About Us

Shemina Jiwani, as the Chief Executive Officer, leads the company’s strategic growth and innovation. With over a decade at Ascendant, Shemina has driven key partnerships with Fintech leaders. As COO since 2019, Shemina managed marketing, sales, payments, and banking, leveraging 20+ years in cross-border payments. Her leadership has expanded Ascendant’s global reach and reputation. Before Ascendant, Shemina worked at Custom House Global Foreign Exchange, later acquired by Western Union Business Solutions. Her expertise continues to shape the future of international payments.

Bernard Beck, as the Chief Compliance Officer, brings over 35 years of extensive legal and regulatory experience to Ascendant. He leads a team of legal and compliance professionals to ensure adherence with laws and an effective compliance program. Before Ascendant, Bernard was CCO at Custom House Global Foreign Exchange (Western Union Business Solutions), and prior to that he was a Commander, Financial Crimes in the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. In 2024, Bernard received the King Charles III Coronation Medal for significant contributions to Canada and British Columbia.

David Ryde, as the Chief Financial Officer, brings over 25 years of extensive experience at large and mid-sized financial institutions. David has a proven track record of leading businesses through significant growth. Prior to joining Ascendant, David was the Chief Financial Officer of Flexiti and the Chief Financial Officer at Sun Life Health Canada.

Iftikhar Ali joined Ascendant as the Chief Information Officer in August of 2012. With over 25 years of experience, Iftikhar oversees technology operations, strategy, and product development. In addition to his role as CIO, he also serves as Chief Information Security Officer, leading the company’s information security strategy and operations.   He is the driving force behind Ascendant’s international payments platform aPay. Prior to Ascendant, Iftikhar was the director of IT at Western Union Business Solutions. 

Ramnath Ramhit leads the UK & Europe region, bringing a wealth of knowledge and a track record of success from 30 years in the foreign exchange payment industry. Prior to joining Ascendant, Ramnath supported a number of high growth PE/VC backed FinTech & Software companies to transform their go to market strategies and effect organizational change. Ramnath’s distinguished career includes significant tenure and senior roles at HSBC Global Markets and Travelex Business Payments.

Jeanne has over 30 years of experience in accounting, tax, and regulation. Jeanne spent a large part of her career working for consultancy firm BDO, as a Client Service Partner. Joining Ascendant in 2017, Jeanne leads the Finance team, ensuring that Ascendant remains fiscally responsible. Jeanne also leads HR and is a champion of employee well-being and promotion.

Gary is an experienced treasury management executive with over 30 years of experience in the international payments space. Gary’s focus is to establish lean, efficient, and profitable operations to support the scaling and monetization of global businesses. Prior to Ascendant, Gary was at Cambridge Global Payments for more than 20 years working in a variety of roles.