BMO has been named the joint top bank globally for AI Talent Development in the 2025 Evident AI Index, a ranking that measures artificial intelligence maturity among the world's 50 leading banks. The recognition reflects BMO’s focus on preparing its workforce for technological changes and promoting continuous learning.
The bank moved up five positions overall in the latest index, with strong scores in Talent, Leadership, Innovation, and Transparency. Mona Malone, Chief Administrative Officer at BMO, said, "At BMO, AI talent is essential to driving innovation and delivering value to our clients. We're proud to be setting the global standard among financial institutions in how we are investing in our workforce and scaling AI to all employees to maximize team performance."
Kristin Milchanowski, Chief Artificial Intelligence and Data Officer at BMO, stated: "We are harnessing AI to reimagine banking at BMO and empowering our people to lead with curiosity, creativity, and purpose. AI is amplifying our impact; unlocking new opportunities and driving progress for our clients, the communities we serve, and the future of banking."
BMO’s approach includes foundational training programs that make sure every employee gains practical knowledge about AI—its ethical use, governance, and applications—regardless of their technical background. Specialized learning paths exist for both non-technical staff and senior leaders. The bank’s digital learning platform has led to a significant increase in employees mastering key business skills.
The organization partners with universities such as McGill University, Rotman School of Management, and the University of Waterloo to support academic programs related to AI. It also runs internal events like “Destination Digital,” which encourages employees to create prototypes of AI-powered solutions for real business needs.
BMO recruits talent from various educational backgrounds beyond traditional tech fields. This includes areas like neuroscience or law in order to promote diverse perspectives within its teams.
With $1.4 trillion in assets as of July 31, 2025, BMO Financial Group serves 13 million customers across Canada, the United States, and select international markets.