ATLANTIC CANADA: CYBERSECURITY, AI & FINTECH

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Technology Further

Fast becoming one of Canada’s most significant tech clusters, Atlantic Canada has its finger on the pulse of information security, critical infrastructure security, and financial technology.

ATLANTIC CANADA'S CYBER TECHNOLOGY SECTOR

The region has established a global niche in AI-enabled anti-fraud and financial crime prevention, anchored by Verafin’s US$2.75B acquisition and the 2,000+ financial institutions using its platform, which reduces false positives by 40%.

Opened in 2021, Fredericton’s Cyber Centre is a $37M facility that has produced 600+ jobs and $125M in provincial GDP impact.

140+ fintech companies operate in Atlantic Canada, supported by a strong acceleration ecosystem including Volta, Genesis, Venn, and Startup Zone.

France-based Thales has expanded its UK-based National Digital Excellence Centre to include a second global cyber hub in New Brunswick, with a projected $60M+ GDP impact over five years.

New Brunswick-based Sonrai Security has raised $88M to grow its AI cloud security platform.

Prince Edward Island-based PayTic has raised $3M for payments fraud prevention software.

Newfoundland and Labrador-based Spellbook, an AI legal technology platform, has raised $20M to scale into 30,000 law firms worldwide.

Nova Scotia’s RBC Halifax Hub has created 850+ technology jobs and is committed to adding 1,000 more by 2029.

SUBSECTOR

Critical Infrastructure Technology

Atlantic Canada is uniquely positioned to test and secure the world’s most vital infrastructure. With purpose-built testbeds, smart grids, and Canada’s only nuclear cyber-range, the region is a trusted hub for cyber-physical security. These facilities simulate real-world systems—enabling teams to safely test, validate, and deploy critical infrastructure solutions. Education builds the talent, while collaboration across research, industry, and government fuels its evolution—pushing boundaries to meet global security demands.

Cyber Crime & Anti-Fraud

From billion-dollar exits to AI-driven anti-fraud and cybersecurity platforms that are trusted by global financial institutions, Atlantic Canada is transforming how the world fights financial crime. The region combines innovation in fraud detection and regulatory tech with cost-competitive operations and deep compliance expertise. Anchored by established leaders and a thriving startup ecosystem, Atlantic Canada delivers secure solutions that protect the integrity of financial systems worldwide.

Financial Systems & Services

Atlantic Canada is emerging as a powerhouse in secure financial technology (FinTech), as illustrated by Nasdaq’s $2.75B acquisition of Verafin. This is where global institutions and startups are developing the core technology and systems, from fraud prevention to digital payments, that keep money moving safely. Positioned on North America’s eastern edge and home to trans-Atlantic subsea cables delivering the lowest latency between mainland Europe and North America, the region offers a critical speed advantage for fintech and digital banking. With strategic time zone overlap, a bilingual workforce, and Canada’s only secure issuer processing centre, Atlantic Canada delivers scale, trust, and innovation to financial markets worldwide.

AI-Powered Solutions

In Atlantic Canada, applied AI is driving breakthroughs in cybersecurity and fintech, led by knowledge workers who ensure innovation never compromises security. From fraud detection and cloud security to smart grid optimization, the region combines access to real-world data with close collaboration between industry and academia. With a strong focus on ethical, explainable AI and a track record of commercial success, Atlantic Canada is a trusted hub for secure, next-generation AI solutions.

HOW IT'S DONE:

ATLANTIC CANADA'S CYBERSECURITY, AI & FINTECH INFRASTRUCTURE

Atlantic Canada's secure digital economy is powered by critical infrastructure testbeds, academic research excellence, and strong public-private collaboration.




Fredericton's $37M Cyber Centre provides purpose-built facilities for cybersecurity firms, researchers, and startups, generating significant economic impact and talent development.


Canada's only nuclear cyber-range and advanced smart grid environments allow companies to test cyber-physical systems in safe, real-world conditions.


Academic institutions including Dalhousie University, the University of New Brunswick's Canadian Institute for Cybersecurity, and Memorial University provide leading AI research and specialized graduate programs.

