Full-Time

Product Manager

Consumer Lending

Posted on 10/31/2025

Deadline 11/7/25
Bank of Montreal

Bank of Montreal

10,001+ employees

Personal, business banking and capital markets

Compensation Overview

$69k - $129k/yr

+ Commission + Performance-based incentives + Discretionary bonuses + Other perks and rewards

Toronto, ON, Canada

In Person

Category
Product (2)
,
Requirements
  • Typically between 5 - 7 years of relevant experience and post-secondary degree in related field of study or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Strong experience with consumer / commercial credit applicable to retail and business financing products.
  • Strong experience working with retail and business product fundamentals, including product design, functionality, and related policies and procedures
  • Strong knowledge of product delivery infrastructure systems and underlying product interdependencies.
  • In-depth retail and business banking environmental awareness / understanding.
  • In-depth risk management associated with new and existing product development and management.
  • Strong knowledge of process coordination and management.
  • Strong knowledge of banking product management and associated industry and regulatory requirements.
  • Building business cases - in-depth
  • Researching market trends – in-depth
  • Relationship management – in-depth
  • Analytics and reporting – in-depth
  • Product marketing – in-depth
  • Negotiation skills – good
  • Software and systems architecture knowledge – good/in-depth
  • Financial Understanding – good/in-depth
  • Deep knowledge and technical proficiency gained through extensive education and business experience.
  • Verbal & written communication skills - In-depth.
  • Collaboration & team skills - In-depth.
  • Analytical and problem solving skills - In-depth.
  • Influence skills - In-depth.
  • Data driven decision making - In-depth. MS Office, SAS, SQL & Tableau an asset
Responsibilities
  • The Product Manager, Consumer Lending, researches, defines, aligns, develops, and implements sales and marketing strategies with P&L (profit and loss) accountability to enable the sales force to effectively sell, fulfill, and service new and existing individual or portfolio of banking products and improve the customer experience.
  • Carries out market research, forecasting, pricing, and competitive analysis, monitors product and system performance, and assesses problems to develop and implement solutions.
  • Manages product risks in compliance with legal, regulatory, and risk compliance, and reporting.
  • Collaborates with internal partners across the enterprise to take products to market.
  • Recommends and implements solutions based on analysis of issues and implications for the business.
  • Assists in the development of strategic plans.
  • Identifies emerging issues and trends to inform decision-making.
  • Supports the execution of strategic initiatives in collaboration with internal and external stakeholders.
  • Conducts independent analysis and assessment to resolve strategic issues.
  • Develops business cases by identifying needs, analyzing potential options, and assessing expected returns on investment.
  • Provides recommendations on product lifecycle.
  • Builds effective relationships with internal/external stakeholders.
  • Ensures alignment between stakeholders.
  • Designs and produces regular and ad-hoc reports, and dashboards.
  • Breaks down strategic problems, and analyzes data and information to provide insights and recommendations.
  • Monitors and tracks performance, and addresses any issues.
  • Supports change management of varying scope and type; tasks typically focused on execution and sustainment activities.
  • Provides input into the planning and implementation of operational programs.
  • Executes work to deliver timely, accurate, and efficient service.
  • Monitors key product performance and growth metrics to identify trends and recommend action plans.
  • Leads/oversees the management of vendor relationships and external partnerships and provides guidelines for execution; ensures that all agreements are met as per requirements.
  • Resolves internal, complex or higher risk customer escalations or policy exceptions, which may include interactions with clients and sales.
  • Reviews analysis of issues and identifies gaps and solutions.
  • Provides competitive analysis and benchmarking to identify product strengths and gaps, and extract insights.
  • Analyzes customer/consumer insights and channel data to identify strengths and gaps, and extract insights.
  • Completes internal and regulatory reporting, and attestations.
  • Identifies existing and potential risks and develops risk management controls and processes.
  • Develops and maintains product directives and policies.
  • Supports development of key metrics and identification of trends.
  • Gathers customer and sales feedback and analyzes issues.
  • Participates in and evaluates market research and competitive analysis associated with assigned products.
  • Participates in and evaluates customer / consumer insights and channel information.
  • Acts as the day to day contact for vendors; supports the implementation, maintenance, and sustainment of vendor solutions.
  • Resolves internal, first level customer escalations.
  • Leads/participates in the design, implementation, and management of core business / group processes.
  • Gathers basic market research and competitive intelligence, including pricing, from publicly available information.
  • Runs analyses and reports that support risk management and policy development.
  • Defines and implements business cases and strategic roadmaps for banking products and services, including project and budget approvals.
  • Designs, implements, manages, and enhances a single product or suite of products throughout the product lifecycle.
  • Develops, implements, and monitors key metrics and action plans to optimize financial performance
  • Continuously improves processes to identify issues and deliver optimal customer experience.
  • Works with partners to develop salesforce training and materials and manages change.
  • May support the sales team in development of client deals and related presentations.
  • Develops and maintains relationships with external partners and vendors.
  • Creates the marketing strategy, including offers and campaigns, and works with Marketing and other partners to execute.
  • Develops, implements, and manages product documentation, templates, and requirements to ensure they accurately reflect product and systems functionality.
  • Influences and/or determines credit product risk parameters and metrics.
  • Focus is primarily on business/group within BMO; may have broader, enterprise-wide focus.
  • Provides specialized consulting, analytical and technical support.
  • Exercises judgment to identify, diagnose, and solve problems within given rules.
  • Works independently and regularly handles non-routine situations.
  • Broader work or accountabilities may be assigned as needed.
Desired Qualifications
  • 5 - 7 years of relevant experience and post-secondary degree in related field of study or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Strong experience with consumer / commercial credit applicable to retail and business financing products.
  • Strong experience working with retail and business product fundamentals, including product design, functionality, and related policies and procedures
  • Strong knowledge of product delivery infrastructure systems and underlying product interdependencies.
  • In-depth retail and business banking environmental awareness / understanding.
  • In-depth risk management associated with new and existing product development and management.
  • Strong knowledge of process coordination and management.
  • Strong knowledge of banking product management and associated industry and regulatory requirements.
  • Building business cases - in-depth
  • Researching market trends – in-depth
  • Relationship management – in-depth
  • Analytics and reporting – in-depth
  • Product marketing – in-depth
  • Negotiation skills – good
  • Software and systems architecture knowledge – good/in-depth
  • Financial Understanding – good/in-depth
  • Deep knowledge and technical proficiency gained through extensive education and business experience.
  • Verbal & written communication skills - In-depth.
  • Collaboration & team skills - In-depth.
  • Analytical and problem solving skills - In-depth.
  • Influence skills - In-depth.
  • Data driven decision making - In-depth. MS Office, SAS, SQL & Tableau an asset

