Diversity and Inclusion

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Diversity and Inclusion

A little girl stands in front of the mural

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 recognized for sixth year in Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index

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BMO recognized for sixth year in Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index

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BMO unveils new diversity and representation goals

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BMO inspires young leaders with Girls Belong Here

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Chicago Public School students create mural calling for change

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BMO earns 100 on 2020 Disability Equality Index for the fifth year in a row

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Five BMO Bankers named to Crain’s 2020 Notable Minorities in Commercial Banking list

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Forbes ranks BMO one of America’s Best Employers for Women in 2020

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BMO announces next steps in eliminating racial injustice

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Pride lives here

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Recognition for diversity and inclusion for BMO

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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. It’s all part of our Purpose-driven commitment to grow the good for an inclusive society – one with zero barriers to inclusion.

Colleagues

We will ensure an equitable employee experience for all, supporting inclusion 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 racial justice and Truth and Reconciliation, and promoting inclusive local economic opportunities.

Practices

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

Targeted talent strategies Programs to accelerate the recruitment, development and advancement of talent in underrepresented segments.

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

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

Black Opportunity Fund We’re offering Black-owned businesses and organizations long-term capital.

Inclusive policies and practices Creating and expanding inclusive, accessible and equitable customer experiences.

Unique customer programs Programs for Indigenous customers, increased investment in women entrepreneurs, Safe Space and Pronoun initiatives for LGBTQ2+.

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

Investment in change $10 million to the Mayor of Chicago's Economic Development Plan, and $1 million to organizations focused on social and racial justice.

Supplier diversity program: Integrating diverse suppliers into our supply chain.

Indigenous Advisory Council (IAC) Informs BMO policies and practices in education, employment and economic empowerment.

Boldly Grow the Good

In Business and Life

Colleagues

Practices

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

Targeted talent strategies Programs to accelerate the recruitment, development and advancement of talent in underrepresented segments.

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

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

Customers

Practices

Black Opportunity Fund We’re offering Black-owned businesses and organizations long-term capital.

Inclusive policies and practices Creating and expanding inclusive, accessible and equitable customer experiences.

Unique customer programs Programs for Indigenous customers, increased investment in women entrepreneurs, Safe Space and Pronoun initiatives for LGBTQ2+.

Communities

Practices

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

Investment in change $10 million to the Mayor of Chicago's Economic Development Plan, and $1 million to organizations focused on social and racial justice.

Supplier diversity program: Integrating diverse suppliers into our supply chain.

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 color 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.

Imagine what’s possible without barriers.

Our Commitment

$300MM Small Business Lending

Women, Black and Latinx-owned small business lending program

$500MM Minority Commercial Lending

Accelerated lending for Black and Latinx-owned commercial businesses

Learn more about BMO Empower, our $5B commitment to over five years to address key barriers faced by minority businesses, communities and families in the United States.