Profile
“My strongest professional quality is my ability to build trust and long-term relationships, whether with clients, colleagues, or stakeholders”
Danny Ibrahim,
KeyRate Mortgage
Ryan Johnston serves as vice president and national practice leader – agriculture at BFL CANADA, where he’s been a driving force for growth and innovation since 2018. With deep expertise in agriculture, food and beverage, and transportation, he leads strategic initiatives for clients ranging from mid-sized businesses to large multinationals, always focused on delivering tailored risk solutions.
Johnston’s leadership has played a key role in expanding BFL CANADA’s agriculture and food practice. He’s known for bringing people together – spearheading cross-functional projects and collaborating with colleagues across the organization to inspire creative thinking and continuous improvement.
Appointed national practice leader in 2025, Johnston is passionate about elevating client value through innovative product development, supporting producers, building strong relationships, and driving steady, organic growth. He holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from Boston University.
187 King Street South, Suite 205, Waterloo, Ontario N2J 1R1
226 220 3124
rjohnston@bflcanada.ca
linkedin.com/in/ryan-johnston-779777105
bflcanada.ca
Ryan Johnston
Vice President and National Practice Leader – Agriculture BFL CANADA
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Bio
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Profile
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Bio
Milestones
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Bio
Milestones
“I’ve always believed that if you love what you do, you’ll never settle, and that attitude has guided every decision I’ve made”
Danny Ibrahim,
KeyRate Mortgage
2014–2018
2019
2020–2024
Present
2025
2013-2017: Went to Boston University
2017–2018: Program Coordinator at New England Twisters
2018: Technical Service Representative at BFL CANADA
2014–2018
Client Service Representative at BFL CANADA
2019
2020–2024: Client Executive at BFL CANADA
2024: Vice President, Central Region Practice Leader – Agriculture at BFL CANADA
2020–2024
Founder at Ryan Johnston Family & Friends Endowment Fund since 2020
Director at Elora Mohawks Jr B Lacrosse Club Executive since 2021
Vice President and National Practice Leader – Agriculture at BFL CANADA
Present
Appointed Manager, Management Liability and Crime
2025
Assistant Vice President and Senior Broker at MJ Hall & Company since 2018
Present
Milestones
Aug 2022
Milestones
Sept 2021
Feb 2022
Apr 2022
Jul 2022
Aug
2022
Suncorp Bank introduces Solar Home Bonus offer for customers who are choosing renewable energy for their homes
Sept 2021
Month-on-month market share growth commences
Feb 2022
Suncorp Bank wins the Canstar award for most outstanding value in investment loans
Apr 2022
Suncorp Bank wins Money Magazine’s Bank of the Year and Business Bank of the Year awards for the fifth year in a row
Jul 2022
Suncorp Bank’s turnaround times are the lowest they have ever been. The lender becomes Australia’s first certified carbon neutral bank for both its operation and transaction services
Aug 2022
Milestones
As a founding member of WOW! (Women. Opportunity. Winning.), an employee resource group created for all women of Ryan Specialty, Phillips Topping has long championed for women in the industry.
“It’s very important to set an example and to not only inspire but mentor other females,” she adds.
In addition to her sharp marketing eye, the key to Phillips Topping’s success lies in her high-energy approach and positive attitude.
“As the leader of a team, it’s important to motivate and encourage your team members. People work very hard and do their best and it’s important to recognize these efforts. For my career overall, my attitude has been one of curiosity. The more you can learn, the better you’ll understand the business, and then the deeper your knowledge will become, making you a better team member.”
A significant part of his focus today is staying ahead of regulatory change while maintaining a seamless client experience. He tracks updates from regulators and lenders closely and works with his teams to adjust systems as needed.
“My approach to my role and my career has always been rooted in passion, focus, and a relentless pursuit of excellence,” he says. “I’ve never been driven solely by profit or business metrics. I believe in hiring great talent, trusting them, and pushing boundaries because innovation doesn’t come from playing it safe.”
His experience isn’t limited to Canada. Ibrahim has worked in the US and UAE, which shaped his global perspective and comfort with adapting to different markets. He thrives on risk, viewing setbacks as stepping stones to progress.
“I’ve always believed that if you love what you do, you’ll never settle, and that attitude has guided every decision I’ve made,” he adds.
That outlook continues to guide his work and reflects his broader goal of helping move the industry forward. Through his brokerage, lending company, and legal services, Ibrahim is focused on creating long-term value for his clients, his teams, and others working in the field.