For more than four decades, Vancouver’s Ajay Soni has been a pillar of the B.C. mortgage broker community, shaping the industry’s growth and fostering professional standards.
First elected President of the then-named Mortgage Brokers Association of BC (MBABC) in 2013, Ajay served the provincial association for four terms, overseeing significant changes within the professional organization. Indeed, during his tenure, Ajay championed the amalgamation of the B.C. association with its provincial counterparts, and, in 2015, saw the establishment of Canadian Mortgage Brokers Association (CMBA) National and, by extension, CMBA-BC.
But it doesn’t stop there: Ajay also created the MB brand and even drafted the initial sketches of what would ultimately become the MB logo.
In 2024, Ajay was presented with the MB Pioneer Award for Lifetime Achievement, recognizing his lasting contributions to the industry.
“Receiving the Pioneer Award was a surprise,” Ajay said of his win. “It confirmed to me that many years of volunteering — more than half my MB career — and leading in the mortgage industry was recognized by my peers.”
“Personally, it confirmed to me that working through adversity, criticism, and not letting go of my convictions would eventually be seen as being very positive for CMBA and the MB industry,” he continued. “I am very proud to have created the MB brand and championed the transition to CMBA-BC and CMBA National.”
Through leadership, innovation, and dedication, Ajay has helped define the mortgage brokering landscape, ensuring professionals have the tools and recognition they need to thrive. The CMBA-BC recently caught up with Ajay to have a chat and find out more about his journey to mortgage brokering.
- Why did you pursue mortgage brokering?
It was an opportunity that appeared when there weren’t too many opportunities. It was 1988. I had finished university, and I needed to find a career. It was an untested career choice for many at that time.
- What’s a skill you’ve always wanted to learn?
Flying an airplane — which I now do.
- What’s your top travel destination in BC?
The Tofino and the Okanagan.
- What podcast are you currently listening to?
Ward Caroll Podcasts (and YouTube channel).
- What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
From my late Father. He said: “People to do great things in this world. What makes you think you can’t?”
Thank you, Ajay, for taking the time to chat with us! If you know a CMBA-BC member who you think should be spotlighted in this column, please contact Samantha at samantha.ashenhurst@cmbabc.ca.