Articles
Open Banking: A Framework for Fintech Innovation
In this editorial, QBR Economics & Policy Editor Rishab Chakraborty discusses how information in the realm of financial services, markets, and intermediaries has traditionally been tightly regulated in a closed loop. This differs from traditional software, where consumer and behavioral data from non-financial institutions is typically unregulated in its use. However, with Open Banking reform coming to Canada’s regulatory data framework, we can see an uptick in innovation in the Canadian fintech space.
The Art of the SPAC
In this new article, QBR Sr. Advisor Joshua Cristofoli explores how SPACs are challenging the traditional IPO process, giving businesses a quicker route to the public markets and altering the financial landscape.
Eat the Rich or Stomp Out the Little Guy: A Roadmap to Capital Gains
In a detailed guide to the recent changes to Canada’s capital gains inclusion rate as part of the 2024 Federal Budget, Senior Economics and Policy Editor Gefen Shpil outlines the impact such changes would have on individual investors, Canadian industries, and the economy. This article seeks to uncover just how many Canadians will be impacted by the changes and, most importantly, whether the Liberals are truly targeting the “ultra-rich”.
The Race to a Perfect EV: Investigating Chinese Development and the Road Ahead
In this new article, QBR Editor Tomas Serrano investigates China's rapid advancement in the electric vehicle (EV) industry. The article explores how substantial government support and innovative manufacturing have positioned China as a leader in EV development, despite challenges in global market penetration due to high tariffs and ethical concerns. Serrano contrasts China's progress with the slower growth in Western markets, emphasizing the impact of political and infrastructural uncertainties. As the world shifts from gas-powered cars to EVs, this analysis provides insight into the future of sustainable transportation and the lessons the West can learn from China's approach.
Go Movies or Go Home?
Owen Milstone explores how piracy threatens entertainment industries by diverting revenue from legal sources. Despite high spending by companies like Netflix, rising costs and labor disputes worsen the issue. The tragedy of the commons applies, where individual benefit outweighs collective harm, leading to widespread piracy. It affects TV, movies, music, and sports, impacting artists and athletes.
Universal Basic Income: The Key to the Economy of the Future
In this editorial, Tomas Serrano dives into the push for universal basic income (UBI) as a solution to poverty and income inequality has gained traction globally, especially in light of job displacement from advancements in AI. In Canada, bill S-233 seeks to establish a national framework for UBI, inspired by historical experiments like Manitoba's MINCOME.
Despite concerns about abuse, inflation, and costs, supporters argue that UBI could provide a safety net, aid workforce reintegration amidst automation, and foster a society where individuals pursue passions.
The Mistiming of Creation and Destruction During AI Innovation
Eric van Remmen discusses how Artificial Intelligence (AI) reshapes industries and job markets, drawing parallels with historical instances of creative destruction. It highlights the potential risks and societal impacts of AI's rapid advancement, emphasizing the need for proactive measures to address these challenges and ensure societal resilience.
Argentina’s Bold Leap into Right-Wing Economic Reform
In our final segment of our Geo Spotlight Series, QBR Editors Amin Nazari and Gefen Shpil engage in a thought-provoking debate on the shift towards right-wing economic policies under Javier Milei's leadership. In a first-of-its-kind ‘debate style’ format, the co-authors of this article propose two possible views regarding the possible outcomes of Mileli's fiscal policies. Shpil argues in favor, championing Milei's radical reforms as necessary 'shock therapy' to revitalize Argentina's floundering economy through deregulation, privatization, and dollarization. Contrarily, Nazari presents a cautionary perspective, questioning the precipitous and potentially perilous impacts of such drastic measures on Argentina's social fabric and economic stability. Their dynamic exchange sheds light on the complexities of Milei's policies, exploring the fine line between economic revival and societal upheaval. This article not only dissects the ideological battleground reshaping Argentina but also invites readers to consider the broader implications of such bold economic experimentation in a historically volatile region.
A Tango of Oil Money and Prosperity
In our second segment of the Geo Spotlight Series, Philip Russ and Simon Ing explore the transformative impact of the oil industry on Latin America's economic giants. This thought-provoking article traces the journey from the early promise of wealth and progress to the challenges of the 'oil curse,' where abundance sometimes leads to economic downturns and corruption. The authors examine the shifting fortunes of Venezuela, Mexico, Guyana, and Brazil, revealing how geopolitical strategies, management practices, and international dynamics influence each country's path. Their analysis invites reflection on the future of energy, the potential for sustainable development, and the delicate balance between exploiting natural resources and fostering long-term national growth.
Powering the Future: Navigating the Lithium Triangle's Role in the Global Energy Revolution
In our latest editorial and first segment of our GeoSpotlight series, QBR Editors Navroz Mehta and Tomas Serrano delve into the heart of the Lithium Triangle—spanning Bolivia, Argentina, and Chile—as a linchpin in the quest for sustainable energy. This insightful piece reveals lithium's pivotal role in the global green tech revolution, confronting the climate crisis with what's been termed 'white gold.' The authors navigate the geopolitical, economic, and environmental landscapes that frame lithium's pivotal extraction, its profound impact on indigenous communities, and the global energy paradigm. Through their analysis, Mehta and Serrano craft a compelling discussion on the journey towards a carbon-neutral future, underscoring the complex interplay of harvesting lithium to power the green revolution.