CLA and CRTA Merge to Bolster Canada’s Financial Services Landscape

Toronto, Canada: Since 2019, The Canadian RegTech Association has provided a neutral platform for RegTech stakeholders to facilitate dialogue, raise standards and promote growth and innovation in the Canadian Financial Services sector. After years of building, convening, and advocating for Canada’s RegTech ecosystem, CRTA leadership has reached an inflection point and is announcing an integration with the Canadian Lenders Association (“CLA”). This is a deliberate strategy to ensure the community continues to thrive and expand at this critical time when the Canadian Financial Services sector needs to look inwardly and strengthen and grow its domestic capabilities.

This communication explains the rationale, the opportunity, and what this means for CRTA members

CRTA has played a foundational role in shaping Canada’s RegTech narrative. Together, the community has:

• Championed innovation and assembled national awareness of RegTech as a critical enabler of financial services

• Created a trusted forum for RegTech founders, financial institutions, and regulators

• Advanced practical conversations on emerging regulatory and technology topics such as AI governance and risk management, technology risk and third-party risk and culture and conduct.

• Positioned Canada as a credible RegTech jurisdiction domestically and internationally

CRTA has achieved this with focus, credibility, and a lean operating model. Yet, to accelerate the continued growth and resilience of Canada’s financial services ecosystem, it is clear that no single organization can do this alone. By aligning a like-minded partner, we can amplify impact, deepen regulatory dialogue, and advance the tools and technologies that underpin modern compliance.    

The Canadian Lenders Association provides an opportunity for our members to engage with new stakeholders through an organization that shares our collaborative spirit and brings mature infrastructure and greater capacity. Over the past several years, the CLA has purposely evolved to serve not only the lender community, but the wider financial solutions ecosystem, including FinTech, payments, WealthTech, and InsurTech. Expanding the community to include RegTech is a natural next step.

CLA brings:

• Direct engagement with federal and provincial policymakers and regulators

• Established government relations and advocacy infrastructure

• Sector specific roundtables across banking, consumer finance, auto finance, SMB, real estate, payments, and fintech

• Research and thought leadership platform that reaches senior decision makers

• National media relations capability

• The largest and most influential financial services events ecosystem in Canada

What This Means for CRTA Members

Greater Market Access and Reach: RegTech companies gain access to a broader community of 300+ members including 80+ corporates, banks and insurers

Stronger Policy Voice: RegTech perspectives will inform and influence policy submissions, regulatory consultations, and government engagement

Broader Industry Integration: RegTech expands across a wider range of firms and business models, shaping discussions on a broader set of compliance, risk and procurement topics

Expanded Visibility and Credibility: Participation in CLA research, media engagement, and national events

Continuity of Mission: CRTA’s focus on RegTech collaboration and practical solutions remains intact, now supported by a broader institutional platform.

What Is Not Changing

●        The RegTech community remains visible and distinct within the broader organization

●        RegTech specific dialogue, programming, and priorities will continue in 2026

●        CRTA members retain a clear identity and voice within the combined structure

 Membership transition

CRTA members will receive full CLA benefits through December 31, 2026. At the end of this period, members may choose to renew directly with the CLA. To ensure a smooth transition, all members will be invited to an onboarding session to explore the full range of CLA benefits.  To support this integration, the CRTA board will serve in a transitional advisory capacity throughout 2026.

We are immensely proud of the role the CRTA has played in establishing Canada’s RegTech identity.  Thank you for being a cornerstone of the CRTA’s journey.

Sincerely,