Bank of Montreal (BMO) is a diversified financial services provider offering personal, business, and commercial banking, along with capital markets and wealth management, across Canada and the United States. Individuals use personal banking for everyday needs and loans, households can obtain mortgages and credit products, and businesses access commercial loans, treasury/cash management, and industry-specific advice. In capital markets, BMO assists clients with raising capital, trading, and research, while wealth management delivers investment strategies and asset management for portfolios. The company aims to help clients manage and grow their money through a full range of financial services for individuals, small businesses, large corporations, and public sector entities in North America.

Company Size

10,001+

Company Stage

IPO

Headquarters

Toronto, Canada

Founded

1988

Simplify Jobs

Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • National U.S. rollout of simplified Online Banking for Business April 27, 2026, targets underserved SMEs.
  • Partnerships with Quantum Industry Canada and Chicago Quantum Exchange April 13, 2026, advance quantum readiness.
  • Indigenous Bond wins Environmental Finance's Social Bond of the Year award April 14, 2026.

What critics are saying

  • Iran conflict disrupts agribusiness loan repayments in BMO's portfolio within 6-12 months.
  • Global farm economics deterioration from high input costs impairs agricultural lending book immediately.
  • Chemical industry demand destruction from inflation triggers client defaults by Q4 2026.

What makes Bank of Montreal unique

  • BMO hosts 21st annual Farm to Market | Chemicals Conference May 13-14, 2026, in New York.
  • BMO issued North America's first labelled Indigenous Bond October 2025 with Cedar Leaf Capital.
  • BMO established Institute for Applied AI and Quantum April 9, 2026, appointing Chief AI and Quantum Officer.

Help us improve and share your feedback! Did you find this helpful?

Benefits

Health Insurance

Tuition Reimbursement

Accident and Life Insurance

401(k) Retirement Plan

Professional Development Budget

Hybrid Work Options

Company News

Stock Titan
Apr 13th, 2026
BMO announces partnership with Quantum Industry Canada and Chicago Quantum Exchange.

