Robert J. (Bob) Smith has enjoyed a diverse career in financial services, centered on the strategic and operational leadership of mortgage banks and affiliated businesses. His common sense approach balances service excellence, regulatory compliance and operational efficiency, while fostering a collaborative and engaging environment for his team.
During his tenure in the financial services industry, Bob has held numerous senior level positions for some of the most respected companies including Merrill Lynch, PHH, Discover Financial Services and BNY Mellon. He most recently served as EVP, Corporate Development/Strategy for Real Matters (TSE:REAL), a Canadian-based fintech with affiliated businesses in the U.S., which included Solidifi Title & Closing, where Bob served as President since 2019. Bob began his career in public accounting with Deloitte, where he was recognized as a National Industry Specialist in the bank/thrift and real estate industries. He was a Senior Manager when left the firm after eight years to join one of his clients, Merrill Lynch
Bob has amassed vast subject matter expertise in U.S. housing finance, mortgage lending, capital markets, and regulatory matters. He has a proven track record of driving enterprise value through organic growth and inorganic strategies via small-medium scale M&A and strategic partnerships. He has operated with P&L responsibility in both bank and non-bank environments and led teams across multiple distribution/operating models.
He currently sits on three boards – the Gator Bowl Association (a 501(c)(3) benefiting higher education) and AS Direct Mortgage Capital, a European mortgage bank and services company, and the Collateral Risk Network. From 2003-2011, he was a member of the Board of Directors of Atlantic Coast Bank (NASDAQ: ACFC), serving as Chairman of the Audit Committee and a member of the Compensation and Corporate Governance Committees.
On the personal side, Bob is married with 6 children, enjoys travel, golf and is an avid snow skier. He and his wife Margaret split time between Atlanta and Steamboat Springs, CO.