Wiser Together Advisors helps credit unions thrive. Since 2009 then it, and previously named Clean West Capital, has completed numerous mandates to credit unions; government entities; and technology firms. The vast majority of our work originates from repeats client engagements; referrals from past clients; or referrals from regulatory entities.

Through CCUA working group; client advisory; system networking; regulatory involvement and authored publications then Ross McDonald - Principal - has strived to contribute towards a resilient credit union system and a robust regulatory environment.

ROSS MCDONALD, PRINCIPAL

Ross McDonald, Principal, is a financial services executive. He has advised multiple Canadian credit unions; government entities; and technology firms. He has held positions as CFO and CRO in a Canadian credit union; worked with the B.C. financial regulator; VP/SVP roles in corporate strategy, finance and treasury at major US bank; and audited financial institutions with Ernst & Young. Ross has diverse experience across executive functions; financial services products; organization sizes; and situational contexts.

Ross advocates curiosity, experimentation and courage as a proactive catalyst to help organizations progress strategic growth; functional transformation; operational efficiency; and capacity development. A continuous learner, Ross has repeatedly observed the power of curiosity to enhance the assessment, framing, buy-in and execution of transformative change in organizational culture, functional effectiveness; and key people.

Ross has authored publications on Canadian financial services industry - with topics across strategy, regulation, risk management, legislation, treasury and governance. Some may have helped industry advocacy or technical education on system developments.

Ross believes in giving back. Extensive community interests through Board, Committee and volunteer roles in corporate governance, technology innovation, trade & investment and sports excellence. Ross is a Board Director of Advantage BC; a 'GlobalScot' (Scottish government network that promotes trade & investment); and a recent Board Director of ScotCanBC (international trade & development). Ross has mentored CEOs of many early-stage technology ventures. Ross is a qualified ski race coach (Canadian Ski Coaches Federation); a ski instructor (Canadian Ski Instructors Alliance); a curling coach (Royal Caledonian Curling Club); and has informally coached field hockey.

Ross has an MBA from London Business School; is an active Chartered Accountant member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland; and has a Bachelor of Accountancy and Finance degree from the University of Glasgow.