BMO’s recent recognition for sustainability leadership
BMO is committed to driving positive change for a sustainable future, a thriving economy and a more inclusive society. We’re focused on excelling in the areas that matter most to us – promoting sustainable businesses practices, building more robust communities, protecting the environment and fostering diversity and inclusion within our teams and communities. We know that the work we’re doing to drive social and economic well-being also helps us unlock new potential and grow our business – and we’re invested in a sustainable future.
BMO is a leader in sustainability and our work consistently achieves global recognition. We’re proud to be acknowledged for our achievements in this area; it’s a testament to our commitment and shows that we’re on the right track. It’s also a critical part of fulfilling BMO’s Purpose, boldly grow the good — in business and life. Here are a few examples of the recognition we’ve received:
BMO has been recognized as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies for the fourth consecutive year by Ethisphere, a global leader in defining and advancing the standards of ethical business practices. BMO is one of only four Canadian companies, the only bank in Canada, and one of only five banks worldwide to have been named to the 2021 list. Ethisphere’s list honours companies that are working to contribute to the greater good by building a world-class program and advancing an environment defined by integrity.
In its first-ever ranking of the most sustainably managed companies in the world, the Wall Street Journal recognized BMO as 15th overall, the only Canadian company in the top 20, the only bank globally in the top 50 – and the only Canadian bank to be listed in the rankings. The ranking acknowledges our best-in-class management of financially material issues across key sustainability dimensions with a high degree of transparency and disclosure, which drives long-term value.
We’re particularly proud of ranking third overall in management of Social Capital, recognizing excellence in how a company measures and monitors the social impact of business activities, customer welfare, human rights and community relations, product access, affordability, quality and safety, data security and customer privacy.
We’ve also appeared on the Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DJSI) for 15 years. In 2020, we ranked in the 91st percentile of banks globally – the highest among our North American peers. The DJSI is a set of best-in-class benchmarks for investors who recognize that sustainable business practices are critical to generating long-term shareholder value.
DJSI ranks sustainability performance across several dimensions, and BMO earned the highest possible score in Customer Relationship Management, Financial Inclusion, Environmental Reporting and Social Reporting.
BMO was also named the most sustainable bank in North America on Corporate Knights’ 2021 Global 100 Most Sustainable Corporations in the World. It’s the second year in a row we’ve been ranked at the top of our industry in North America.
Corporate Knights noted our sizable portfolio of sustainable loans – including green loans and loans to women and BIPOC-owned small businesses – as well as our ongoing commitment to create a sustainable future across all our operations. We also scored highly in leadership and board diversity, with women representing 45.5% of our board’s independent directors.
As the global discussion about sustainability grows, companies not only need to be part of the conversation – but also part of the solution. Recognition for our work give us confidence that we’re on the right path. BMO’s commitment to having a positive impact for our customers, employees, and communities has spanned more than 200 years, and has continuously been guided by a sense of purpose to be a champion of progress – and a catalyst for meaningful change.
