Deborah Williams

Deborah has always had a passion for capital markets and financial services, spanning a few decades. Originally educated as an urban planner (University of Waterloo BES), she was a waterfront planner with former Toronto Mayor David Crombie. Realizing the need to do more, she enrolled in part-time grad studies.

After completing her MBA at Rotman School of Management (University of Toronto), Deborah transitioned into the world of financial services where she worked for two major Canadian banks in Account Management. One day, she visited a friend on the Toronto Futures trading floor, and that was the beginning of her next adventure. She spent the next chapter of her life as an independent derivatives trader on the floor of the Toronto Futures Exchange and then on the Montreal Exchange. She was the only female trader. Her twin sons would also visit the trading floors, and over time develop the same passion for capital markets. Both have successful careers in the industry, most recently having started Koi Capital Investments Inc. in 2023 where they now work together.

When the trading floors closed and were replaced by electronic trading, Deborah transitioned to screen trading. As the years went by, she realized something was missing. She transitioned back to working with people as an independent financial planner, where she is once again able to share her passion for capital markets, while working with people to help them meet their financial goals. In addition, Deborah was also a Professor of Financial Planning courses at The Business School at nearby Centennial College for 10 years. Here she coached students to top finishes in the CIFP Case Challenge three years in a row while shaping the financial planners of tomorrow.

Today, as a Certified Financial Planner and Chartered Life Underwriter, Deborah specializes in working with high-net-worth individuals and families, and business owners. She works with her clients to create the road map to make financial and retirement dreams a reality, regardless of what happens along the way. This starts with listening, determining needs, then analyzing and providing customized solutions for tax, retirement, and estate planning.

Deborah and her team work to consolidate clients’ assets, ensuring they have the bigger picture, with the goal of increasing wealth while understanding the overall risks involved and ensuring adequate downside protection. In this way, her clients can spend their time enjoying life instead of checking the stock market or account balances.

Deborah lives in Markham, Ontario. She has twin sons, a grandson, and enjoys reading, spinning, biking and red wine. She is a board member of various non-profit organizations and regularly volunteers in a variety of community outreach activities.