Canada’s undisputed #1 non-bank mortgage originator, the M3 Group, is very pleased to announce the appointment of industry executive Mark Squire as Chief Operating Officer of its award-winning and storied independent broker brand, VERICO.
A highly distinguished and respected industry leader for 20 years, Mr. Squire has extensive expertise and broad knowledge in today’s vibrant, highly diversified and ever-changing financial services sector.
In addition to playing a key leadership role in shaping and implementing the organization’s growth strategy moving forward, Mr. Squire will work in parallel with M3’s President of Mortgage Operations, Albert Collu, in building, motivating and counselling this firm’s top team of independent brokers to expand its strong footprint across the country.
“Mark is a well established professional in this industry who brings with him an incredible reputation and extensive experience,” said Albert Collu, President of Mortgage Operations, M3. “This coupled with his deep knowledge base will be an asset to the dynamic Verico team while we collectively work with our network of experienced brokers who carry a reputation of being amongst the very best.”
A passionate advocate of broker success, Mr. Squire joins Verico most recently from Paradigm Quest where he served as Senior Vice President, Private Label.
“I am excited to be part of Canada’s leading mortgage originator, M3, and play an integral role in leading their storied Verico brand through today’s dynamic and ever-changing sector,” said Mark Squire, COO, Verico. “M3 continues to set the standard for the rest of the industry and I am honoured to be part of that culture of excellence.”
The exciting appointment further bolsters M3’s leadership position as the fastest growing originator in the non-bank mortgage space, and uniquely positions the organization for sustained strategic growth (organic and orchestrated)through 2020.
Mark will assume his new role on June 17. On behalf of everyone across our brands and brokers, we warmly welcome Mark to the M3 family.
Notable facts about M3
- Broker-led, data-driven, consumer-obsessed
- 9 strong and diversified brands
- 6,000+ brokers across Canada (largest network in the country)
- $44+ billion in annual loan volumes ($80 billion projected 2020)
- 45% market share
- 102+ lending partners
Mark Squire started his career in the financial industry 30 years ago at CIBC where he spent 18 years working in different roles with the organization, from branch manager to community manager in the retail markets sector. Mark also held a variety of positions within the regional and head office environment including a period of time with CIBC Mortgages Inc. Prior to leaving CIBC Mark held the position of General Manager Imperial Service and Business Banking. Through his professional advancements Mark gained invaluable knowledge that prepared him for his next move.
In 2008 Mark Squire joined National Bank of Canada an held the role of Assistant Vice President for Mortgage Broker Services. He directed a national sales force supporting the growth strategies for the bank. Mark played a pivotal role in implementing major changes within the NBC mortgage services including the broker rewards program and the replacement of volume bonus with efficiency bonus program for brokers. Under Mark’s leadership, National Bank increased their presence in the broker market experienced an increase of originations of over 344% in three years, and improved National Bank’s broker market share from 21stin 2007 to 8thin 2011. In 2017 National Bank made a decision to change how they originated business through the broker channel, at that time Mark was approached to join Manulife Bank.
At Manulife, Mark held the role of Head of Mortgage Services with the mandate to help them launch into the broker market. With a select group of sales people that he brought with him from National Bank and the Manulife existing sales force they were quickly able to increase market share from low 20’s to the current 10thposition. During his tenure with Manulife they introduced the Rewards Program, an enhanced the broker portal and improved communication platform for the brokers.
Mark has recently held the position of Senior Vice President Private Label at Paradigm Quest. In this role Mark was responsible for eleven different brands with the mandate to re-establish a relationship and grow the private label volumes
Mark participated on several boards throughout his career including the Corporation Board of Cambridge Memorial Hospital and Executive Committee – Treasurer of the United Way of Cambridge and North Dumfries. Mark participated on the Lender-Advisory Committee at Mortgage Professionals Canada.
Mark is committed to continuing to support, grow and help reshape this mortgage industry as it continues to evolve and change.
