A Conversation on Career, Community, and Representation with Matthew Williams, Investment Advisor, Portfolio Manager
Q: How did you get started in the wealth management industry? Was this always the path you envisioned?
A: Not at all. Leaving high school, I wanted to be a sports agent — I even studied Sports Management at Brock University. But somewhere along the way, I became more interested in economics and political economy, and simultaneously lost interest in being an agent. After graduating, a friend’s mom, who worked at BMO, helped me land an entry‑level branch role.
I was honestly terrible at being a teller — I just wasn’t suited to that work. But the branch manager saw something in me and encouraged me. That experience pushed me to find the right place in the Bank. Bit by bit, I moved intentionally into roles that aligned more with investments, eventually landing in private banking as an assistant to several investment counsellors.
Those roles helped me build skills, connections, and confidence. Along the way I completed my CFA and realized I wanted to be an advisor.
Q: How important was mentorship throughout your career? What did that support look like to you?
A: I worked with three investment counsellors over the years — all supportive in different ways. The last one, Larry, had the biggest impact. He was nearing retirement and wanted fewer corporate responsibilities, so he passed a lot of project and committee work to me. That exposure was invaluable.
He also gave me space to grow, trusted me with major responsibilities, and offered great advice. Many highly accomplished people came through his mentorship, so I felt fortunate to learn from him.
Because I benefited so much from others taking the time to talk with me, I made a commitment early in my career to do the same. I always take calls or coffees with people asking for career advice. I don’t have formal mentees today, but I’m consistently supporting people both inside and outside the firm.
Q: Did you ever have Black mentors?
A: No, not directly — but that’s largely because there were so few Black people in positions where mentorship could even happen. At one point at BMO [Private Banking], I realized I was the only Black investment counsellor in the entire country. That says a lot about representation in the industry [at the time].
Q: Speaking of representation, what do you think about underrepresentation in wealth management? What contributes to it?
A: Representation is low — that’s clear anytime I go to industry events. You can scan the room and easily count how many Black advisors are there.
My own experience hasn’t included being overtly held back, but I know others haven’t been as fortunate. Former colleagues have felt overlooked or misled about opportunities. Whether that was due to race or not is complex, but it’s a real feeling many Black professionals carry.
Structural factors matter too — access to early exposure, education, networks, and confidence in pursuing industries like finance. I’ve often felt that Black professionals are encouraged to take the “safe” route: climb steadily, gain approval at every step. But I think we also need to shift mindsets toward entrepreneurship, risk‑taking, and creating opportunities rather than waiting for them.
Q: Do you aim to build a diverse client base? What does your book of business look like today?
A: Right now, because I recently moved firms and am rebuilding, my book skews older, more female, but this will change overtime as I’m naturally curious about people and love learning from a wide range of clients.
For example, at BMO, my book was really diverse — young families, retirees, people of colour, entrepreneurs, professionals — and I’m working toward rebuilding that.
Q: Your answer leads nicely into Black History Month. What does Black History Month mean to you? Has that changed over time?
A: Completely. For most of my life, Black History Month didn’t mean anything to me. I didn’t understand its purpose — I even related to Morgan Freeman’s comment about not wanting a “special month.”
But during the George Floyd period, things shifted. Stories like Elijah McClain’s deeply affected me. I remember cycling one day after learning about his story and just breaking down. That moment made me realize I needed to engage differently.
I started using February intentionally — reading only Black authors, seeking out Black stories, supporting Black‑owned businesses. Not because I never read Black authors otherwise, but because Black History Month pushes me to break my default patterns.
It’s a reminder to consciously choose perspectives I might not encounter automatically.
Q: You joined the BAC Group shortly after arriving. What was that experience like?
A: Cheryl (Jones) approached me in the kitchen my first week; it was a hectic time for me personally and professionally, but I was happy to join. Honestly, I didn’t know what to expect.
But it became one of the best parts of joining Richardson. It gave me a sense of community, helped me meet people across the firm, and made me feel grounded during a major transition. As an advisor, you’re not embedded in a big team — so having a group to connect with was unique and meaningful.
I truly value the group and the culture it fosters.
Q: Any final thoughts for Black colleagues or others entering wealth management?
A: The financial industry is uniquely positioned to allow people to build something significant — to push past perceived limitations and create value. There is plenty of room for more Black advisors, more representation, and more leadership.
I’d encourage anyone entering the industry to embrace ownership, take risks, advocate for themselves, and build networks. There’s a tremendous opportunity to thrive, contribute, and reshape representation for the generations coming after us.