A message from AFB CEO Giles French regarding AFB Board Member William Smith

It is with deep sadness that I write to inform you that Bill Smith, former Chair of the AFB Board, died last week after a short illness. The news has come as a great shock to colleagues.
 
Bill had been a member of our Board since 2016 and acted as Chair between 2018 and 2024. He was a huge promoter of the AFB and its work, a dedicated Chair and a strong voice for international banks. He had been a great support to me since I joined in 2022.
 
Bill was Head of International at Bank of Montreal (BMO), responsible for BMO Financial Group’s Capital Markets business in EMEA and Asia. He worked for BMO for over 20 years and was a greatly respected and much-loved colleague. In addition to his executive responsibilities, Bill served as a Vice-President and Director of the Canada–United Kingdom Chamber of Commerce.
 
Bill had many friends in the international banking community and he will be missed by us all. Our thoughts are with his family, friends and colleagues.

Giles French
AFB Chief Executive