Ajit Desai, PhD

Ajit Desai is currently a Principal Researcher and Data Scientist at the Bank of Canada. His work focuses on applying advanced technologies -- including artificial intelligence, tokenization, and quantum computing -- to enhance domestic and cross-border payment systems.

Previously, Dr. Desai served as an Advisor at the BIS Innovation Hub, Swiss Centre, where he contributed to Project Agorá, advised on Project Neo, and explored the use of Agentic AI in payment.

He holds a Ph.D. in Computational Science and Engineering from Carleton University and an M.S. in Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology Madras.*