Cathal Smyth
Data AnalystCyber ML Lead | CISSP | Blackhat Speaker
Mastercard
AI is analyzing your overall score…
Identifying your key strengths…
Evaluating your skill match against the job requirements…
Assessing your cultural and operational fit
Cyber ML Lead | CISSP | Blackhat Speaker
AI is analyzing your overall score…
Identifying your key strengths…
Evaluating your skill match against the job requirements…
Assessing your cultural and operational fit
Proven leader with the ability to guide technical experts to deliver machine learning solutions that address fraud and cyber risks while meeting the expectations of stakeholders and regulators. Seasoned data scientist that has shipped solutions preventing millions of dollars of fraud.
University of Toronto
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Physics
January 1, 2008 – January 1, 2015
Maynooth University
Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.), Theoretical and Mathematical Physics
January 1, 2003 – January 1, 2007
Mastercard
Director of Cyber Analytics
July 1, 2025 – Present
Toronto, Ontario, Canada · Hybrid
Vaultree
Head of Machine Learning
September 1, 2023 – July 1, 2025
Toronto, Ontario, Canada · Remote
Shopify
Staff Research Scientist
April 1, 2022 – December 1, 2022
Remote
RBC
Acting Senior Director, Joint Security Operations Centre (JSOC) Analytics, Global Cyber Security
October 1, 2021 – March 1, 2022
RBC
Director, Joint Security Operations Centre (JSOC) Analytics, Global Cyber Security
June 1, 2021 – March 1, 2022
RBC
Senior Manager, Data Science
August 1, 2019 – May 1, 2021
RBC
Machine Learning Researcher
April 1, 2018 – July 1, 2019
Borealis AI
Machine Learning Researcher
November 1, 2016 – April 1, 2018
Toronto, Canada Area
The Fields Institute For Research In Mathematical Sciences
Post Doctoral Fellow
January 1, 2015 – July 1, 2015
Toronto
University of Toronto
Research Assistant
September 1, 2008 – January 1, 2015
University of Toronto
Teaching Assistant
September 1, 2008 – December 1, 2014
Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
ISC2
June 24, 2026 – Present
Cultural Fit Analysis
The candidate's career trajectory shows a strong focus on research, data science, and leadership within large organizations (RBC, Shopify, Mastercard) and innovative startups (Vaultree). Their work on encrypted machine learning and cyber analytics indicates an interest in cutting-edge, high-impact areas. The transition from a pure research background to leading operational analytics teams suggests adaptability and a drive to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world problems. However, the target role of 'Data Analyst' might be a step down in terms of leadership and strategic scope compared to their recent 'Director' and 'Head of ML' positions, potentially indicating a mismatch in career aspirations or a desire for a more hands-on technical role. The breadth of experience across different industries (finance, e-commerce, cybersecurity) suggests adaptability.
Soft Skills & Operational Fit
The candidate demonstrates strong leadership, project management, and communication skills through their various director and senior manager roles. Their experience in stakeholder management and advocating for solutions (e.g., FHE based ML to government agencies) indicates strong operational fit for roles requiring cross-functional collaboration and strategic influence. The academic background and research experience suggest a strong problem-solving aptitude and intellectual curiosity.