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New Mastercard Research: Consumers in Canada worry about the impact of fraud on financial health

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Mastercard’s range of innovative fraud detection tools and solutions help protect and ensure payment security for consumers and businesses  

TORONTO, Feb. 24, 2025 /CNW/ – In a constantly evolving digital world, fraud threats seem to be coming from every direction, making it more challenging for Canadians to feel and remain secure. Launching ahead of Fraud Prevention Month in March, Mastercard’s new nationwide survey reveals that despite 89 per cent of Canadians recognizing the growing threat of financial fraud to individual and community prosperity, only seven per cent prioritize prevention. As a global leader in cyber and fraud detection, Mastercard is helping ensure the protection of each transaction using AI technology to assess and mitigate risk, while delivering trust in payments.  

“Our objective is to stay one step ahead of fraudsters to protect businesses and their consumers. Mastercard is revolutionizing the speed and precision of our anti-fraud solutions through the continued implementation of new technologies, including the evolution of Artificial Intelligence” says Amisha Parikh, Vice President, Security Solutions, Mastercard, Canada. “Our technology enhances our ability to foresee potential fraudulent attempts. This is part of our commitment to infuse trust into every interaction to help protect Canadians and their businesses.” 

Additional findings from the Mastercard research includes:

More than three quarters of Canadians (76%) are generally worried that fraud attempts could impact their financial health & well-being.65% of Canadians self-reported as being knowledgeable regarding financial fraud, and (16%) self-identified as being unknowledgeable.More than seven in ten (77%) Canadians believe that they can identify fraud, with only a small minority (3%) unable to consistently distinguish fraud.Over half of Canadians (53%) believe they have a shared responsibility with businesses and financial institutions to protect themselves.

Mastercard is at the forefront of combating financial fraud 

Although Canadians are alarmed about rising financial fraud, an overwhelming 90 per cent say they trust their credit card transactions to be secure. Across Mastercard’s global network and in Canada, Mastercard delivers on that trust through continuous innovation to help protect transactions from emerging digital threats.

By tapping into innovative technologies like biometric authentication, tokenization and contactless payments, Mastercard enhances security while ensuring convenience for both consumers and businesses, helping strike the perfect balance between robust fraud prevention and seamless, frictionless user experience. These solutions help confront the challenges within the sophisticated, ever-evolving payment fraud landscape.  

For example, Mastercard invests in Canadian innovation and developing solutions that help consumers and small businesses protect their financial data, including a $510M investment in its Global Intelligence and Cyber Centre of Excellence. Located in Vancouver, the Global Intelligence and Cyber Centre of Excellence taps into the country’s talented cyber and tech workforce and thriving technology ecosystem to help bring innovations to market even faster. In addition, the company has invested more than $10M in partnerships via the Global Intelligence and Cyber Centre of Excellence with academic institutions and non-profits nationwide to grow Canada’s highly skilled tech workforce and ensure Canada remains at the forefront of global innovation.

Building healthier and more prosperous local economies 

Small businesses represent a large majority of Canada’s economy, yet they are noticeably more vulnerable to the damaging effects of financial fraud, including loss of consumer trust. However, seventy per cent of Canadians say their trust in businesses is higher when they employ advanced security technologies, such as biometrics and passkeys. It is crucial that small businesses have access to fraud prevention tools, resources and technologies to protect their bottom line, consumer trust and the health of Canada’s local economies.

Mastercard is committed to helping Canadian small businesses to stay resilient and protected against rising cyber threats. The Mastercard Cybersecurity Assessment Tool is available for free and on demand through the Mastercard Trust Centre, which helps business owners understand their cybersecurity needs and options so they can focus on what matters the most – growing their business. 

“Mastercard believes small businesses are the backbone of Canada’s economy,” says Parikh. “We continually invest in new solutions and strategic partnerships to better equip small business owners and entrepreneurs with the tools to defend against fraud.”

Survey Methodology: A representative of N= 1,000 Canadians was issued the online survey between January 31 and February 10, 2025, balanced and weighted on age, gender and region. (Comparative margin of error = +/- 3.1%) 

Some of the stats provided have been calculated by combining the two positive response options (e.g., ‘Agree’ + ‘Strongly Agree’) or the two negative options (e.g., ‘Disagree’ + ‘Strongly Disagree’) to measure overall sentiment.

About Mastercard (NYSE: MA) 

Mastercard powers economies and empowers people in 200+ countries and territories worldwide. Together with our customers, we’re building a sustainable economy where everyone can prosper. We support a wide range of digital payments choices, making transactions secure, simple, smart and accessible. Our technology and innovation, partnerships and networks combine to deliver a unique set of products and services that help people, businesses and governments realize their greatest potential. 

SOURCE Mastercard

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LEAP Group Relaunches HumanView, a Growth Intelligence System Built to Explain Why Customers Behave the Way They Do

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October 24, 2026

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Reimagined from the ground up, HumanView pairs statistical modeling with expert analysts to turn millions of real-world customer signals into business decisions

LOUISVILLE, Ky., Oct. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — LEAP Group today announced the relaunch of HumanView, its growth intelligence service. The new version has been rebuilt from the ground up and now has a dedicated home at leapgroupnetwork.com/humanview.

HumanView analyzes what customers say and do across social platforms, e-commerce sites, review platforms, search behavior and user-generated content, including signals from Reddit, TikTok, YouTube, Meta, Amazon and Walmart+ that general AI tools cannot always access. Because the data reflects unprompted, real-world behavior, it avoids the response bias built into surveys and focus groups.

