As a director and product manager within CGI’s strategic trade solutions group, Merlin Dowse is primarily responsible for the design and delivery of forward-looking and client-centric trade solutions. He leads digital strategy initiatives and develops product value propositions using emerging technologies such as AI, APIs, and blockchain. He also manages third-party fintech vendor engagements and industry developments.
Previously, Merlin spent 15 years at J.P. Morgan in various global product management roles. He led digital strategy for traditional trade products, launched innovations such as electronic bill of exchange and trade loan functionality, and collaborated with fintechs. He also managed a multi-year project focused on trade asset risk distribution and contributed to expanding J.P. Morgan’s global trade footprint.
Before J.P. Morgan, Merlin worked in Trade Services at Rabobank in the Netherlands. For the past five years, he has actively contributed to industry-wide initiatives and serves as Vice-Chair of the ICC Banking Commission, leading efforts to digitalize trade finance through the ICC Digital Standards Initiative.
