I started covering financial technology, aka “fintech” around the start of 2017. Everyone was talking about “fintech”, blockchain, distributed ledgers, digital identity, AI, machine learning. I was carving out a fun new beat, learning a ton and some of the stuff was fascinating. But alas, 2017 was also the year Home Capital, an alternative mortgage lender in Canada, saw a run on its high-interest savings accounts, and it was all hands on deck to help out. My other beat, retail, also turned into a bit of a beast, as Sak’s owner Hudson’s Bay faced shareholder discontent and Sears Canada filed for creditor protection. Here are some of the fintech and blockchain stories that managed to see the light of day before things went off the rails.

U.S. credit agencies test Canadian blockchain identity network

Additional blockchain and fintech related stories:

• Canadian trial finds blockchain not ready for bank settlements

• Update of payments grid would boost efficiency: Bank of Canada

• Power Financial invests C$50 million in 'robo-adviser' Wealthsimple

• Compliance firm Exiger buys Canadian regtech startup OutsideIQ

• National Bank invests C$6 mln in robo-adviser Nest Wealth

• Canada's TMX taps blockchain for shareholder voting technology

• Canada's OutsideIQ, SAP Ariba partner to tackle compliance, risk

• Ontario regulators say blockchain use may require approval

• Canadian regulator says open data essential to fintech

• British, Canadian regulators agree to assist fintechs

• Canada's Collage gets seed funding via large insurer

• Canada's SecureKey wins U.S. grant for digital identity network

• Bank of Canada's blockchain tests spotlight challenges

• Canadian research hub gets C$290 mln financing to repay govt loans

• Canada's Wealthsimple takes on crowded U.S. robo-adviser market

• Scotiabank seeks advantage over rivals with new fintech space

• Ontario regulator names first fintech advisory committee

• New startup investments aim to stem Canadian tech brain drain

• RBC targets more fintech spending, less on old systems

• Financial tech startup Overbond launches bond issuing service

• Startup League set for U.S. expansion, eyes next funding round

• Canada's Royal Bank boosts focus on AI with new research lab

• Canada's Portag3 Ventures invests in Street Contxt

• Canadian fintech startup Wealthsimple sees major 2017 growth

• Canadian fintechs shine as investments near record

• Canadian fintech firm Financeit eyes more deals after TD buy

• Money transfer firm WorldRemit eyes new markets, growth

• TMX says blockchain, fintech still a priority after exec exit