About Us
Discover how we harness technology and expertise to make international payments easy.
Our Story
Streamline your transactions with secure, integrated solutions designed to optimize your workflow.
Our Misson
To become the global leader in making international payments easy.
Our Vision
To deliver best-in-class international payment solutions for businesses.
Our Purpose
To pioneer transformative payment solutions using technology and human expertise.
Founded in 2011
Ascendant was founded in 2011 with the simple idea of using innovative technology to create customized international payment solutions for businesses. Instead of selling pre-packaged solutions, our ambition was to develop tailored solutions that solve the unique and complex cross-border challenges faced by each of our customers.
Today, our enduring culture of continuous innovation and our customer-first philosophy has helped make international payments easier for over 3,000 businesses and financial institutions. As we’ve developed our technology, we’ve also invested in our people. Our team consists of seasoned foreign exchange professionals who have worked in a variety of capacities within the international payments space.
We are more committed than ever to simplify international payments and help businesses grow. We look forward to partnering with you.
Our Leadership Team
With decades of valuable expertise, our senior leadership team drives the development of cutting-edge payment solutions and a customer-centric culture that makes us feel like an extension of your team.
Jason Mugford
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Jason Mugford is a veteran financial technology executive, serving as Ascendant’s Chief Executive Officer since its founding in 2010. Prior to Ascendant, Jason worked as Vice President of Global Corporate Development at Custom House Foreign Exchange (Western Union Business Solutions) from 2001 to 2010. From 1992 to 2001, Jason served as Director of Global E-commerce at Thomas Cook Financial Services.
Bernard Beck
CHIEF COMPLIANCE OFFICER
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.
Shemina Jiwani
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
Shemina Jiwani has established Ascendant as a market leader in international payments, since being appointed Chief Operating Officer in 2019. Leading the marketing, sales, payment delivery and banking team, she brings over 20 years of experience in cross-border payments. Shemina has been with Ascendant for over 10 years, leading successful partnerships with Fintech giants such as FIS and Fiserv. Prior to Ascendant, Shemina was with Custom House Global Foreign Exchange, which was purchased by Western Union Business Solutions.
David Ryde
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
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
CHIEF TECHNOLOGY OFFICER
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
MANAGING DIRECTOR UK & Europe
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 Millis
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, FINANCE
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 Mazzuchin
HEAD OF TREASURY & CREDIT
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.
Our Board of Directors
Jason Mugford
President & Treasurer
Jason Mugford is a veteran financial technology executive, serving as Ascendant’s Chief Executive Officer since its founding in 2010. Prior to Ascendant, Jason worked as Vice President of Global Corporate Development at Custom House Foreign Exchange (Western Union Business Solutions) from 2001 to 2010. From 1992 to 2001, Jason served as Director of Global E-commerce at Thomas Cook Financial Services.
Bernard Beck
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.
David Ryde
Director
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.
Julio Prada
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.
Robert Peterson
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.
Terrance Burke
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.
What People are Saying About Us
"Our previous bank was too big to care or think outside the box. Now, Ascendant’s team works with us to find solutions that work, such as using APIs to instantly book and buy rates.”
CEO - AUTOMOTIVE EXPORTER
“Ascendant’s solution is sleek and simple to use. But it’s the competitive pricing and high-quality team that set it apart from other solutions.”
TREASURER - MULTINATIONAL IT CONSULTING
“We’ve been impressed by Ascendant’s virtual IBAN product. It used to be messy and hard to find the funds, but now they’re automatically flagged.”
CONTROLLER - ENTERTAINMENT
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Can We Help Your Business Grow?
If you currently make international business payments with another provider or are planning to expand your business, talk to our experienced team to learn how we could optimize your operations and address your questions.