By Townhall Chicago News Staff
BMO Financial Group on Monday announced it earned Gold-level certification for the eighth consecutive time through the Canadian Council for Indigenous Business’ Partnership Accreditation in Indigenous Relations (PAIR) program.
The achievement represents an unprecedented milestone for financial institutions, the company said in its Oct. 20 news release. The PAIR program is Canada’s leading corporate certification for Indigenous relations, evaluating organizations across leadership, employment, business development and community relationships.
“This recognition belongs to the many colleagues, partners and Indigenous community leaders who continue to move this work forward,” Mike Bonner, head of Canadian personal and business banking distribution and co-chair of BMO’s Indigenous Advisory Council, said in the release. “Meaningful progress is built through listening, trust and sustained action. We are proud of this milestone, but we know the work continues.”
Gold certification recognizes a demonstrated and sustained commitment to Indigenous inclusion and partnership, according to the Canadian Council for Indigenous Business, which administers the program.
BMO’s Indigenous Advisory Council, composed of Indigenous representatives from across Canada, helps shape the bank’s reconciliation efforts. The council’s perspectives help ensure the bank’s initiatives remain grounded in community needs and informed by lived experiences, the company said.
The certification reflects BMO’s work to create opportunities for Indigenous clients, employees, entrepreneurs and communities through initiatives focused on financial progress, economic empowerment, education and relationship building, according to the release.
“Eight consecutive years of PAIR Gold re-certification reflects a long-standing commitment, but it is also a reminder that reconciliation is ongoing,” the company said in its release. “BMO remains focused on strengthening relationships, creating opportunities and working alongside Indigenous communities to support shared success for generations to come.”
BMO Financial Group is the eighth largest bank in North America by assets, with total assets of $1.5 trillion as of July 31. The bank serves more than 13 million customers across Canada, the United States and select global markets.
While the PAIR program is specific to Canada, the certification speaks to the corporate responsibility and equity commitments of a bank with a significant U.S. presence. BMO’s U.S. operations are headquartered in Chicago, where the company operates an extensive retail and commercial banking network and is a major employer.
The bank also announced Monday the appointment of Tim Cox as its new U.S. Country Head, effective Nov. 1.
