The leadership team at Ascendant brings decades of experience in international payment solutions. Their expertise drives innovation and a customer-centric culture that makes us feel like an extension of your team.
President
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.
Director
Julio Prada brings over 30 years of regulatory expertise, overseeing financial institutions and foreign banking organizations, managing portfolios of major Money Services Businesses (MSBs), and reviewing compliance programs for BSA/AML/OFAC. He previously led the MSB application unit at the California Department of Business Oversight. Currently, Julio serves as a senior advisor to multiple compliance firms and as a director at a national bank.
Director & Corporate Secretary
Bernard Beck, as 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 to 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.
Director
Robert Peterson was called to the bar in 2004 after earning law degrees with distinction from McGill University and completing studies at the University of Washington. Since 2007, he has focused on regulatory, compliance, and privacy law, appearing in courts across British Columbia, the Federal Court of Canada, and the Ontario Superior Court of Justice. He is a former Chair of the Canadian Bar Association’s Municipal Law Section, a past President, and now a Director of the Royal BC Museum Foundation.
Director & Treasurer
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.
Director (UK)
Terrance Burke is a member of Ascendant’s UK board, bringing over 35 years of experience in international law enforcement and fraud prevention. He has been recognized by multiple international entities, including the US Department of Justice and Treasury Department, having received various international commendations. Prior to Ascendant, Terry was with American Express as Director of Global Security and the Bank of England as Head of Security.
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