BMO Earns Top Recognition for Responsible AI Leadership in Global Banking

• BMO earns top scores for Responsible AI principles, governance, strategic integration and executive engagement
• BMO ranked among the world's top 20 banks in AI and #2 for reported AI use-case outcomes
• Ranking recognizes how BMO is scaling AI to create measurable business value through strong governance and oversight 

TORONTO and CHICAGO and SAN FRANCISCO, Oct. 6, 2026 /CNW/ -- BMO earned top recognition for Responsible AI Leadership in the 2026 Evident AI Index, receiving the highest available scores for Responsible AI principles, executive engagement and the integration of Responsible AI into governance and strategy.

BMO ranks #2 among 50 banks for reported AI use-case outcomes, the highest-ranking Canadian bank in the category, and among the top 20 banks globally in the overall Index. BMO also achieved the top ranking in the Responsible AI Process indicator group, reflecting its approach to governance, risk management, employee training and operational controls.

"Trust is at the core of how we serve our clients and run our business," said Darryl White, CEO, BMO Financial Group. "At BMO, we continue to advance our AI capabilities with transparency, accountability and strong governance, because innovation and responsibility go hand in hand. Building on this foundation of trust enables our teams to scale AI confidently, responsibly and in ways that create real value for our clients and stakeholders."

The Index also recognizes BMO's progress across talent capability, ventures, research and patents, reinforcing the breadth of BMO's AI strategy beyond Responsible AI Leadership. Earlier this year, BMO launched the BMO Institute for Applied AI and Quantum to advance research, talent development and practical applications of AI and quantum computing across the bank. Through its AI strategy, BMO is using AI to personalize client experiences, augment teams and automate processes while creating measurable value for clients, employees and shareholders.

"Organizations move faster when accountability is clear," said Kristin Milchanowski, Chief AI and Quantum Officer and Director of the BMO Institute for Applied AI and Quantum. "Trust helps accelerate adoption, improve experiences for clients and employees, and create measurable business value. Bringing together research, talent and practical applications in one place helps us scale AI responsibly across BMO."

About BMO
BMO Financial Group is the eighth largest bank in North America by assets, with total assets of $1.5 trillion as of July 31, 2026. Serving clients for more than 200 years, BMO provides a broad range of personal and commercial banking, wealth management, global markets and investment banking products and services across Canada, the United States, and select markets globally. BMO is innovating for business value, by deploying and integrating human, digital and artificial intelligence to personalize client experiences, augment teams, and automate its business responsibly. Driven by its purpose, to Boldly Grow the Good in business and life, BMO is committed to driving positive change in the world, and making progress for a thriving economy, sustainable future, and stronger communities.

About Evident
Evident is the leading benchmarking and intelligence platform for AI in financial services. Since its founding in 2022, it has benchmarked enterprise AI deployment across the sector, highlighted emerging trends, and equipped leaders with the data and insights they need to accelerate AI transformation. More than 50 leading financial institutions work with Evident across its public and private benchmarking products, alongside research, data trackers and a community of senior AI leaders, including the flagship annual Evident AI Symposium, taking place in New York City in October 2026.

Learn more at www.evidentinsights.com

SOURCE BMO Financial Group