BMO signage in Indianapolis
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Bank of Montreal (BMO) has been recognized by the Ethisphere Institute as one of the 2018 World’s Most Ethical Companies.

Toronto-based BMO is one of only two companies in Canada, the only bank in Canada, and one of only four banks worldwide, to have been named to the list.

Last night, 135 companies from 23 countries and representing 57 industries were formally recognized by Ethisphere in conjunction with its 10th Annual Global Ethics Summit in New York City.

According to Scottsdale, Ariz.-based Ethisphere, companies recognized in 2018 had record levels of involvement with their stakeholders and in their communities. Measuring and improving culture, leading authentically, and committing to transparency, diversity, and inclusion were all priorities.

“Weighing the impact of every decision starts with a basic question: What do our stakeholders expect? The value we help to create goes far beyond the returns we deliver to investors. It’s also measured by the positive impacts we achieve collectively, with all of our stakeholders. We consult with them regularly and are committed to rigorously measuring and reporting on BMO’s performance in this regard,” says Darryl White, the bank’s CEO, in a statement.

Since 2007, Ethisphere has honoured companies who recognize their critical role to influence and drive positive change in the business community and societies around the world and work to maximize their impact wherever possible.

The World’s Most Ethical Companies assessment is based upon the Ethisphere’s ethics quotient framework. Scores are generated in five key categories: ethics and compliance program (35%), corporate citizenship and responsibility (20%), culture of ethics (20%), governance (15%) and leadership, innovation and reputation (10%).

The full list of the 2018 honourees can be found on Ethisphere’s website.