Moor, the longest-serving bank CEO in Canada, died suddenly at the age of 65 last weekend. He’s being remembered by colleagues and friends for his leadership, mentorship and unwavering friendship.
The Sussex, England, native joined what was then called Equitable Trust as CEO in 2007, only months before the start of a global financial crisis that would topple many financial industry competitors.
Moor, however, viewed the turmoil as an opportunity to fill in the gaps left by those foreign institutions that retreated from the Canadian market.
“We have been impacted by the worldwide credit crisis and have seen the exit of several alternative lenders from the mortgage lending market,” the then-Chair of the Canadian Association of Accredited Mortgage Professionals (CAAMP)—now Mortgage Professionals Canada—wrote in a 2007 column published in Mortgage Journal.
“This means less choice for both mortgage professionals and for borrowers.”
A steady hand through crisis
As foreign lenders left the country, Moor worked tirelessly to fill the void, developing new lending products for the self-employed, those with unique credit profiles, and those seeking a reverse mortgage — eventually emerging as a national leader in each category.
“When we were seeking board members and potential chairs for CAAMP/MPC, Andrew stood as a giant in our industry,” recalls Highclere Capital co-founder and president Paul Grewal, who first encountered Moor as president and CEO of Invis.
Grewal says Moor “helped transform the brokerage to a large organization” during his tenure, from 2000 until Invis was sold to HSBC in 2006.
“He was in the middle of transitioning to Equitable but made certain that the focus of the board at MPC, while he served as chair, was on a governance model versus an operational model,” Grewal says. “He was a visionary who knew the Canadian financial services market required a transformative digital bank to compete against the established banking sector, and worked with mortgage brokers who were an essential distribution channel.”
As both the head of one of the country’s only alternative lenders at the time, and as the chair of the national mortgage broker association, Moor was looked to for guidance and leadership in the industry’s darkest days.
Now, days after his passing, colleagues and friends recall how he rose to the occasion.
“As chair of CAAMP, Andrew brought clarity of purpose, integrity, and a collaborative spirit that helped shape our strategic direction and strengthen the broker community,” says MPC president and CEO Lauren van den Berg. “He was a visionary leader, a tireless innovator, and a true champion of Canada’s mortgage and banking industry.”
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of a true industry giant and former MPC chair,” adds current MPC board chair Barbara Cook, who says she will never forget the kindness Moor extended as she began her term in his former role. “We are forever grateful for the many ways he gave back and inspired others.”
When Moor took over operations at Equitable, the company had 100 employees and a market capitalization of $400 million. Under his leadership, it grew into a $4-billion business with 2,000 employees, 700,000 customers and $127 billion in combined assets under management.
“He led with purpose, integrity and heart, and was a source of confidence and inspiration to those who had the privilege to work alongside him,” said the bank’s vice president of residential credit, Michael Wolfe. “The human aspect of leadership was core to his vision—nurturing talent, encouraging innovation, and creating an environment where everyone felt empowered to contribute.”
A voice for brokers and innovation
Wolfe says Moor was a “cherished friend, mentor, colleague” and a “visionary leader” who always put the needs and aspirations of customers, brokers and partners at the core of every decision.
“His tireless pursuit of innovation reshaped banking in Canada and set a new standard
of excellence,” he adds. “His passing is an immeasurable loss, not only for all of us at Equitable, but for the entire mortgage industry, especially the broker community he so proudly championed throughout his career.”
Colleagues and friends recall how Moor took pride in the institution’s identity as a “challenger bank,” using its unique position to advocate for change and innovation in ways traditional financial institutions could not.
“Andrew Moor was a critical contributor and leader of Canada’s housing finance system, and was extremely well respected by government policy makers, investors, customers and Equitable staff alike,” says Andy Charles, president and CEO of Canada Guaranty, who first met Moor at Invis.
“As a leader, Andrew successfully challenged the status quo,” Charles continues, adding that Moor “was first and foremost a family man.” Moor is survived by his wife and three children.
A leader remembered for his heart
Others who knew Moor personally also shared fond memories that spoke to his warmth and sense of humour.
“As a South African, we enjoyed some friendly banter about our respective rugby teams, especially during World Cup events,” recalls Sagen president and CEO Stuart Levings. “Andrew’s untimely passing is indeed a tragic loss for his family and friends, but also for the Canadian housing finance industry. My sincere condolences to his loved ones and to all those who had the pleasure of knowing him.”
Levings says it was immediately clear that Andrew “had an incredible mind for leadership and innovation in the financial services space” when they met 15 years ago, and he’s not alone. Many who worked alongside Moor describe being impressed with how he carried himself in the industry, including his competitors.
“I always appreciated Andrew’s intellectual capacity, his demeanour and his tone,” says Merix Financial president and CEO Boris Bozic, adding that Moor’s relentless drive for innovation ultimately served to benefit the industry as a whole. “Even as competitors, he always conducted himself with decorum and respect for others.”
First National president and CEO Jason Ellis echoes that sentiment.
“He was a great partner, competitor and even a mentor all at the same time,” he says. “He was generous with his counsel and genuinely committed to the evolution of banking. He will be sorely missed.”
“Andrew was a strong advocate for the mortgage brokerage industry since entering the space,” says Dan Putnam, Vice Chair, Residential at CMLS. “The mortgage industry has just suffered a devastating loss with the sudden passing of Andrew Moor, an industry great.”
“There is no doubt Andrew was brilliant, funny and a visionary,” adds Mark Kerzner, CEO of TMG The Mortgage Group. “But he was also an immense advocate for mortgage brokers and the brokerage channel in Canada.”
Kerzner adds that his advocacy extended from his time at Invis, to his leadership at MPC, through his 17 years at Equitable Bank, where he continued to advocate for the country’s brokers and financial technology section to the very end.
“As we mourn his loss, we are honoured to continue his legacy,” Moor’s colleague Wolfe says. “While his absence leaves a void, his impact endures, reminding us of the profound difference one individual can make. Andrew Moor will forever be remembered as a trailblazer, a leader, and above all, a remarkable human being.”
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Andrew Moor andy charles barb cook boris bozic Dan Putnam equitable bank jared Lindzon Jason Ellis Lauren van den Berg Mark Kerzner Michael Wolfe obituary Paul Grewal Stuart Levings
Last modified: June 27, 2025
