The Competition Bureau of Canada’s report on data portability positions switching and consumer savings as the primary outcomes, particularly in insurance. This article explores why that framing is only the beginning, and how, when treated as platform infrastructure, data portability can unlock ecosystem participation, operational efficiency, and new value creation across financial services and beyond.

For decades, banks and credit unions have operated as linear pipelines. But as behaviour shifts into platform ecosystems, value creation is moving from chains to networks.

NestEgg is the number one provider of loan decisioning in the UK credit union system, a market that has already successfully implemented Open Banking. They currently work with 50+ UK credit unions, powering over 750,000 loan applications by leveraging both open data and traditional credit data.

George Sr., a 61 year old local farmer, values the simplicity of a straightforward deal. However, to get the newest equipment the farm needs, he faces a process that historically meant frustrating delays and a second journey to the credit union after visiting the agriculture equipment dealership.

George Jr. spends his days fixing engines, managing inventory, ordering parts, and leading a team of 6. He’s been a loyal credit union member for years. But running a business means paperwork, and George ends up buried in receipts, reconciliations, and outdated tools that slow him down. 

Caspian One Open Data attended Central 1's Momentum 2025 in Whistler, B.C. this week. The three days focused on learning, connection, and conversations about the future of Canadian financial services.

See how an FDX-compliant open data ecosystem anticipates member needs. Jayne, a small business owner, received a pre-approved credit line increase right inside her accounting software, turning a seasonal cash crunch into a major revenue opportunity—no branch visits required.