Grégoire Baillargeon, President of BMO Financial Group Quebec, said that BMO has become a leading commercial bank across North America and plays a central role in the critical minerals sector. This statement was made during a panel discussion on the role of critical minerals.
"At the bank some people don't realize it but the Bank of Montreal is now as big in the US as it is in Canada," said Baillargeon, according to YouTube. "We are one of the main commercial bank in North America after three global banks and then it's BMO and we are particularly present in critical minerals. But that presence both sides of the border does give us some insights on how our clients on both sides of the board are thinking of all this."
The panel, held on June 18, 2025, focused on the significance of critical minerals in global decarbonization and technological innovation. Panelists discussed the impact of geopolitical tensions on mineral supply chain stability and outlined best practices for securing diversified sources. The conversation highlighted Canada’s central role in critical minerals markets and its cross-border partnerships.
According to their website, BMO completed its acquisition of Bank of the West in early 2023, significantly expanding its presence across 32 states in the United States. The transaction positions BMO among the top commercial banks in North America by increasing its customer base and enhancing its cross-border banking capabilities. This broader reach allows BMO to provide more comprehensive financial solutions to sectors such as mining, energy, and critical minerals across both Canada and the United States.
Discovery Alert reported that BMO Capital Markets has been instrumental in advancing key critical minerals projects, including Halleck Creek Rare Earth’s development in 2025. The bank provided both financial advisory and capital solutions, enabling the company to advance its operations and meet industry demand. This involvement underscores BMO’s role as a leading financial partner for North America’s evolving critical minerals sector.
Baillargeon serves as President of BMO Financial Group Quebec and Vice Chair of BMO Capital Markets. He has been with BMO since 2004, holding leadership positions in investment banking and corporate finance. BMO Financial Group is one of North America’s largest diversified financial services providers.