BMO announces partnership with Quantum Industry Canada and Chicago Quantum Exchange. Rhea-AI Impact Rhea-AI Sentiment (Very Positive) partnership Rhea-AI summary. BMO (NYSE: BMO) announced partnerships with Quantum Industry Canada and the Chicago Quantum Exchange on April 13, 2026. These collaborations link BMO's new Institute for Applied Artificial Intelligence & Quantum to North American research and industry networks to support technology commercialization, workforce development, governance and knowledge sharing. Key figures. Share price: $144.31 Daily change: 1.08% 52-week range high: $149.01 +5 more Market reality check. Price: $144.31 Vol: Volume 494,532 is below t... Peers on argus. BMO was up 1.08% pre-news, while key peers were mixed: BNS up 0.82%, ING down 0... Previous partnership reports. 1 past event · Latest: Jan 10 (Positive) Same Type Pattern 1 events Historical comparison. -1.0% avg move · Past partnership news in 2025 averaged a -1.02% move. The new quantum-focused partnerships continue... partnership Market pulse summary. This announcement deepens BMO's quantum and AI engagement through partnerships with Quantum Industry... Key terms. quantum technologies, quantum computing, quantum networks, artificial intelligence AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice. 04/13/2026 - 07:00 AM * Partnerships focus on technology commercialization, research collaboration, workforce development and knowledge-sharing across North America * Aligns with recently announced BMO Institute for Applied Artificial Intelligence & Quantum, and the bank's focus on responsible technology adoption TORONTO, CHICAGO and SAN FRANCISCO, April 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ - BMO today announced new partnerships with Quantum Industry Canada (QIC) and the Chicago Quantum Exchange (CQE), strengthening the bank's engagement with leading quantum research, industry and policy organizations. The partnerships build on BMO's April 9 announcement of the BMO Institute for Applied Artificial Intelligence & Quantum, a new Centre of Excellence focused on the responsible application and governance of AI and the advancement of quantum capabilities. Together, these initiatives reflect BMO's commitment to innovating, developing and integrating technologies that will shape the future of financial services and the broader economy. Through its collaborations with QIC and CQE, BMO is participating in early-stage, structured ecosystem partnerships focused on knowledge-sharing, workforce development and dialogue across academia, industry and policy communities. These engagements support BMO's long-standing approach to personalizing client experiences, augmenting team expertise and process automation, while contributing to the emergence of applications of quantum technologies that will impact the delivery of financial services. "Quantum technologies present significant long-term potential, along with important questions around security, governance and real-world application," said Dr. Kristin Milchanowski, Chief AI & Quantum Officer, BMO. "These partnerships enable us to engage constructively with leading organizations across Canada and the U.S. as the field continues to develop, while taking a responsible, informed approach grounded in collaboration, learning and readiness." BMO's participation in Quantum Industry Canada connects the bank to Canada's premier business-led quantum consortium, bringing together leading companies and strategic partners across the full quantum stack. Through QIC, BMO engages directly with Canada's quantum ecosystem, contributing perspectives informed by its expert technology bankers, enterprise-scale financial services experience and long-term readiness considerations. "Canada has played an outsized role in building the quantum era. The focus now is on translating that leadership into real capability, markets, and advantage," said Quantum Industry Canada's CEO Lisa Lambert. "BMO's participation reflects the shift from exploration to execution, and the role leading financial institutions play in scaling Canada's quantum economy." Through its partnership with the Chicago Quantum Exchange, BMO will engage with a Midwest-based intellectual hub that advances the science and engineering of quantum information, prepares the quantum workforce, and drives the quantum economy in collaboration with leading universities, national