ensure compliance with the new requirements. The blog explains the legislative amendments and their implications for employers.

Alberta Aligns with Other Provinces in Extending Long Term Illness and Injury Leave

Maureen Ward on Preservation of Legal Privilege in International Litigation

From the Same Authors