The BC Technology Industry Association (BCTIA) today announced a strategic collaboration with Central 1 Credit Union, Coast Capital, and FICANEX Services Limited Partnership to bolster its FinTech Program in British Columbia. This is an extension to the programming previously announced in partnership with PayPal to create Western Canada’s first Financial Technology (FinTech) Program.

“Vancouver’s FinTech cluster has grown to nearly 100 companies, and with global FinTech investments soaring to more than $12 billion in 2014, that presented a significant opportunity to connect BC-based FinTech companies with market leading partners in Canada and around the world,” said BCTIA President and CEO, Bill Tam.

Following the community consultation, the BCTIA developed a report highlighting that nearly one-third of BC’s FinTech companies are less than 5 years old. In light of this, the BCTIA FinTech program is designed to support growth-stage companies, and includes quarterly “FinTech Days”, Masterclass Workshops, Peer Learning, and Connection Days to foster relationships between tech companies, financial institutions, investors, and partners.

PayPal Canada will host the first BCTIA FinTech Day in June 2016. To learn more about the program, and to sign up for updates, visit the Fintech Program page.