labs, and industry partners. With BMO's U.S. headquarters located in Chicago, the relationship provides a local foundation for ongoing dialogue, convenings and workforce-focused engagement, including exposure to emerging research and student talent relevant to financial services. "The CQE is building and scaling a full-spectrum quantum ecosystem by working closely with partners in key industries, like finance, to drive progress across the discovery-to-deployment pipeline," said David Awschalom, the University of Chicago's Liew Family Professor of Quantum Engineering and Physics and the founding director of the CQE. "Quantum technologies offer significant potential for financial institutions, from quantum networks that may enhance the protection of personal information to quantum computing approaches that could help identify fraud more effectively over time. Engaging in early, cross-sector dialogue with partners like BMO that share our commitment to responsible and efficient quantum sector growth is an important part of building a strong quantum economy." Together, these partnerships reflect BMO's long-term approach to emerging technologies as a financial advisor and capital provider, and as an innovator - engaging early with leading research and industry organizations, investing in knowledge and talent, and building the governance and institutional understanding required to evaluate potential applications responsibly as the quantum ecosystem matures. Recently, BMO became the first Canadian bank to join the IBM Quantum Network, extending its technology leadership in North America. BMO has also been recognized by Evident AI as one of the world's top 10 banks for AI innovation, received the Commercial Banking Impact Award for Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Analytics from Datos Insights, and was named one of Fast Company's Most Innovative Companies. About BMO Financial Group BMO Financial Group is the eighth largest bank in North America by assets, with total assets of $1.5 trillion as of January 31, 2026. Serving clients for 200 years and counting, BMO is a diverse team of highly engaged employees providing a broad range of personal and commercial banking, wealth management, global markets and investment banking products and services to approximately 13 million clients across Canada, the United States, and in select markets globally. Driven by a single 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. SOURCE BMO Financial Group Faq. What did BMO (BMO) announce on April 13, 2026 about quantum partnerships? BMO announced partnerships with Quantum Industry Canada and the Chicago Quantum Exchange on April 13, 2026. According to the company, collaborations target commercialization, research collaboration, workforce development and responsible governance for AI and quantum technologies across Canada and the U.S. How do the Quantum Industry Canada and CQE partnerships affect BMO's technology strategy (BMO)? They strengthen BMO's engagement with quantum research and industry networks to inform strategy and readiness. According to the company, the partnerships provide access to emerging research, talent pipelines, and cross-sector dialogue to evaluate responsible applications for financial services. What specific activities will BMO pursue with Quantum Industry Canada and the Chicago Quantum Exchange? BMO will engage in knowledge-sharing, workforce development, and early-stage ecosystem partnerships with both groups. According to the company, activities include convenings, research collaboration, talent exposure and dialogue on security, governance and real-world application of quantum tech. Does BMO joining these partnerships change its existing AI and quantum initiatives (BMO)? The partnerships build on BMO's Institute for Applied Artificial Intelligence & Quantum and extend its ecosystem engagement. According to the company, the relationships are intended to accelerate learning, governance development and potential commercialization pathways responsibly across North America. Why is BMO partnering with CQE given its U.S. presence in Chicago (BMO)? Partnering with CQE ties BMO's U.S. headquarters in Chicago to a regional quantum hub for discovery and workforce development. According to the company, the connection supports local convenings, exposure to university research, and talent relevant to financial services innovation.

