About John Cowan

John Cowan is the Chief Technology & Operating officer of Payments Canada. He leads and manages the teams that operate the Canadian payment systems (including LVTS and ACSS), support and enhance the corporate technology in use by the Payments Canada organization, and defines, implements and monitor security practices at both the organization and ecosystem level. Mr Cowan is also responsible for the develop of the strategic vision, plan, and implement the organization’s key technology, operations and security priorities in alignment with the Payments Canada’s modernization and innovation agenda and regulatory requirements. John works closely with regulators, members and stakeholders, as well as outsourcing partners to inform and build support for these priorities. Mr. Cowan recently joined Payments Canada from CIBC as SVP of Enterprise Payments prior to this from the Technology group at CIBC where he held responsibility as CIO for Business Banking, Payments and Wealth Management Technology. He also acted as CIBC representative for technology to CIBC First Caribbean Bank. Throughout his career in both consulting and banking Mr. Cowan has focused on creating and executing successful strategies to drive business transformation and growth. Mr. Cowan holds a Bachelor of Business from Charles Sturt University, is a graduate with a Master Certificate in Risk Management and Business Performance from Schulich School of Business, a Certificate in Business Sustainability Management from University of Cambridge and a Certificate in Fintech Innovation Future Commerce from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Mr. Cowan was the chairman of CMI Mortgages Inc, member of the Board of Directors of Intria, a senior member of Advisory Council of Payments Canada and executive council member of Canadian Bankers Association prior to transition to role with Payments Canada. John also has a regular guest spot on the Musky Hunter TV show which can be viewed on WFN and CBS Sports in North America.