Financial Perspective - Al Ramsay
Perseverance. Dedication. Community. Inclusion. These 4 words describe Al Ramsay’s approach to his role as TD’s AVP Customer Strategy and Sales Development, Wealth & Business Banking.
Over the past 16 years, Al has been an integral part of TD’s Inclusion and Diversity Council where he and his team have made a dramatic, and positive, impact on the LGBTQ2+ and Visible Minority communities. In 2020, Al was awarded the Executive Pride Award from The International Day of Pink, and the Business Leader of the Year award by the Canadian Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce for his leadership work in the LGBTQ2+ community. And, more recently, Al was awarded the 2021 Harry Jerome Award for Professional Excellence.
Last year, Al was promoted to AVP Customer Strategy and Sales Development, Wealth & Business Banking – his mandate has since then expanded to spearhead TD's Black Experience Customer Strategy. I caught up with Al to discuss this new role, his plans for the team and review how he plans to help close the wealth gap in the Black Community.
What is TD’s stance on inclusivity and diversity?
“At TD we believe that diversity and inclusion is not only the right thing to do, but it is also a competitive advantage as it strengthens our business and our communities. This strategy is part of our fundamental values which empower us to support our customers, colleagues and communities – we like to call this the 3 C’s. With this in mind, we have developed strong and thoughtful strategies that have elevated our brand, helped us to develop business and become the better bank within our communities where we live, work and play.”
2. How will your expanded mandate at TD empower, encourage and elevate the Black Community?
“Over the past 16 years, I've been working diligently serving the Black community, therefore my expanded mandate is an opportunity to accelerate this work. We look to educate, inspire and empower our customers to reach their business and personal goals. One of the ways we will empower, encourage, and elevate the Black Community is by increasing the level of financial education within this group; knowledge of financial matters is really an important component in generating wealth.
Additionally, over the last few years, we have seen that there has been an increase of Black businesses that are missing a link to securing access to capital to build their businesses. This turbulent time has amplified the existence of the financial inclusion gap and has encouraged us to accelerate our efforts to be a part of the solution.
By improving the Black community’s capacity to access capital and increasing financial education, this will have a direct impact in boosting this community’s economic participation in all areas of the economy.”
3. How does a company as large as TD be an active member of the Black Community?
“In order to build authentic brands in diverse communities, the first thing we will do is listen, engage and get informed. By understanding the needs of our colleagues, customers and communities we will attract even more people to work, invest, be a part of our organization and play an integral role in the places that we live. From there, our team will create and deliver, meaningful, deliberate and intentional solutions and services that will be built on a deeper understanding of the Black Community’s needs.
TD is a founding member of the Canadian government's Black Entrepreneurship Loan Fund, the objective of this program is to empower, support and mentor Black-owned businesses by providing these entrepreneurs with tailored guidance, financial support and mentorship to help them to establish and grow their businesses.”
4. What’s next?
“I thrive when I am in the "thick of the action" – connecting with customers & colleagues, mentoring our youth and being fully engaged in the community. In 6-12 months, my team will be fully entrenched within the community, learning, collaborating and executing on our plan.
I look forward to this new adventure, but most importantly excited to continue to represent my community proudly championing equity for all.“
Catch up with Al on LinkedIN, Twitter and Instagram