A strong acceleration ecosystem—including Volta, Genesis, Venn, and Startup Zone—supports more than 140 fintech companies and emerging startups across the region.


Global firms including Thales and IBM Security have established major operations in Atlantic Canada, reinforcing the region's international reputation in secure digital systems.

WHERE IT'S DONE:

ATLANTIC CANADA'S CYBERTECH, AI & FINTECH INSTITUTIONS AND ASSOCIATIONS

Atlantic Canada’s cyber technology ecosystem is strong and growing. Post-secondary institutions like the University of New Brunswick, Dalhousie University, and Memorial University have competitive business and computer science programs, supported by research centres. This generates a large talent base for employers in the industry. Cutting-edge facilities like New Brunswick’s Cyber Centre support startup clusters, while provincial associations continue to spark innovation and provide support.

Research and Innovation


How It's Done

ATLANTIC CANADA'S CYBERSECURITY, AI & FINTECH INFRASTRUCTURE

Atlantic Canada's secure digital economy is powered by critical infrastructure testbeds, academic research excellence, and strong public-private collaboration.




Fredericton's $37M Cyber Centre provides purpose-built facilities for cybersecurity firms, researchers, and startups, generating significant economic impact and talent development.


Canada's only nuclear cyber-range and advanced smart grid environments allow companies to test cyber-physical systems in safe, real-world conditions.


Academic institutions including Dalhousie University, the University of New Brunswick's Canadian Institute for Cybersecurity, and Memorial University provide leading AI research and specialized graduate programs.

A strong acceleration ecosystem—including Volta, Genesis, Venn, and Startup Zone—supports more than 140 fintech companies and emerging startups across the region.


Global firms including Thales and IBM Security have established major operations in Atlantic Canada, reinforcing the region's international reputation in secure digital systems.


Where it's done:

ATLANTIC CANADA'S CYBERTECH, AI & FINTECH INSTITUTIONS AND ASSOCIATIONS

Atlantic Canada’s cyber technology ecosystem is strong and growing. Post-secondary institutions like the University of New Brunswick, Dalhousie University, and Memorial University have competitive business and computer science programs, supported by research centres. This generates a large talent base for employers in the industry. Cutting-edge facilities like New Brunswick’s Cyber Centre support startup clusters, while provincial associations continue to spark innovation and provide support.

Research and Innovation

Businesses and Associations



Keeping Good Company


Many global companies and institutions have seen the benefits of working in partnership with Atlantic Canadian companies. World-leading energy companies, the European Space Agency and the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) are just a few of the key players. Explore some of the globally recognized organizations already engaged.

SUCCESS STORIES:

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Verafin: Advancing Global Financial Crime Prevention from Newfoundland and Labrador


From its headquarters in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, Verafin has become a global leader in the fight against financial crime. Founded in 2003 and now part of Nasdaq, the company develops cutting-edge software that helps financial institutions detect, investigate, and prevent fraud and money laundering across the world.


Verafin’s latest Financial Crime Insights report, released in March 2025, highlights the scale and complexity of illicit financial activity in today’s interconnected economy. Drawing on data from thousands of financial institutions worldwide, the report provides a detailed analysis of money laundering, fraud, and emerging threats that impact both national and international financial systems.


By sharing aggregated intelligence and trend analysis, Verafin empowers banks, credit unions, and regulators to make more informed, coordinated decisions in their efforts to combat these crimes.


Verafin’s success demonstrates how innovation from Atlantic Canada can have far-reaching global impact. Through advanced analytics, artificial intelligence, and cross-institutional data sharing, Verafin’s platform helps financial organizations reduce false positives, enhance compliance, and identify complex criminal patterns that might otherwise go undetected.


What began as a local startup has evolved into a cornerstone of the international fight against financial crime. Verafin’s ongoing research, technology leadership, and Financial Crime Insights reporting reinforce both the province’s and Canada’s role in shaping a safer, more transparent global financial system.

