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August 13, 2025

Press Release: Halifax Fintech Community Finclusiv Edge Officially Launches

Press Release: Halifax Fintech Community Finclusiv Edge Officially Launches

Finclusiv Edge, a new community-driven non-profit organization, officially launches today to bring Halifax's unique position as the birthplace of three major Canadian banks into conversation with the future of financial technology. The organization creates space for fintech professionals, entrepreneurs, financial institutions, government stakeholders, educators, and students to explore how financial technology can work better for everyone.

Halifax as a Catalyst for Fintech Discussion

Halifax holds a distinctive place in Canadian financial history as the founding home of major banks that shaped the nation's financial landscape. Finclusiv Edge leverages this heritage to position Halifax as a catalyst for bold conversations about fintech's role in strengthening economies, nurturing talent, and ensuring innovation serves 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."

Building Community, Not Just Business

While Atlantic Canada's fintech sector has seen remarkable growth, Finclusiv Edge addresses a complementary need: creating inclusive community spaces where diverse voices can connect, learn, and collaborate on the societal impact of financial technology. The organization operates on three core principles: Building Bridges Across Sectors: Creating meaningful connections between fintechs, traditional financial institutions, community leaders, academics, students, and public sector changemakers. Hosting Conversations That Matter: From roundtables on financial inclusion to panel discussions exploring ethical AI in finance, events go beyond networking to challenge assumptions about technology's role in society. Nurturing an Inclusive Ecosystem: Welcoming newcomers, underrepresented voices, and students with programming designed for learning and community building.

Programming and Impact

Finclusiv Edge addresses critical needs around community building, diversity and inclusion, and ensuring technological advancement serves broader societal goals through:

  • Educational workshops on financial literacy, ethical innovation, and technology accessibility
  • Mentorship programs connecting experienced professionals with emerging talent, particularly underrepresented groups
  • Policy roundtables bringing together diverse stakeholders to discuss inclusive financial services
  • Community events designed for knowledge sharing across sectors
  • Research initiatives on financial inclusion, technology ethics, and community impact

What Community Members Can Expect

Whether you attend an event, join a conversation, or connect through the network, you can expect to leave with:

  • Real connections with founders, fintech professionals, educators, and ecosystem allies
  • Fresh perspective on the future of finance, inclusion, and innovation's role in society
  • Opportunities to collaborate across sectors and experience levels
  • A sense of belonging in a community that values purpose, inclusion, and shared growth

"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."

Partnership and Collaboration

As a women-led initiative, Finclusiv Edge works collaboratively with fintech ecosystem builders and partners to ensure the region's growth benefits all community members. While partner organizations excel at helping companies scale globally, Finclusiv Edge focuses on the community and societal dimensions of fintech development.

Join the Community

Community members interested in being part of Finclusiv Edge can:

  • Visit our website at www.finclusivedge.com to learn more and join our mailing list
  • Follow us on LinkedIn for updates on programming and opportunities
  • Attend our launch event scheduled for October 23, 2025 featuring discussions on "Halifax's Banking Heritage Meets Fintech's Future"
  • Connect directly to explore collaboration opportunities

About Finclusiv Edge

Finclusiv Edge is a Halifax-based non-profit organization that serves as a vibrant and interconnected fintech community cultivating cross-sector collaboration, encouraging knowledge exchange, and enabling partnerships. The organization sparks bold conversations about how fintech can drive positive change—strengthening economies, nurturing future talent, and ensuring financial technology works better for everyone, not just a few.

Media Contact:

Attn: Carrie Forbes Finclusiv EdgeEmail:info@finclusivedge.comWebsite:www.finclusivedge.com

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