Malar Group has made a strategic investment in Spendsafe, a Canadian financial technology company dedicated to enhancing financial literacy among children and teenagers. Led by CEO Sayan Navaratnam, Malar Group continues to invest in mission-driven organizations creating positive societal outcomes through technology.
Spendsafe, founded and led by CEO Vasanth Ratna, is Canada’s first Mastercard-backed financial education platform tailored for youth aged 6 to 18. The platform integrates a secure reloadable card with real-time coaching and parent-managed financial controls, aiming to turn daily spending into meaningful learning moments. It launched nationwide in August 2025 and has gained momentum among families seeking a structured and engaging approach to financial education.
The investment follows Spendsafe’s recent partnership with Mastercard Inc., Berkeley Payments, and Peoples Group, which provides a full-stack infrastructure supporting secure payment capabilities and scalable program delivery. The collaboration enables Spendsafe to expand its platform to more households while further developing personalized financial learning tools for young users.
The financial literacy gap remains a challenge for educators and families, with a majority of teenagers reporting that they wished they had been taught money management skills earlier. Spendsafe addresses this need by providing a practical and adaptive environment where children can learn financial responsibility through everyday transactions under the guidance of their family.
For Malar Group, the investment reflects an ongoing strategy to support solutions that deliver long-term value across multiple generations. The firm’s portfolio encompasses AI, digital infrastructure, education, and emerging technologies, with a focus on companies that drive real-world outcomes and long-term social benefits. By supporting Spendsafe’s growth, Malar Group aims to help expand access to financial education across North America.
Financial terms of the investment were not disclosed.
KEY QUOTES:
“At Malar Group, we believe financial literacy is one of the most important skills a child can learn. Spendsafe is solving a generational challenge – bridging the gap between digital finance and real-world learning in a way that’s engaging, responsible, and scalable. We’re proud to support their growth.”
Sayan Navaratnam, CEO of Malar Group
“Malar Group’s investment is a pivotal milestone in our journey. Sayan Navaratnam and his team bring deep operational expertise and a values-driven approach to scaling technology with purpose. This partnership will accelerate our mission to empower young people with the tools they need to thrive financially.”
Vasanth Ratna, Founder and CEO of Spendsafe
“The most impactful innovations are those that improve how we live, learn, and lead. Spendsafe represents a generational opportunity to build healthier relationships with money – starting at home, with the next generation.”
Sayan Navaratnam, CEO of Malar Group