HPCwire
Apr 9th, 2026
BMO forms AI and Quantum Institute, appoints Chief AI and Quantum Officer.

BMO forms AI and Quantum Institute, appoints Chief AI and Quantum Officer. April 9, 2026 Press play to listen to this content TORONTO, CHICAGO and SAN FRANCISCO, April 9, 2026 - BMO (Bank of Montreal) today announced the establishment of the BMO Institute for Applied Artificial Intelligence & Quantum, a new enterprise-wide Centre of Excellence focused on the responsible innovation, application and governance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the development of Quantum capabilities. BMO's Institute brings together expertise from across science, policy, ethics and commercialization to build on BMO's decades-long use of AI while advancing its Quantum ambitions to enhance client experiences, increase productivity and efficiency, and support long-term growth, while maintaining strong governance and trust. "BMO is committed to building AI and Quantum capabilities that are innovative, trusted and centerd on our clients," said Steve Tennyson, Chief Technology & Operations Officer, BMO. "AI is accelerating how we build, modernize, and innovate across the bank and the Institute will strengthen our ability to turn leading edge technologies into meaningful value for BMO clients, while maintaining the discipline required to manage risk, operate at scale and support responsible adoption across global banking." Effective April 6, Dr. Kristin Milchanowski has been appointed BMO's Chief AI & Quantum Officer and will be the Founding Director of the BMO Institute for Applied Artificial Intelligence & Quantum. In this expanded role, she will continue to advance BMO's AI and Quantum capabilities, serve as a thought leader, and ensure strong, responsible governance across the enterprise. "BMO has been applying AI across the bank for decades to personalize client experiences, augment our teams and automate our business. These capabilities continue to evolve rapidly, alongside the emergence of Quantum technologies, creating both extraordinary opportunity and significant responsibility," said Dr. Kristin Milchanowski, Chief AI & Quantum Officer, BMO. "The BMO Institute for Applied Artificial Intelligence & Quantum will help further embed a mature, enterprise-wide AI agenda, while advancing our Quantum strategy across the Bank and beyond, while keeping us accountable and agile in this era of exponential change." With establishing the Institute, BMO is building on its significant investments in AI and other advanced technologies. Most recently, BMO became the first Canadian bank to join the IBM Quantum Network, extending its technology leadership in North America. BMO has also been recognized by Evident AI as one of the world's top 10 banks for AI innovation, received the Commercial Banking Impact Award for Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Analytics from Datos Insights, and was named one of Fast Company's Most Innovative Companies. About BMO Financial Group BMO Financial Group is the eighth largest bank in North America by assets, with total assets of $1.5 trillion as of January 31, 2026. Serving clients for 200 years and counting, BMO is a diverse team of highly engaged employees providing a broad range of personal and commercial banking, wealth management, global markets and investment banking products and services to approximately 13 million clients across Canada, the United States, and in select markets globally. Driven by a single 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. ST. GALLEN, Switzerland and INCLINE VILLAGE, Nev., April 9, 2026 - Terra Quantum AG,... SANTA CLARA, Calif., April 9, 2026 - SiFive today announced it has raised $400 million... SANTA CLARA, Calif., April 9, 2026 - Intel Corporation and Google today announced a multiyear collaboration to... COLLEGE PARK, Md., April 9, 2026 - IQM Quantum Computers, a global leader in superconducting quantum... SINGAPORE and COLLEGE PARK, Md., April 9, 2026 - Horizon Quantum Holdings Ltd. and IonQ today announced... April 9, 2026 - The Practice and Experience in Advanced Research Computing (PEARC) Conference is...

