In this video we speak with Fintel Connect, a leading affiliate marketing company that specializes in the financial sector in Canada and abroad.
In this interview you will hear from Nicky Senyard, CEO and Founder of Fintel Connect and Alana Levine, their Chief Revenue Officer.
In our discussion, we examine the following questions:
1) What is performance/affiliate marketing and how is it different from other marketing channels such as PPC?
2) What is Fintel Connect?
3) Why is Affiliate Marketing such a powerful channel in the financial industry?
4) What are the keys to running a successful affiliate marketing program for lenders and financial brands in Canada and abroad?
For more information about Fintel Connect, please visit them at www.fintelconnect.com.
In this video, we explore how affiliate marketing has evolved into one of the most powerful and measurable customer acquisition channels for financial brands in 2026 — and why it’s now an essential part of every lender and fintech’s growth strategy.
Why Affiliate Marketing Matters More Than Ever
The financial industry is more competitive and digital than ever. With rising ad costs, increased privacy regulations, and the decline of third-party tracking, traditional marketing channels have become harder to scale efficiently.
That’s why financial institutions — from online lenders and credit platforms to insurance and investment apps — are turning to affiliate marketing as a sustainable, performance-based way to acquire customers.
Affiliate marketing ensures that brands only pay for results — whether that’s an approved lead, a completed application, or a new funded account. It aligns incentives between advertisers and publishers, driving measurable ROI while maintaining compliance and transparency.
How Financial Brands Use Affiliate Marketing in 2026
In today’s digital landscape, affiliate marketing has evolved far beyond banner ads or basic referral links. Financial brands now leverage:
-
Specialized affiliate networks focused on finance, such as loan marketplaces and credit comparison sites.
-
Content partnerships with trusted financial publishers and influencers who educate audiences before referring them to lenders.
-
AI-driven personalization that matches users with the right financial products based on credit profile, goals, and behavior.
-
API integrations that deliver real-time pricing, pre-qualification, and lead validation between lenders and affiliate platforms.
These innovations make affiliate marketing not only scalable but also smarter and more customer-centric than ever before.
Why It’s a Win-Win for Brands and Consumers
Affiliate marketing benefits both sides:
-
Financial brands gain pre-qualified, high-intent customers at predictable costs.
-
Consumers enjoy better education, choice, and transparency before applying.
At Smarter Loans, we’ve seen affiliate marketing evolve into a key driver of growth for Canada’s leading lenders and fintechs — helping them build trust, expand reach, and deliver value to borrowers in every province.
Our Take
In 2026, affiliate marketing isn’t just a trend — it’s the backbone of digital acquisition for financial services. Brands that build strong affiliate partnerships are gaining a measurable advantage in performance, compliance, and cost efficiency.
Watch the full video above to learn how affiliate marketing can power your growth in 2026.
Explore partnership opportunities with Smarter Loans to connect your brand with thousands of qualified Canadian borrowers.
Video by:
Amy Orr is a professional writer and editor with over 10 years of experience in the Canadian, U.S. and U.K. financial markets. She has written for numerous publications on topics as diverse as economic literacy, corporate finance, and technical analysis of numerical data. Prior to transitioning to full-time writing, she worked in the hedge fund sector. Her academic background is astrophysics, and she has a Masters in Finance from the University of Edinburgh Business School.
