A message from the CEO

Darryl White

Building a sustainable future is core to our Purpose, to Boldly Grow the Good in business and life. Our Climate Ambition – to be our clients’ lead partner in the transition to a net-zero world – is a top priority. BMO’s sustainability efforts focus on promoting a thriving economy and fostering an inclusive society – founded upon the strong reputation we’ve built through ethical business practices, client service culture, and responsible risk management.

This report details progress made during the 2023 fiscal year to live our Purpose.

We’ve made significant progress.

For a more sustainable future, we pledged to mobilize $300 billion in capital by 2025 to help our clients pursue sustainable outcomes. By the end of 2023, we surpassed this target – two years ahead of schedule. We are evaluating new targets we can establish to drive our sustainable and climate finance goals.

A thriving economy requires financial inclusion – supporting business owners from underrepresented communities, as well as investing in the communities we serve across North America. As we expanded into new markets with the acquisition of Bank of the West in 2023, we grew the scope of our community engagement. BMO’s U.S. Community Benefits Plan, known as BMO EMpower 2.0, commits more than US$40 billion to support organizations and communities.

Fostering an inclusive society starts with progress made within our own organization to realize the full power of diversity, equity and inclusion to drive stronger outcomes for our customers. This goal extends to how we support the communities where we live and work.

We are proud of the recognition we’ve earned as a sustainability leader. BMO is ranked among the best places to work and is recognized for its commitment to Zero Barriers to Inclusion. We continue to be listed among the most sustainable companies in the world – notably, ranked for the 19th straight year on the Dow Jones Sustainability Index. BMO was also recognized as the world’s top financial institution for helping make progress in support of a just and sustainable economy by the World Benchmarking Alliance. And, for the seventh consecutive year, we were recognized as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies by Ethisphere.

Achievement like this recognizes the work of our people and their commitment to Boldly Grow the Good in business and life. Guided by our Purpose, we will continue to make progress for a thriving economy, a sustainable future and an inclusive society.

Darryl White
Chief Executive Officer
BMO Financial Group

Business people smiling and shaking hands

Business conduct

The way we conduct ourselves in the pursuit of our business objectives impacts our customers and other stakeholders, and it influences the amount of trust and confidence they have in us.

Our approach

At BMO, our aim is a simple one: to lead by example. We’re always striving to catalyze positive change by bringing together partners with a common will to build a more sustainable society and environment.

Two people standing near solar panels

Climate change

BMO is focused on being our clients’ lead partner in the transition to a net zero world.