BMO Earns Top Recognition for Responsible AI Leadership in Global Banking

Insider Brief

• BMO received top recognition for responsible AI leadership in the 2026 Evident AI Index and ranked among the top 20 banks globally overall.
• BMO ranked second among 50 banks for reported AI use-case outcomes and first in the Responsible AI Process category, covering governance, risk management, training and operational controls.
• BMO launched its Institute for Applied AI and Quantum earlier this year to support research, talent development and practical applications across the bank.

PRESS RELEASE — 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.”