Diversity, equity and inclusion

We are committed to building a more just society – especially for groups facing systemic barriers, including our Black, Hispanic/Latino and Indigenous colleagues, customers and communities. BMO’s Zero Barriers to Inclusion 2025 is a multi-year strategy focused on providing access to opportunities and enabling growth both inside and outside our doors. It’s all part of our Purpose-driven commitment to boldly grow the good – in business and life.

We are committed to building a more just society – especially for groups facing systemic barriers, including our Black, Latino and Indigenous colleagues, customers and communities. BMO’s Zero Barriers to Inclusion 2025 is a multi-year strategy focused on providing access to opportunities and enabling growth both inside and outside our doors. It’s all part of our Purpose-driven commitment to boldly grow the good – in business and life.

BMO’s Zero Barriers to Inclusion 2025 is a multi-year strategy that supports equity, equality and inclusion. We’re focused on providing access to opportunities and enabling growth for our colleagues, our customers, and the communities we serve.

Colleagues

We will ensure an equitable employee experience for all, supporting inclusion, wellness and improving access to development and career advancement for colleagues facing systemic barriers. View our representation goals in detail.

Customers

We’re expanding financial inclusion for diverse customers through inclusive banking products, services and resources. And we’re meeting customers’ needs by addressing their unique expectations and experiences.

Communities

We will be leaders in increasing inclusion in our communities, building strong relationships to foster inclusion, racial justice and Truth and Reconciliation, and promoting inclusive local economic opportunities.

PRACTICES

TARGETED TALENT STRATEGIES

Programs to accelerate the recruitment, development and advancement of talent in underrepresented segments, ensuring wellness and psychological safety.

EDUCATION

Ongoing education in inclusive behaviour, anti-racism, and Indigenous history.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUTH

40% of our student opportunities will go to BIPOC youth.

BLACK AND LATINO ADVISORY COUNCIL

Focused on employee experience, advancement, and engagement of Black and Latino talent.
 

UNIQUE CUSTOMER PROGRAMS

Programs for Indigenous customers, increased investment in women entrepreneurs, Safe Space and Pronoun initiatives for 2SLGBTQ+.

INCLUSIVE POLICIES AND PRACTICES

Creating and expanding inclusive, accessible and equitable customer experiences.

BLACK AND HISPANIC/LATINO OPPORTUNITY

Dedicated support for Black and Hispanic/Latino entrepreneurs through increased access to capital, educational resources and partnerships.

PARTNERING AND BUILDING COALITIONS

Driving inclusive local economic opportunity, and providing youth financial education and mentoring.

INVESTMENT IN CHANGE

Helping build a more just society – especially for groups facing systemic barriers – with investments in organizations advancing health and educational equity, inclusive local economic opportunity, Truth and Reconciliation.

SUPPLIER DIVERSITY PROGRAM

Integrating diverse suppliers into our supply chain and making commitments to spending.

INDIGENOUS ADVISORY COUNCIL (IAC)

Informs BMO policies and practices in education, employment and economic empowerment.

BOLDLY GROW THE GOOD

IN BUSINESS AND LIFE

WE’RE INVESTING IN ZERO BARRIERS TO FINANCIAL PROGRESS

We’re shining a light on business owners who have
broken barriers to be the success stories they are today.

MEET SHANELLE MCKENZIE AND KIM KNIGHT OF THE VILLIJ

Committed to redefining well-being, Shanelle and Kim founded The Villij as a wellness community for womxn of colour to feel seen and heard.
At BMO, we’re inspired by business owners like Kim and Shanelle who continue to break barriers in business, and in life.

MEET SAUL ARTEAGA, OWNER OF SWITS (SOUTHERN WISCONSIN INTERPRETING & TRANSLATION SERVICES).

Refusing to let anyone else dictate his dreams, Saul founded SWITS to help meet the needs of his community. At BMO, we’re inspired by
business owners like Saul who continue to break barriers in business, and in life.

MEET DAPHNE JONES, OWNER OF GLORIOUS MALONE'S FINE SAUSAGE.

Daphne Jones and her mother’s story is one of perseverance. At BMO, we’re inspired by business owners like Daphne who continue to break barriers in business, and in life.

MEET JOELLA HOGAN, OWNER & FOUNDER OF YUKON SOAPS COMPANY

With the mission to preserve her language and culture, Joella Hogan uses her business to share the stories of the Indigenous people of the Yukon. At BMO, we’re inspired by business owners like Joella who continue to break barriers in business, and in life.

IMAGINE WHAT’S POSSIBLE WITHOUT BARRIERS.

OUR COMMITMENT

$5 billion in capital for women-owned businesses.

DOUBLE the size of our Indigenous Banking business.

BMO aims to double to volume of our Indigenous banking business by 2025. Learn more about our Indigenous banking services.

100 million in lending for Black owned businesses and entrepreneurs.

Learn more about our commitment to Black-owned businesses, and resources and programs available.

Accessibility

BMO is constantly working to remove barriers for our customers living with disabilities.

Representation goals

Our ambitious workforce representation goals illustrate our industry leadership in workforce diversity.

Indigenous commitments

BMO is committed to progress for Indigenous customers, colleagues and communities.

Workplace diversity

BMO is focused on achieving zero barriers to inclusion by increasing diversity and inclusion across all levels of the organization.