RTGS.global, the world’s cross-border liquidity network, has announced its appointment of Jim Cowles as an Executive Director of the Board. Jim will work closely with RTGS.global’s leadership team, including its founder, fintech entrepreneur Nick Ogden, who previously founded WorldPay and ClearBank.

Jim was CEO of Europe, Middle East and Africa at Citi for more than six years, leading a team of c. 23,000 employees located in 55 countries. He was previously EMEA Chief Operating Officer, and before that was head of markets in the region for the bank.

Alongside his appointment at RTGS.global, Jim is a non-executive director of Shieldpay and has strong experience in growing startups. Most recently, he founded media company The Venn, a nonpartisan platform focused on delivering an effective and efficient way of learning about political issues.

Jim’s appointment comes as RTGS.global gears up to launch the first stage of its go-live in conjunction with a number of commercial banks. As Executive Director, Jim will sit on RTGS.global’s board, playing a crucial role in advising the leadership team as the company commences its global rollout in late June.

On his appointment, Jim Cowles commented: “Having worked in financial services and banking for 39 years, I have experienced the challenges present in the current international interbank infrastructure. Simply put, this has to change to utilise technological advances to meet the needs and demands of clients, regulators, and the banks themselves. I am excited to be joining RTGS.global at such a pivotal time. With strong support from regulators, our investors, and technology partners, we’re in a unique position to launch the network and remake the cross-border transfer business.”

Nick Ogden, Founder and CEO of RTGS.global commented: “We are excited to have Jim join RTGS.global.  He is a real heavyweight in the world of finance and banking, and with decades of experience, his insight and support will be truly invaluable. Jim’s appointment comes at an opportune time - we have a lot planned over the next few months, as we strive to our target of being the first company in the world to test and demonstrate global atomic settlement within our network of banks.”