Bill Clarke has spent his career where government, technology, and strategy meet. As Vice President of Business Development and Partnerships at Foster Moore, his advice helps governments modernize services that underpin trust and transparency in the digital age. With a background that spans public-private partnerships, policy innovation, and registry transformation in Canada, the UK, Eastern Europe, and the Caribbean, Bill brings both depth and breadth to the world of registries.
As a trusted advisor to governments and industry leaders, Bill has played a key role in defining registry strategies, leading national initiatives, and exploring emerging technologies such as AI, digital identity, and blockchain. He is also a long-time champion of interoperability and intelligent data exchange between registries, viewing these capabilities as foundational to building the future of trust and transparency in the digital era.
In this interview, Bill reflects on the experiences that shaped his thinking, the trends driving registry transformation, and the value of collaboration in building systems that serve people better.
You’ve had a career that spans continents and sectors. What drew you into the world of public sector transformation and registry services?
I have always been interested in the space where policy meets technology. Public sector work gives you the chance to solve complex, long-standing problems that really matter to people. Registries might not always make the headlines, but they are essential infrastructure. They enable business, property transfers, and legal transparency. Helping improve that is deeply rewarding.
What has been the most fulfilling part of your journey in the registry world?
It has been seeing the long-term impact of the work we do. Whether it is helping define Canada’s government with their PPSR strategy or supporting modernization in smaller jurisdictions, you know you are laying a foundation that will benefit citizens for years. You might not always see immediate results, but you know the change is meaningful.
How did you first come across Foster Moore?
I first came across Foster Moore while working on shared registry initiatives with Teranet. What struck me was how aligned we were in terms of purpose and vision. They weren’t just building systems; they were building solutions that governments could trust. Over the years, that alignment grew into a partnership that’s based on mutual respect, shared goals, and a passion for registry innovation.
Can you share a moment when your work had a particularly meaningful impact?
One moment that stands out is our work on Canada’s national PPSR strategy. We brought together policy, legislative, and tech experts to design a framework that would last. That kind of collaboration does not happen by accident. It takes commitment, clarity, and a real belief in the public good.
You’ve worked in many regions. What makes large-scale government transformation succeed?
It comes down to systems thinking. You cannot treat technology as a standalone solution. You have to look at people, processes, legislation, and long-term scalability. A project I was part of many years ago in the Czech Republic is a good example. It was complex on many levels, but by taking a holistic approach, we were able to deliver something that worked and lasted. We looked beyond the technology to address legislation, stakeholder alignment, and operational readiness. That kind of system thinking is essential.
They are more important than ever. Governments need to deliver secure, modern services but often do not have the internal capacity to innovate at pace. The best partnerships bring together the stability and mandate of government with the agility and expertise of private partners. When done right, it is not outsourcing. It is co-creating the future of public service.
What trends in government registries are you most excited about?
Interoperability, no doubt. The ability to exchange data across registers, domains, and jurisdictions is the single biggest unlock for government transformation. When registries can talk to each other across domains and borders, we unlock smarter policy, better service, and stronger data integrity. It is not just a technical upgrade. It is a shift in how government works. That’s where the biggest growth opportunity lies.
Where do you see technologies like AI, blockchain, and digital identity making the biggest impact?
AI is already helping with compliance and automation. It is not about replacing people but giving them better tools. Digital identity is a game-changer, especially when it comes to reducing fraud and improving access. Blockchain is promising too, particularly in areas like land registration and asset traceability, though its role in corporate registries is still emerging.
You’ve talked about Digital Asset Registers. What excites you about them?
Digital Asset Registers and Distributed Ledger Technology represent a major shift. They allow us to digitize and track the life cycle of assets, like goods in a supply chain or property in a real estate transaction, across multiple parties and borders. This level of transparency and control will redefine how we understand ownership, movement, and value in a digital economy. That has big implications for everything from economic policy to cross-border trade.
What advice do you give governments starting their modernization journey?
Start with a clear understanding of your why. What problem are you solving? Look at it holistically, policy, tech, people, legislation. Don’t rush into implementation without defining your future operating model. Think long-term. It’s like planting an elm tree. You may not enjoy its shade, but you’re creating something that will benefit others for generations. Think about the legacy you are leaving behind.
What would you tell organizations leading complex transformation projects?
Get your foundations right. Take the time to map the journey properly. Engage stakeholders early. Create space for flexibility, but ground everything in a strong, strategic foundation. Transformation isn’t just about delivering a system; it’s about enabling an ecosystem that can evolve over time.
Outside of work, Bill confesses he enjoys life at a different pace, sailing when he can, spending quality time with family and friends, exploring new places, and winding down with a good glass of rum or whiskey. These moments keep him grounded, fuel his curiosity, and remind him of what matters most.
Bill has spent decades helping governments build smarter, more resilient systems. His work bridges continents, technologies, and policy domains, but at its core, it is about trust. Through his work, Bill continues to shape a future where registries are more connected, transparent, and capable of meeting the needs of citizens around the world.
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Bill has spent decades helping governments build smarter, more resilient systems. His work bridges continents, technologies, and policy domains, but at its core, it is about trust. Through his work, Bill continues to shape a future where registries are more connected, transparent, and capable of meeting the needs of citizens around the world.