BMO
Apr 9th, 2026
BMO establishes Institute for Applied Artificial Intelligence & Quantum.

BMO establishes Institute for Applied Artificial Intelligence & Quantum. * The BMO Institute for Applied Artificial Intelligence & Quantum builds on BMO's decades-long use of AI while advancing its Quantum ambitions to enhance client experiences, increase productivity and efficiency. * Dr. Kristin Milchanowski appointed to expanded role of Chief AI & Quantum Officer and Founding Director of the Institute. TORONTO, CHICAGO and SAN FRANCISCO, April 9, 2026 /CNW/ - BMO today announced the establishment of the BMO Institute for Applied Artificial Intelligence & Quantum, a new enterprise-wide Centre of Excellence focused on the responsible innovation, application and governance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the development of Quantum capabilities. BMO's Institute brings together expertise from across science, policy, ethics and commercialization to build on BMO's decades-long use of AI while advancing its Quantum ambitions to enhance client experiences, increase productivity and efficiency, and support long-term growth, while maintaining strong governance and trust. "BMO is committed to building AI and Quantum capabilities that are innovative, trusted and centred on our clients," said Steve Tennyson, Chief Technology & Operations Officer, BMO. "AI is accelerating how we build, modernize, and innovate across the bank and the Institute will strengthen our ability to turn leading edge technologies into meaningful value for BMO clients, while maintaining the discipline required to manage risk, operate at scale and support responsible adoption across global banking." Effective April 6, Dr. Kristin Milchanowski has been appointed BMO's Chief AI & Quantum Officer and will be the Founding Director of the BMO Institute for Applied Artificial Intelligence & Quantum. In this expanded role, she will continue to advance BMO's AI and Quantum capabilities, serve as a thought leader, and ensure strong, responsible governance across the enterprise. "BMO has been applying AI across the bank for decades to personalize client experiences, augment our teams and automate our business. These capabilities continue to evolve rapidly, alongside the emergence of Quantum technologies, creating both extraordinary opportunity and significant responsibility," said Dr. Kristin Milchanowski, Chief AI & Quantum Officer, BMO. "The BMO Institute for Applied Artificial Intelligence & Quantum will help further embed a mature, enterprise-wide AI agenda, while advancing our Quantum strategy across the Bank and beyond, while keeping us accountable and agile in this era of exponential change." With establishing the Institute, BMO is building on its significant investments in AI and other advanced technologies. Most recently, BMO became the first Canadian bank to join the IBM Quantum Network, extending its technology leadership in North America. BMO has also been recognized by Evident AI as one of the world's top 10 banks for AI innovation, received the Commercial Banking Impact Award for Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Analytics from Datos Insights, and was named one of Fast Company's Most Innovative Companies. About BMO Financial Group BMO Financial Group is the eighth largest bank in North America by assets, with total assets of $1.5 trillion as of January 31, 2026. Serving clients for 200 years and counting, BMO is a diverse team of highly engaged employees providing a broad range of personal and commercial banking, wealth management, global markets and investment banking products and services to approximately 13 million clients across Canada, the United States, and in select markets globally. Driven by a single 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. SOURCE BMO Financial Group For further information: Media contact: Jeff Roman, [email protected]; Scott Doll, [email protected], (416) 867-3996

Yahoo Finance
Apr 8th, 2026
Bank of Montreal hires former CIBC executive to co-lead equity capital markets division

Bank of Montreal has appointed former CIBC executive Joe Kostandoff to co-lead its equity capital markets division. The senior hire brings over two decades of experience from a major competitor into BMO's capital markets franchise. The leadership change may signal a shift in how BMO approaches equity issuance and advisory work for corporate clients. Executive moves at this level often influence hiring plans, client coverage and risk appetite across trading desks. The appointment comes as BMO remains active across equity and debt funding, having recently issued multi-year senior unsecured and covered bonds in US dollar and eurodollar markets. The hire aligns with BMO's focus on higher-margin, fee-based businesses, as equity capital markets activity contributes to non-interest income and client engagement.