The service works in three layers. HumanView captures signals at scale, decodes millions of records through validated statistical models such as regression, correlation and clustering, and then relies on experienced analysts to interpret the patterns. Clients receive clear, human-validated insights instead of another dashboard.

“Machines find the patterns. Humans find the point,” said Alan Gilleo, CEO at LEAP Group. “The first version of HumanView showed us how much customers reveal when nobody is asking them questions. This version is built to explain why they act the way they do, and to put those answers in front of everyone making decisions, from product to service to marketing.”

HumanView focuses on three areas:

Growth Intelligence: customer motivations and how people perceive a brand and its competitors

Market and Category Intelligence: product pain points, service friction, unmet needs and competitive gaps

Audience Intelligence: new segments, positioning opportunities and gaps in the market

Every model is designed and validated by data scientists and benchmarked before it informs a recommendation.

To learn more about HumanView, visit leapgroupnetwork.com/humanview.

About LEAP Group
LEAP Group is a boutique marketing agency holding company with offices in Louisville, Indianapolis, Cincinnati and Chicago. Guided by the belief that brands should “Market Less. Matter More.,” LEAP gives clients access to specialized experts across its entire network. Learn more at leapgroupnetwork.com.

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SOURCE LEAP Group

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STEPHEN A. SMITH ADDRESSES WHITE HOUSE DINNER ATTENDANCE, REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO HBCUs AND PROTECTING CORPORATE INVESTMENT IN BLACK EDUCATION

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October 24, 2026

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NEW YORK, Oct. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Stephen A. Smith, media mogul, New York Times bestselling author, and proud 1991 graduate of Winston-Salem State University, is addressing the public discussion surrounding his decision to attend a White House dinner with President Donald Trump, emphasizing his commitment to the long-term financial stability of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

For Smith, the decision was rooted in a commitment to institutions that have educated generations of Black leaders, professionals, entrepreneurs, and public servants.

“I will always advocate for HBCUs and the students whose futures depend on them,” Smith said. “My reason for attending the White House dinner was to discuss the challenges these institutions face in securing long-term funding and to make the case that corporate America must continue to invest in them.”

Smith acknowledged federal support through the FUTURE Act while expressing concern that political tensions surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) could discourage private companies from supporting HBCUs. He maintains that these institutions deserve sustained corporate partnerships, philanthropic contributions, and public investment.

“If we truly believe in free-market capitalism, businesses should be able to support educational institutions and charitable causes without fear of criticism or repercussions,” Smith said. “HBCUs have made extraordinary contributions to this country. They deserve sustained public and private investment.”

Ashley Christopher, Esq., Founder and CEO of the HBCU Week Foundation, recognized Smith’s advocacy and decision to engage with the administration.

“Stephen A. Smith has been a powerful advocate for HBCUs, using his platform and influence to shine a national spotlight on our institutions,” expressed Christopher, “His continued support of HBCU Week helps advance our mission of connecting students with life-changing educational opportunities, and we are proud to have him as our ambassador.”

Since Smith became an HBCU Week Ambassador in 2019, the initiative has facilitated more than 15,000 on-the-spot college acceptances and raised and awarded more than $150 million in scholarships, according to the HBCU Week Foundation.

As public discussion continues, Smith is emphasizing the importance of ensuring HBCUs have the resources and partnerships needed to educate future generations and expand opportunities for students.

CLICK HERE to watch Smith’s full response to his White House visit.

MEDIA CONTACT:

media@mrsasinc.com

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/stephen-a-smith-addresses-white-house-dinner-attendance-reaffirms-commitment-to-hbcus-and-protecting-corporate-investment-in-black-education-302918547.html

SOURCE Straight Shooter Media

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Advantex Announces Completion of Financing and Extension of Maturity Date of Previously Issued Debentures

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October 24, 2026

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TORONTO, Oct. 23, 2026 /CNW/ — Advantex Marketing International Inc. (CSE: ADX) (“Advantex”), a leader in the merchant cash advance and loyalty marketing products for merchants, today announced the completion of a $250,000 secured debt financing. Advantex issued a $250,000 non-convertible debenture which bears an interest rate at 12% per annum and matures December 15, 2027. The proceeds raised from this issuance of the Debenture will be used for working capital purposes.

Advantex has also extended the maturity of its existing $700,000 in 12% secured debentures from October 10, 2026 to December 15, 2027.

About Advantex Marketing International Inc.

Advantex provides working capital to merchants. Advantex also provides specialized marketing programs that enable members of Aeroplan to earn Aeroplan points at participating merchants.

Advantex shares trade on the Canadian Securities Exchange under the symbol ADX. For more information go to Advantex’s profile on www.sedar.com

Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of applicable securities laws relating to the future business and operations of Advantex. Actual results and developments may differ materially from those contemplated by these statements. The business and operations of Advantex described herein is dependent on a number of factors and is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. Factors that could cause actual results to differ material include, but are not limited to, changes in Advantex’s economic and competitive conditions including but not limited to the industry sectors in which Advantex operates.

The statements in this news release are made of the date of this release. Forward-looking statements are made based on management’s beliefs, estimates and opinions on the date the statements are made and Advantex undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements if these beliefs, estimates and opinions or other circumstances should change, except as required by applicable law.

SOURCE Advantex Marketing International Inc.

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