Title: Consultant
Company: Business Talent Group
Location: Brightwaters, New York, United States
Carl Adams, Consultant at Business Talent Group, has been recognized by Marquis Who’s Who Top Executives for dedication, achievements and leadership in the Finance Industry.
Mr. Adams has established a notable tenure spanning four decades in the financial sector, marked by progressive leadership roles and a reputation for expertise in project finance, structured finance and advisory, emerging markets in Latin America, and asset management, as well as building teams and empowering people.
After retiring from a fruitful career at Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC) in 2025, Mr. Adams began serving as a consultant with Business Talent Group. In this capacity, he leverages his extensive experience to advise organizations on various complex financial strategies and concepts. Mr. Adams’s transition into consulting reflects his ongoing commitment to sharing knowledge and supporting business growth while seeking greater flexibility in his professional life.
Having been employed by SMBC for more than a decade, Mr. Adams retired as a managing executive officer and deputy head of the Americas, serving in this role from 2022 to 2025. During this period, he was recognized for his ability to integrate products across all business lines. He also coordinated cross-functional teams and implemented training programs that enhanced staff capabilities. Mr. Adams’s leadership was instrumental in driving significant progress during a critical integration process, earning commendations from both clients and senior management.
Earlier, from 2020 to 2022, Mr. Adams served as an executive officer and deputy head of the Americas at SMBC in the New York City metropolitan area. Between 2013 and 2020, he was the managing director, general manager, head of specialized finance Americas and head of Latin America. In these capacities, he led strategic initiatives that expanded the bank’s presence throughout the Americas.
Recruited to SMBC from Espirito Santo Investment in New York City, Mr. Adams spent 2008 to 2013 as a senior managing director. He was responsible for launching an investment banking platform in the Americas alongside his chief executive officer from Westdeutsche Landesbank. Together, they built a highly valuable startup within five years by developing structured finance, project finance and advisory services for clients across North America and Latin America.
Mr. Adams’s previous tenure as the managing director at Westdeutsche Landesbank from 1999 to 2008 stands out as a defining chapter in his career. He played a crucial role in transforming the mid-sized German Landesbank into the leading structured and project finance bank in Latin America within two years by assembling and guiding a highly effective team. Earlier positions included vice president roles at Banco Santander S.A., JPMorgan Chase & Co., Banco NorChem S.A., Banco Chase Manhattan S.A., Chemical Bank, and Manufacturers Hanover Trust between 1984 and 1999. These formative experiences provided Mr. Adams with deep insights into international banking operations and emerging markets.
Mr. Adams received a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish, with concentrations in international relations and political science, from St. John Fisher University in 1981. This educational foundation equipped him with both linguistic fluency and cultural understanding essential for navigating complex financial landscapes across the Americas. Mr. Adams then received a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in international finance focused on Latin America and Spanish language proficiency from the Thunderbird School of Global Management at Arizona State University, completed in 1983. He further enhanced his professional credentials by obtaining the Series 79 and Series 24 certifications, as well as the Securities Industry Essentials license from the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority in 2021.
Beyond his professional pursuits, Mr. Adams is actively engaged with civic-minded organizations. He has served as a board member for SMBC LF since 2020 and for SMBC Global Foundation Inc. since 2022, both affiliates of SMBC Group. Additionally, he sponsors UNIQUE, an employee resource group within the SMBC Group dedicated to fostering diversity and inclusion. Mr. Adams’s philanthropic interests include supporting Covenant House, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, ChildFund and various charities focused on children’s welfare.
Throughout his career, Mr. Adams has been lauded for his ability to build high-performing teams and empower colleagues at every level of an organization. His achievements reflect not only technical proficiency but also a genuine commitment to transparency, authenticity and honest communication, qualities he credits as foundational to his sustained success. Looking ahead, Mr. Adams seeks greater control over his schedule while maintaining strong connections with clients and colleagues. He also aims to make meaningful contributions within his profession by identifying opportunities that align with his values and desire for purposeful impact each day.
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