The Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario (FSRA) has appointed Dexter John (pictured) as chief executive officer, effective March 1, 2025.
John brings more than 25 years of experience in leadership, governance, risk management and regulatory affairs. He is currently the president and chief executive officer of Morrow Sodali (Canada) Ltd., where he advises on corporate governance, ESG initiatives, shareholder agreements, executive compensation and strategic investor voting analytics.
Before his time at Morrow Sodali, John held senior roles at D.F. King Canada (formerly CST Phoenix Advisors) and Kingsdale Shareholder Services Inc., where he provided governance and corporate strategy advice to public companies.
“I am honoured to have the opportunity to lead FSRA and to build on the excellent work of the team in advancing the organization’s vision,” said John. “FSRA plays a critical role in strengthening Ontario’s financial services sector, and I look forward to working with our staff, stakeholders, and partners to ensure we continue to deliver on our mandate and create positive outcomes for Ontarians.”
John’s career also includes positions at the Investment Dealers Association, the Ontario Securities Commission and the Toronto Stock Exchange. He started his career as a lawyer with Stikeman Elliott, where he gained expertise in corporate law and governance.
John has been a member of FSRA’s board of directors, chairing the business technology transformation committee, and has participated in several other committees. His deep understanding of FSRA’s operations and priorities, combined with his market experience, positions him to lead the organization through its next phase of regulatory modernization, the regulator claimed.
“Mr. John’s leadership and strategic insight will be invaluable as FSRA continues to modernize Ontario’s financial services regulatory framework, engaging collaboratively with FSRA’s stakeholders and delivering regulatory efficiency and effectiveness,” said Joanne De Laurentiis, chair of FSRA’s board of directors. “The board is confident in his ability to build on FSRA’s progress and drive forward its ambitious agenda.”
The FSRA board also expressed gratitude to Stephen Power, who had served as interim CEO since July 2024, for his leadership during the transition period.
