Payments Canada announced the appointment of Lisa Ford as Chief Legal and Policy Officer (CLPO), effective February 17, 2026, as part of an updated leadership model intended to strengthen organizational oversight and agility. The new executive role consolidates legal, compliance, and the intersection of policy and payment system rules within an integrated governance framework. As CLPO, Ford will oversee governance across these functions, aligning oversight with policy and rules development for the payment ecosystem. Payments Canada highlighted her experience in payments policy advocacy, regulatory affairs and business risk, including advising on implementation of the Retail Payment Activities Act, the Consumer-Driven Banking Act and anti-money laundering reforms, as well as her prior involvement with Payments Canada as Industry Co-chair for its Legal and Policy Group and work supporting the 2021 launch of Lynx.
Payments Canada 2026-01-29
Payments Canada appoints Lisa Ford as Chief Legal and Policy Officer effective 17 February 2026
Payments Canada appointed Lisa Ford as Chief Legal and Policy Officer, effective February 17, 2026, to enhance organizational oversight and agility by consolidating legal, compliance, and policy functions. Ford's extensive experience includes payments policy advocacy, regulatory affairs, and advising on significant legislative implementations.