In an industry defined by cycles and rapid change, reaching a half-century milestone is a monumental achievement. This October, Community Trust Company (CTC) celebrates its 50th anniversary. For a privately held institution, this landmark is not just a testament to resilience, but a powerful story of strategic growth and the strength of trusted partnerships with the mortgage broker community.
From its humble beginnings to its current position as one of Canada’s alternative lending leaders, CTC’s journey has been intrinsically linked to the success of its broker partners. This anniversary provides a moment to reflect on that shared history and look ahead to a future built on the same foundation of trust and mutual success.
From local roots to a national force
Founded in 1975 in the Greater Toronto Area, Community Trust was born from a clear and prescient mission to offer alternative financial options that meet the diverse needs of Canadians. Operating initially within local communities like Bloor West Village, the company’s core philosophy was simple but powerful: build trust and lasting relationships, one client at a time.
This people-first approach naturally led to a strong focus on commercial and retail mortgages. Over time, CTC became a leader in finding flexible solutions for borrowers who didn’t fit into the traditional lending box. That included the self-employed, entrepreneurs, new Canadians, and those rebuilding their credit—vital segments of the Canadian economy that have historically been overlooked.
For mortgage brokers, CTC became a go-to partner for managing complex files and providing an option for clients who needed a lender that looked beyond the credit score.
A new era of accelerated growth
The modern chapter of Community Trust’s story began in 2019 with its acquisition by Questrade Financial Group, a move that catalyzed an incredible period of expansion. The acquisition was a natural fit, uniting two organizations with a shared mission to help Canadians become more financially successful and secure.
Since 2019, Community Trust has seen its assets grow exponentially and, more importantly, has seen the same exponential growth in the number of Canadians it supports.
Today, Community Trust proudly works with a network of approximately 2,500 mortgage brokers, collectively helping around 14,000 Canadians annually achieve their homeownership dreams. This expansion has transformed CTC from a regional specialist into a national player, offering its unique brand of lending to a wider network of brokers and their clients.
The broker at the heart of the business
Throughout this journey of growth, one thing has remained constant: CTC’s unwavering commitment to the broker channel. The company’s philosophy is that brokers are not just a distribution channel—they are the core of the business.
This broker-centric model is evident in every facet of the operation, from accessible underwriters and dedicated business development managers to a consistent focus on service excellence.
This commitment has not gone unnoticed. CTC’s efforts have been recognized with numerous industry accolades, including the prestigious DALBAR Award for service excellence in both 2023 and 2024, as well as recognition by Brokers on Lenders for rates and transparent commission structures. These awards are a direct reflection of positive feedback from the broker community, which stands as the ultimate measure of success.
“Our 50-year history is a source of immense pride, but it’s a history we share with our broker partners. Every milestone we’ve reached, from our first mortgage funded to our national expansion, has been achieved hand-in-hand with the broker community. They are on the front lines, advising Canadians and building our communities, and our primary role is to be the most reliable and responsive partner we can be for them. Our success is a direct reflection of their success, and we never lose sight of that.”
– David Furlong, Chief Operating Officer,
Community Trust Company
Forging the next 50 years
As Community Trust celebrates its golden anniversary, the focus is firmly on the future. The mortgage landscape is evolving, with new technologies, changing regulations, and shifting economic conditions. In this environment, CTC is dedicated to continuing its legacy of adaptation and innovation, ensuring its broker partners are equipped for what’s next.
That means investing in technology to streamline processes, enhancing product offerings to meet emerging market needs, and, above all, doubling down on the human element of the business that has been key to its longevity. The goal is to combine 50 years of lending wisdom with the tools and agility required for the modern market.
“While we honour our past, our vision is set on the future. The Canadian dream of homeownership is facing new challenges, and our role is more critical than ever. We are committed to investing in the systems, products, and people that will empower us and our broker partners to thrive for the next 50 years. Our plan is to continue growing, innovating, and finding new ways to help Canadians become much more financially successful and secure.”
– Edward Kholodenko,
President and CEO, Questrade Financial Group
As CTC marks this incredible 50-year milestone, the message to its partners is one of profound gratitude and forward-looking optimism. The past five decades have been built on a foundation of collaboration and shared success. The next five will be, too.
To all of the incredible partners across the country: thank you. Here’s to the next 50 years of building dreams together—there are many more exciting things to come.
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anniversary Community Trust mortgage broker community Questrade Financial Group sponsored
Last modified: October 18, 2025