“In order to have what most people don’t, you have to do what most people won’t.”
Cory Clapperton is a distinguished financial services executive whose 35-year career reflects a rare blend of operational mastery, strategic foresight, and unwavering leadership integrity. As President, Chief Compliance Officer (CCO), and Ultimate Designated Person (UDP) at Liahona Capital Inc., he has cultivated a legacy of driving performance, accountability, and innovation across multiple financial disciplines. His journey through some of North America’s most respected financial institutions—spanning banking, compliance, risk management, and audit—demonstrates both depth of experience and a commitment to continuous excellence.
Throughout his extensive career, Mr. Clapperton has exemplified the characteristics of a results-oriented leader who not only envisions growth but builds the structures necessary to sustain it. At Liahona Capital Inc., he has been instrumental in scaling the firm’s Exempt Market Dealer and Mortgage Investment Corporation (MIC) divisions, leading both to record-setting performance. Under his leadership, the firm more than doubled its exempt market sales in 2024 and expanded its MIC portfolio to over $80 million, signaling his ability to merge regulatory compliance with bold strategic growth. His tenure embodies a philosophy of balance—maintaining rigorous adherence to governance standards while pursuing ambitious, forward-thinking business objectives.
Cory’s career foundation was built within Canada’s most influential banking institutions, where he consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership and a keen understanding of the evolving financial landscape. As Manager at Bank of Montreal’s AML Financial Intelligence Unit, he led a high-performing team responsible for regulatory compliance, internal audits, and risk oversight. His recognition with the Best of BMO Award in 2016 underscored his excellence in both leadership and operational performance. Before that, as Vice President and Audit Manager at Bank of America Merrill Lynch Canada, he oversaw national audit operations, ensuring the alignment of business practices with global compliance frameworks and achieving outstanding regulatory reviews.
Earlier in his career, Cory held senior roles at RBC Capital Markets Group and CIBC Internal Audit, where he honed his expertise in operational risk, audit execution, and process improvement. His tenure with these institutions positioned him as a trusted authority on corporate governance, risk management, and organizational integrity. His leadership in these roles was not merely administrative; it was transformational. He developed and mentored high-performing teams, fostered cross-functional collaboration, and enhanced operational controls that directly improved business performance and stakeholder confidence.
Beyond his technical acumen, Cory’s leadership style is rooted in accountability, empathy, and empowerment. His approach to management is characterized by his belief in developing people as much as processes. Whether overseeing teams of compliance professionals or guiding strategic growth initiatives, he leads with an unwavering commitment to ethical decision-making and professional excellence. His ability to navigate complex regulatory environments while maintaining operational agility makes him a trusted leader across multiple sectors of finance.
Internationally, Mr. Clapperton brings a global perspective shaped by his work across the United Kingdom and Canada’s major capital markets. His exposure to varied regulatory frameworks and market structures has equipped him with a comprehensive understanding of global finance. This international experience enhances his ability to provide valuable insights into cross-border governance, investment strategies, and institutional partnerships—skills that are increasingly vital in today’s interconnected financial ecosystem.
A graduate of York University with an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Labour Relations, Cory’s academic foundation reinforces his practical expertise. His professional certifications—including the Canadian Securities Course, Partners, Directors & Officers Course, and Options Supervisor Course—reflect his dedication to ongoing professional development. His membership in organizations such as the Private Capital Markets Association (PCMA) and the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) further demonstrates his active engagement in industry advancement and best practices.
Outside the boardroom, Cory is a dynamic entrepreneur and community leader. As founder of the Thornton Ball Hockey and Ice Hockey Leagues, he has built successful recreational programs that promote teamwork, leadership, and community engagement. His ventures, including ownership of The Last Shot Bar and Grill, reflect his entrepreneurial drive and ability to transform ideas into sustainable enterprises. His charitable initiatives—raising over $10,000 through community tournaments—underscore his belief in giving back and supporting local causes.
Cory’s philosophy of leadership extends far beyond metrics and milestones. He views success as the product of perseverance, ethical conduct, and the courage to lead decisively when others hesitate. His guiding motto, “In order to have what most people don’t, you have to do what most people won’t,” perfectly captures the mindset that has propelled his career. Through his balance of strategic insight and human connection, he continues to inspire confidence among peers, clients, and the broader business community.
Today, as he continues to expand his impact through board and advisory roles, Cory Clapperton remains a model of professional excellence and forward-thinking leadership. His decades-long career stands as a testament to the enduring power of integrity, adaptability, and service. Whether leading teams, shaping corporate strategy, or advising emerging enterprises, his influence resonates across every facet of his work.
Character:
Cory Clapperton’s character is defined by integrity, perseverance, and humility. He leads by example, demonstrating unwavering commitment to ethical principles and sound judgment in every decision. His colleagues recognize him as a leader who prioritizes doing what is right over what is convenient, fostering trust and loyalty in all professional relationships.
Knowledge:
With over three decades of experience spanning banking, compliance, risk management, and capital markets, Cory possesses an encyclopedic understanding of the financial sector. His mastery of both operational and strategic disciplines enables him to navigate complex regulatory environments with precision and insight. He continuously seeks to expand his knowledge, ensuring his leadership remains informed, relevant, and forward-looking.
Strategic:
Cory approaches every challenge with a strategic mindset that blends vision with practicality. His ability to assess market dynamics, identify opportunities, and implement sustainable growth strategies has consistently delivered measurable results. He is adept at aligning people, processes, and performance to achieve long-term objectives that strengthen organizational resilience.
Communication:
An articulate and empathetic communicator, Cory excels at bridging gaps between diverse stakeholders—from regulators and executives to team members and clients. His communication style is transparent, respectful, and motivating, enabling him to foster collaboration and inspire confidence. Through both written and verbal engagement, he ensures clarity of purpose and alignment across all levels of leadership.
