Corporate leader Dexter John, Law’98, shares insights on his new role, how Queen’s Law shaped his strategic approach, and his career advice for law students and junior lawyers.
Corporate leader Dexter John, Law’98, shares insights on his new role, how Queen’s Law shaped his strategic approach, and his career advice for law students and junior lawyers.
Dexter John, Law’98, visited his alma mater on Feb. 24 to speak with members of the Black Law Students’ Association Queen’s Chapter about his career journey.
Dexter John, Law’98, visited his alma mater on Feb. 24 to speak with members of the Black Law Students’ Association Queen’s Chapter about his career journey.

Dexter John, Law’98, has been appointed CEO of the Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario (FSRA), bringing 25 years of leadership experience in capital markets, corporate governance, risk management, and financial regulation to the role. He will take up the post on March 1.

John, currently CEO-Canada at corporate advisory firm Sodali & Co., is no stranger to FSRA, having served as a board member since 2021. His extensive background includes leadership roles at Gryphon Advisors, where he was president and CEO, as well as at D.F. King Canada and Kingsdale Shareholder Services Inc. He has also held positions at the Investment Dealers Association, the Ontario Securities Commission, and the Toronto Stock Exchange. Earlier in his career, he practiced with Stikeman Elliott, gaining foundational experience in corporate law and governance.

“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,” says 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.”

FSRA oversees Ontario’s financial services providers, including pensions, credit unions, mortgage brokers, and insurance, ensuring they operate fairly and effectively. As CEO, John will lead the organization’s efforts to modernize regulatory frameworks, engage with stakeholders, and improve regulatory efficiency and effectiveness in the province.

Reflecting on his career path, John credits his Queen’s Law education with shaping his strategic approach to decision-making. “Law school teaches you to see things differently and to approach problems methodically,” he says. “In corporate and regulatory environments, gathering the right information allows for better strategic decisions, which can make all the difference in a highly contested corporate action or regulatory matter.”

For law students and recent graduates aspiring to careers in corporate law, financial regulation, or leadership, he offers this advice: “It’s a marathon, not a sprint. Don’t chase opportunities solely for money. Keep your head down, have a burning desire to achieve, and stay true to your goals. There will be setbacks, but those who are battle-ready will get there when the time is right.
“Most students enter law school wanting a big career as a corporate partner at the biggest law firms, and that will happen for some but not all,” he adds. “Students need to realize that a law degree opens doors to a number of alternate careers, and each person must determine their own professional journey and happiness.”

With his deep expertise and strategic leadership, John is well positioned to guide FSRA through its next phase, ensuring strong oversight of Ontario’s financial services sector and delivering tangible benefits for consumers and industry stakeholders alike.

“I am very excited about taking on this new challenge,” he says. “My whole career has been in corporate law – whether in M&A, governance, or transactional work – whereas this role is regulatory and spans multiple sectors. It seems daunting, but I look forward to the challenge. We are representing every Ontarian and ensuring they are protected.”