Bio

Bill Westervelt is a leading expert in the payment systems industry with over 30 years of operating and advisory experience in all facets of the payments industry. Prior to forming Ashby Point Capital in February of 2007, Bill co-founded First Annapolis Consulting in 1991. While under his fifteen years of leadership he led First Annapolis to be the premier advising and consulting company in the payments industry. Bill has advised both domestic and international clients on a range of matters that have impacted the evolution of consumer/commercial payment products and systems. His clients include major international financial institutions, money center and regional banks, transaction processing companies, specialized technology providers, trade and credit associations, and non-bank entities such as retailers and specialized finance companies. His expertise includes designing and implementing payment system strategies, assessing and structuring alliances, evaluating emerging payment systems alternatives and advising clients on mergers, acquisitions, and dispositions. Over the past several years, he played a critical role in developing and executing joint venture strategies in both the issuing and merchant acceptance industries to capitalize on opportunities in a consolidating market. Additionally, Bill has supported many of the card industry’s largest outsourcing arrangements by advising banks and third party processors. Recently, he has guided bank clients through all facets of payment systems strategy and the implications on financial performance. Prior to First Annapolis, Bill had seventeen years of operating experience in retail banking. Previously, he has been an executive officer of a major credit card bank, and has held senior management positions at processing companies. He has also served on numerous advisory committees for Visa USA, Visa International, and vendors serving the financial services industry. Bill received his M.B.A. in finance and marketing from the University of Baltimore. He attended the University of Maryland Executive development Program and holds a B.A. in economics from McDaniel College (formerly Western Maryland College).