Decentral, a leading hub for disruptive and decentralized technologies based in Canada, has announced the launch of Accelerate Finance, an organization working to transform Canada into a global force for finance and fintech innovation, and is inviting financial professionals to join the initiative.

The project has been developed in consultation with several Canadian companies, including banks and other finance entities, government and regulatory bodies, fintech startups, VCs and accelerators.

Accelerate Finance is an independent, membership-based association serving Canada’s finance and fintech sectors. It aims to unite the community and drive Canada forward as a leader in global finance by fostering industry-wide collaboration and seeking to achieve common objectives. Areas of focus will include: innovations in banking and insurance, compliance and settlement, digital currencies and mobile transactions, peer-to-peer lending, social investing and equity crowdfunding, micropayments, digital wallets and identity and authentication management.

"Decentral stands at the intersection of disruptive technology, fintech, and finance. Our consultancy work with startups, enterprise clients and banks means we understand how to find common ground and foster meaningful collaboration. We are pleased to apply our expertise on the national stage with Accelerate Finance," said Anthony Di Iorio, CEO of Decentral.

In addition, it will also develop actionable recommendations to modernize Canadian regulatory frameworks for the fintech age. Accelerate Finance members will include representatives from key institutions, startups, and incubators from a broad spectrum of the finance and fintech industries.

A founding sponsor of Accelerate Finance is TMX Group, whose companies include Toronto Stock Exchange, CDS, and Montreal Exchange, among others. TMX Group brings its expertise and an exceptional network of contacts in finance to the project.

"We are very focused on ensuring that we are an innovative TMX in a Canada that is a global leader in innovation. This initiative will help drive that idea," said Jean R. Desgagné, President and CEO, Global Enterprise Services at TMX.

Accelerate Finance is currently taking applications for potential members, as well as candidates for its Advisory Board.

In February, Decentral announced the countrywide launch of a new product ‘Decentral Bitcoin Cards’ enabling Canadian residents to purchase bitcoin from local retail stores. Also, Decentral and Ethereum Canada will host the largest blockchain trade show – Blockchain World Expo in Toronto on Sept. 19­-21, 2016.