Banking Dive
Mar 31st, 2026
BMO eyes top-5 commercial bank status with California push.

BMO eyes top-5 commercial bank status with California push. The lender is betting on its U.S. commercial bank's unified model, increased banker headcount and product enhancements to fuel growth, an executive said. Published March 31, 2026 Tony Sciarrino, head of BMO's U.S. commercial bank, said he's on a mission to "make a top-10 bank [into] a top-5 bank." Growth in California - where the lender is hiring bankers, building branches and boosting advertising - is a key component of that effort, the Canadian bank conveyed during its investor day in Toronto last week. Sciarrino, who's based in California, joined BMO a year ago to lead its commercial bank in the U.S. He spent 27 years at Bank of America in senior commercial banking roles before joining JPMorgan Chase, where he led the largest U.S. lender's western U.S. commercial banking business. At Bank of America, Sciarrino worked with Aron Levine, who jumped to BMO in mid-2025 to become the bank's U.S. president. Sciarrino has overseen BMO's shift to a unified commercial bank model, pairing local delivery with product and advisory expertise, which he contends is different from other banks. BMO "eliminate[s] a lot of the internal silos that I've seen in other places," Sciarrino said during a recent interview. He pointed to the lender's integrated middle-market investment bank, which has about 80 employees reporting to him. BMO's U.S. commercial bank serves about 22,000 clients generating between $10 million and $2 billion in revenue annually. The segment is responsible for about 55% of BMO's U.S. revenue, and comprises 47% of deposits and 70% of loans, according to investor day materials. BMO, whose U.S. operations are based in Chicago, aims to drive commercial revenue by deepening relationships with existing clients, lining up new ones and pushing its treasury, payments and capital markets services, Levine said during the March 26 investor day. The bank's U.S. commercial segment has about 800 bankers, with about 50 hired in recent months, Levine said. As for further hiring, BMO aims to boost its banker headcount to 960 by fiscal 2028, and "80% of future hires will be in California, where we aim to become a leading player in commercial banking, just like we are in the Midwestern markets," Levine said during investor day. Sciarrino noted the bank is hiring a U.S. middle-market leader who will report to him and Carrie Cook, global head of investment and corporate banking. The bank plans to continue to invest in talent as it realizes efficiencies through artificial intelligence tools, he said. The bank is also bolstering its California branch count, from 220 to 360, Levine said. BMO's U.S. presence grew dramatically with its 2023 purchase of Bank of the West, the U.S. retail arm of French lender BNP Paribas. That deal gave BMO its foothold in the San Francisco and Los Angeles markets. BMO's branch and hiring plans in California "replicate the Midwest playbook following the Bank of the West acquisition," Jefferies analyst John Aiken wrote in a recent note. Sciarrino noted the brand recognition that comes from the branch builds. A billboard in California shown during investor day asserted, "New to California. Not new to banking." In two years, brand awareness in the state nearly tripled, and brand consideration among California's general population went from 11% to 27%, according to investor day materials. When an analyst asked how the bank can differentiate in California since that's been a difficult endeavor for the superregionals, Levine pointed to BMO's industry expertise, treasury platform, capital markets business and the addition of Sciarrino and other talent. "We can compete with anyone, at any time, across commercial," he said. In the fiscal first quarter of 2026, revenue at BMO's the U.S. commercial bank dropped about 2% year over year, to $1.1 billion. By investing in talent and technology and promoting its full roster of products and services to its commercial clients, BMO expects to see a mid-single-digit increase in profitable loans and deposits in the medium term, Levine said. Loan growth is projected for the second half of the year. Those elements are expected to fuel a 10% non-interest revenue growth rate and 12% return on equity that BMO's U.S. banking segment is targeting in the medium term.

INACTIVE