Ray Williams

Ray Williams was appointed to the board of directors of CMHC in June 2024.

A seasoned financial services executive with more than 35 years of experience specializing in global capital markets, Mr. Williams is a former Vice-Chairman of Financial Markets at National Bank Financial. He was a key contributor to the bank’s affordable housing commitments.

In 2020, Mr. Williams co-founded the Black Opportunity Fund. He is now Chair of this fund, which is the largest fund in Canada created to address anti-Black racism through social and economic empowerment.

Passionate about inspiring change and community engagement, particularly in advancing workplace diversity and inclusion efforts, Mr. Williams is a long-time mentor. He also serves on a variety of leadership boards. He is the past and founding president of the Canadian Association of Urban Financial Professionals. The association is a member-based resource organization for the advancement of Black and minority professionals in the Canadian financial services industry.

Mr. Williams has a BA in Economics from North Staffordshire University, a Master of Arts from Coventry University. He obtained his ICD.D (Designation, Institute of Corporate Directors) from University of Toronto’s Rotman School of Management.