[News](https://www.payments.ca/insights/news-research?field_article_type=24) # Lisa Ford joins Payments Canada as Chief Legal and Policy Officer January 29, 2026 Appointment marks evolution of leadership model to strengthen organizational oversight and agility. Payments Canada is pleased to announce the appointment of Lisa Ford as Chief Legal and Policy Officer (CLPO), effective February 17, 2026. This [executive role](https://www.payments.ca/about/our-leadership) represents Payments Canada’s commitment to delivering secure, innovative and globally competitive payment infrastructure that supports economic growth and prosperity. As CLPO, Lisa will oversee an integrated governance framework, spanning legal, compliance and the critical intersection of policy and rules for the payment ecosystem. By aligning oversight with agile policy and rules development, she will support the safety and competitiveness of Canada’s financial infrastructure within a rapidly evolving global and domestic payment environment. As a recognized thought leader, including recipient of the 2023 Women in Payments’ Thought Leadership Award, Lisa has substantial expertise in payments, policy advocacy, regulatory affairs and business risk. She has made significant contributions shaping Canadian payment policy, including advising on the implementation of the [*Retail Payment Activities Act*](https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/R-7.36/page-1.html), the [*Consumer-Driven Banking Act*](https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/programs/financial-sector-policy/open-banking-implementation/budget-2025-canadas-framework-for-consumer-driven-banking.html) and anti-money laundering reforms. Lisa has actively participated in industry forums and collaboration across the ecosystem, including with Payments Canada — notably her tenure as Industry Co-chair for Payments Canada’s Legal and Policy Group, through which she was directly involved in the development and modernization of payment system rules and compliance frameworks, including the legal and rules work required for the launch of [Lynx](https://www.payments.ca/systems-services/payment-systems/high-value-payment-system-lynx) in 2021. ![Share icon](https://www.payments.ca/modules/contrib/share_everywhere/img/share-icon.svg) - [](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.payments.ca%2Flisa-ford-joins-payments-canada-chief-legal-and-policy-officer) - [](https://x.com/intent/tweet?text=&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.payments.ca%2Flisa-ford-joins-payments-canada-chief-legal-and-policy-officer) - [](https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.payments.ca%2Flisa-ford-joins-payments-canada-chief-legal-and-policy-officer) [Return to newsroom](https://www.payments.ca/insights/news-research) ## Keep reading [ ![placeholder.png](/sites/default/files/styles/article/public/placeholder.png?h=5dafd208&itok=qKDbzxAp) News July 27, 2026 ### ACSS rule changes enhance payment system processes Updates provide expanded definitions and process efficiency Payments Canada has implemented a series of administrative and operational amendments to the Automated Clearing Settlement System (ACSS)... ](https://www.payments.ca/acss-rule-changes-enhance-payment-system-processes)[Learn more](https://www.payments.ca/acss-rule-changes-enhance-payment-system-processes) [ ![placeholder.png](/sites/default/files/styles/article/public/placeholder.png?h=5dafd208&itok=qKDbzxAp) News July 14, 2026 ### Payments Canada welcomes Adyen Canada Ltd. as its newest member Payments Canada membership continues to grow with the addition of payment service provider Adyen Canada Ltd . Adyen’s inclusion in our membership highlights the shifting momentum within the Canadian... ](https://www.payments.ca/payments-canada-welcomes-adyen-canada-ltd-its-newest-member)[Learn more](https://www.payments.ca/payments-canada-welcomes-adyen-canada-ltd-its-newest-member) [ ![fast moving blur of a roadway with sun coming from the left](/sites/default/files/styles/article/public/2024-03/RTR_Billboard_2024.png?h=10d202d3&itok=nlBaqyr6) News July 9, 2026 ### Canada’s Real-Time Rail Quarterly Update with Jude Pinto: 2026 Q3 In our latest quarterly update, Jude Pinto , Chief Delivery Officer at Payments Canada, discusses the payment ecosystem support for the RTR and the successful transition of the program into the... ](https://www.payments.ca/canadas-real-time-rail-quarterly-update-jude-pinto-2026-q3)[Learn more](https://www.payments.ca/canadas-real-time-rail-quarterly-update-jude-pinto-2026-q3)