Markets Wired

The Federal Trade Commission will host its second FinTech Forum on Oct. 26, focusing on two topics of increasing interest to consumers: crowdfunding and peer-to-peer payment systems. The event is designed to bring together perspectives from across the landscape of these two growing sectors, and it will include separate panels exploring each one.

Crowdfunding involves the use of online platforms to fund a project or venture by raising money from a large number of people. Consumers who contribute to a crowdfunding campaign may provide money in exchange for a specific deliverable or may simply want to donate money to a specific cause. The FTC brought its first enforcement case in the crowdfunding area last year.

Peer-to-peer payment systems allow consumers to engage in financial transactions with other consumers directly, often through mobile devices. Such platforms can make transferring money faster and more convenient for consumers than traditional options.

The half-day forum will bring together industry participants, consumer groups, researchers, and government representatives. The forum will examine the various models of crowdfunding and peer-to-peer payments used by companies, the potential benefits to consumers, and possible consumer protection concerns. In addition, the forum will look at how the FTC Act and other existing consumer protection laws might apply to companies participating in these areas.

In advance of the forum, the FTC is considering potential panelists for the event. If you wish to participate as a panelist, please email any relevant information to fintechseries@ftc.gov by Aug. 31, 2016.

The event will take place at the FTC’s Constitution Center offices, 400 7^th St SW, Washington, DC, and will begin at 1 p.m. A full schedule and other details on the forum will be announced shortly. The event is free and open to the public. No pre-registration is needed.

Additionally, a business blog post on the agency’s first FinTech Forum – discussing marketplace lending – has just been released. More information on that Forum can be found at the event’s webpage.

The FinTech Forum series is part of the FTC’s ongoing work to protect consumers taking advantage of new and emerging financial technology. As technological advances expand the ways consumers can store, share, spend, and borrow money, the FTC is working to keep consumers protected while encouraging innovation for consumers’ benefit.

The Federal Trade Commission works to promote competition, and protect and educate consumers. You can learn more about consumer topics and file a consumer complaint online or by calling 1-877-FTC-HELP (382-4357). Like the FTC on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, read our blogs and subscribe to press releases for the latest FTC news and resources.