Nasdaq Verafin Launches Digital Workers to Transform AML Compliance


From its base in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nasdaq Verafin has unveiled a major advancement in financial crime prevention technology: the introduction of Digital Workers for Anti-Money Laundering (AML) compliance. The initiative represents a new phase in Verafin’s use of artificial intelligence to automate key compliance processes for financial institutions worldwide.


Financial institutions are under increasing pressure to meet evolving regulatory standards while processing vast volumes of data. Verafin’s Agentic AI Workforce, launched in 2025, introduces a new class of AI-driven digital workers that perform routine compliance functions traditionally handled by analysts.


The systems automatically review sanctions alerts, manage false positives, document findings, and complete low-risk case assessments. Early testing indicates that automation can reduce manual workloads by more than 80 per cent, freeing compliance professionals to focus on complex investigations and higher-risk activity.


This development highlights Nasdaq Verafin’s position as a global leader in financial crime technology and highlights the innovative capacity rooted in Newfoundland and Labrador’s growing tech sector. Through its advances in automation and AI, Verafin continues to shape how financial institutions worldwide safeguard integrity in the global financial system.

Quantiphi Expands to New Brunswick to Meet Global AI Demand


New Brunswick has taken another step toward becoming a key player in Canada’s growing technology sector with the expansion of Quantiphi, an award-winning AI-first digital engineering company. Supported by Opportunities New Brunswick (ONB), the initiative is expected to contribute up to $72 million to the provincial GDP over the next five years.


Quantiphi has established a new Centre of Excellence in New Brunswick to meet increasing demand for artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and generative AI solutions for enterprise clients. The move marks an important milestone in the company’s North American expansion strategy.


Growing Local Expertise and Employment


The company plans to expand its Atlantic Canada operations through a “New-Brunswick-first” recruitment approach, prioritizing local hires while also facilitating internal relocations from other offices.


ONB will provide up to $4.9 million in financial assistance to support the expansion through 2028.


Since its founding in 2013, Quantiphi has built a reputation for solving complex business problems through the integration of cloud, data, and AI research. Its New Brunswick expansion reflects the province’s emerging strength as a hub for digital innovation, talent development, and next-generation technology solutions.

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Regional Partners


Map
ATLANTIC

Certified Sites

Atlantic Canada Certified Sites is the only site certification program that gives you access to development-ready sites in all four Atlantic Canada's provinces. View detailed property information and quickly find a site that aligns with your development needs.

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OTHER POWERFUL SECTORS

Life Sciences & Health

Atlantic Canada is setting new standards and inspiring future generations to push the boundaries of innovation when it comes to advancing our health. We are at the forefront of driving innovative, efficient, and sustainable healthcare solutions. Whether it’s advancing personalized medicine, transforming research into impactful patient care, pioneering breakthroughs in biotechnology, or advancing new technology for better patient outcomes, this region excels.

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Energy Innovation

Atlantic Canada is a leader in 21st-century energy solutions. From harnessing wind power to exploring the potential of small nuclear reactors, the region is at the forefront of driving efficient and sustainable energy solutions from generation to distribution.

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Aerospace, Defence & Security

Atlantic Canada is trusted, tested, and ready. Home to Canada's Arctic shipbuilding program, NATO-supported research facilities, and CFB Halifax—the country's largest naval base—the region is a critical force in global defence. From advanced maritime surveillance systems to next-generation training and simulation environments, Atlantic Canada delivers proven aerospace and security technologies for the world's most demanding missions.

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Ocean Economy

Atlantic Canada is Canada's ocean engine and a global gateway to Arctic waters. Multi-billion-dollar shipbuilding, aquaculture, and ocean technology industries are just the surface here, where water and knowledge both run deep. Backed by strong federal investment, research networks, and a skilled workforce, the region drives 75% of Canada's ocean industry. This is the forefront of the ocean economy.

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THE REGION

The Power of
Atlantic Canada


As we enter an era of a truly global economy, there is a place positioned for success — to the power of 4. Ever at the forefront of exploration and innovation, the four distinct provinces of Atlantic Canada form one powerful alliance.

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