David Watson
About David Watson
David Watson serves as the Chief Product Officer at Swift, a position he has held since 2022. He has extensive experience in the financial services industry, having previously worked in various roles at Deutsche Bank and Swift over a career spanning more than two decades.
Current Role at Swift
David Watson serves as the Chief Product Officer at Swift, a position he has held since 2022. In this role, he is responsible for overseeing product strategy and development, ensuring that Swift's offerings meet the evolving needs of its clients. His leadership is pivotal in driving innovation and enhancing the user experience within the company's product suite.
Previous Experience at Swift
Before his current role, Watson worked at Swift as the Chief Strategy Officer from 2020 to 2022. He also held the position of Commercial Director - Head of North America from 2019 to 2020. During his tenure, he contributed to strategic initiatives and commercial growth in the North American market, enhancing Swift's presence in the region.
Career at Deutsche Bank
Watson has an extensive background at Deutsche Bank, where he held multiple senior positions over several years. His roles included Global Head of Client Access Channel Products, Head of Cash Management Americas, and Global Head of Product Development for Global Transaction Banking. His experience at Deutsche Bank spanned from 2002 to 2019, during which he focused on product management, strategic execution, and innovation in transaction banking.
Education and Qualifications
David Watson studied at The University of Edinburgh, where he earned a Bachelor of Commerce (BComm) degree in Business Studies from 1997 to 2001. His educational background provides a strong foundation for his career in finance and product management, equipping him with essential skills in business strategy and operations.
Board Memberships and Advisory Roles
Watson has served in various advisory and board roles, including as a member of The Clearing House Payments Company Board from 2017 to 2019. He also participated in the SWIFT Corporate Advisory Group from 2011 to 2018 and served as a Board Observer for the FinTech company Modo Payments on behalf of Deutsche Bank from 2018 to 2019. These roles reflect his engagement with industry developments and his influence in the financial technology sector.