Jim Walsh

PRINCIPAL and Advisory Board Member

Jim Walsh is a seasoned corporate development executive with a remarkable track record in orchestrating complex financial transactions and implementing inorganic growth strategies for financial services organizations. His expertise lies in portfolio optimization, capital allocation, and value creation.

As the head of corporate development at BMO Financial Group, Jim spearheaded over $35 billion in strategic transactions that significantly reshaped the organization’s market position and capabilities. His leadership resulted in executing more than 60 deals, expanding BMO’s presence in investment banking, asset management, wealth management, and retail and commercial banking.

Some of Jim’s most notable achievements include overseeing four of BMO’s largest acquisitions in its 200-year history, such as the acquisitions of the  Bank of the West($16.3 billion) and M&I Bank($4.1 billion) . He also led the expansion of BMO’s global asset management through the acquisition of the UK’s F&C Asset Management($1 billion) and their insurance practice through the addition of AIG’s Canadian Life($375 million). Additionally, Jim oversaw several BMO’s minority stakes and JV’s, including Fullgoal Fund Management and Cofco Trust, marking BMO’s investments in the Chinese asset management industry.

Beyond his role in corporate development, Jim served as an inside board director for BMO Reinsurance and as a board member for Symcor, a joint venture between major Canadian banks. In these positions, he provided valuable oversight and guidance on various business operations and strategy aspects.

Prior to his corporate development role, Jim was instrumental in establishing and expanding BMO’s asset securitization practice. As managing director, he directed $7.5 billion in transactions and pioneered several organizational firsts, including structuring BMO’s initial collateralized buyouts, leveraged buyouts, and commercial paper and investment conduits.

Jim began his career as a certified public accountant with Ernst & Young, followed by roles as controller and CFO at The Alcar Group. He later established and led the firm’s European practice, achieving remarkable growth and profitability.

With his extensive experience in strategic planning, M&A, corporate governance, and risk management, Jim is well-positioned to contribute his expertise to financial services organizations seeking growth through strategic acquisitions and investments.

Jim holds a master’s degree in management from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management and an undergraduate degree in business administration from the University of Notre Dame. He currently serves as the chair of Loyola Academy’s board of directors, leveraging his corporate leadership and governance expertise to drive the school’s strategic initiatives.