Raymond James Ltd., the Canadian arm of North American investment dealer Raymond James Financial, Inc., today announced that Paul Allison will join the firm effective August 4, as co-president and co-CEO.

Allison will partner with existing president and CEO, Peter Bailey, in growing Raymond James’ equity capital markets and private client businesses in Canada.

Allison brings more than 20 years of senior capital markets experience to this role. Most recently, he served as executive vp and vice chairman at Merrill Lynch Canada, as well as co-head of the firm’s investment banking business from 2001 to the present. Prior to joining Merrill, Allison was head of equity capital markets at BMO Nesbitt Burns where he worked from 1994 to 2001.

“Paul is widely respected and admired across the investment industry in Canada,” says Peter Bailey. “Working together with our existing strong team of professionals, we believe Paul’s addition will make an immediate impact in accelerating our growth efforts in winning mandates and building client relationships in all of our businesses, and especially within capital markets.”

An active volunteer in various charitable and industry organizations, Allison sits on the Corporate Finance Committee of the Investment Industry Regulatory Services of Canada (formerly known as the Investment Dealers Association); McMaster University’s Business Advisory Council and Trading Floor Advisory Committees; as well as the Humber River Regional Hospital’s Board of Directors.