BMO’s Equity Through Education Trading Day Successfully Raises $1.5 Million for Student Success Initiatives

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BMO Capital Markets Drives $1.5 Million for Student Access to Education

TORONTO, NEW YORK, and LONDON – BMO Financial Group announced today that its annual Equity Through Education trading day, held on September 24, 2025, generated C$1.5 million to benefit students pursuing post-secondary education. This initiative, now in its 20th year, has contributed over C$35 million, supporting more than 5,500 students through scholarships, bursaries, mentoring programs, and career advancement initiatives.

The funds were raised through donations of a portion of trading revenue from institutional equity trading commissions at BMO Capital Markets, as well as commissions from BMO Wealth Management. These donations are directed towards organizations dedicated to helping deserving students reach their academic and professional aspirations.

“Equity Through Education trading day embodies BMO’s purpose: to Boldly Grow the Good in business and life,” stated Alan Tannenbaum, CEO of BMO Capital Markets.”Thanks to the commitment of our clients and employees, we are able to empower organizations that promote educational opportunities.”

This year’s event showcased a greater unification across BMO’s business divisions, with BMO Wealth Management renewing its vital contribution to the initiative.

“We are proud to support a program with such a tangible positive impact on the lives of students,” said Deland Kamanga, Group Head, BMO Wealth Management. “By donating a portion of trading commissions from Wealth Management,we contribute to helping students realize their full potential and strengthen the communities in which we operate.”

The Increasing Importance of Corporate Investment in Higher Education

The BMO investment highlights a growing trend in corporate philanthropy. As tuition costs continue to rise and student debt levels reach critical highs, a recent report from the National Student Aid Policy Analysis found that approximately 43.6 million Americans carried a total of $1.75 trillion in student loan debt as of mid-2024. This number underscores the necessity for choice funding sources beyond traditional loans and grants. Companies are responding to this need through initiatives like BMO’s, recognizing that investing in the education of the next generation is investing in a stronger future workforce.

About BMO Financial Group

BMO Financial Group,the seventh-largest bank in North America by assets,was established 200 years ago and operates with a total of $1.4 trillion. BMO is known as a global financial services provider, providing a wide variety of personal and commercial banking options, wealth management, global markets and investment banking products and services to 13 million customers in Canada, the United States and numerous international markets.

How does BMO Capital Markets directly translate its core business activities into a positive social impact through teh Equity Through Education Trading Day?

the Impact of BMO’s Trading Day

BMO Capital Markets’ annual “Equity Through Education” Trading Day, held on September 26, 2025, has proven to be a resounding success, generating an extraordinary $1.5 million in donations. These funds will directly support a range of student success initiatives focused on providing educational opportunities for underserved communities. The event, a cornerstone of BMO’s commitment to corporate social responsibility and financial literacy, saw participation from institutional clients and BMO employees across North America. This year’s total surpasses previous fundraising efforts, demonstrating a growing commitment to educational equity.

How the Equity Through Education Trading Day works

The core concept behind the Trading Day is simple yet impactful. BMO Capital Markets donates a portion of its trading revenue from a designated day to carefully selected charities and programs.

Here’s a breakdown of the process:

* Trading Activity: BMO’s trading desks actively engage in equity trading throughout the day.

* Donation Allocation: A pre-steadfast percentage of the revenue generated from these trades is allocated to the designated beneficiaries.

* Beneficiary Focus: Funds are directed towards organizations that champion access to education, scholarships, and mentorship programs.

* Openness & Accountability: BMO provides clear reporting on the funds raised and their subsequent impact.

This model allows BMO to leverage its core business activities to create a positive social impact, fostering community investment and supporting the next generation of leaders.

Key Beneficiaries and Their Programs

The $1.5 million raised will be distributed among several impactful organizations. While a complete list is available on BMO’s website, some key beneficiaries include:

* The United Way: Supporting local chapters with programs focused on early childhood education and high school graduation rates.

* Junior Achievement: Providing financial literacy and entrepreneurship education to students in grades K-12.

* Scholarships for Historically Underrepresented Students: Funding scholarships for students from diverse backgrounds pursuing higher education in STEM fields.

* First Nations University of Canada: Supporting Indigenous students’ access to post-secondary education.

These organizations are selected based on their proven track record of success and their alignment with BMO’s commitment to diversity and inclusion in education.

The Growing Importance of Financial Literacy

The Equity Through Education initiative isn’t solely about providing access to schooling; it also emphasizes the importance of financial education. Many of the supported programs incorporate elements of personal finance, investment basics, and career planning.

Why is this crucial?

* Empowerment: Financial literacy empowers students to make informed decisions about their future.

* Economic Mobility: Understanding financial concepts can break cycles of poverty and promote economic mobility.

* Responsible Citizenship: Financially literate individuals are better equipped to participate in the economy and contribute to their communities.

* Long-Term Success: Skills in budgeting, saving, and investing are essential for long-term financial well-being.

BMO recognizes that financial capability is a vital component of overall student success.

BMO’s Broader Commitment to Education

The Equity Through Education Trading Day is just one facet of BMO’s broader commitment to education. The bank also invests in:

* Employee Volunteerism: Encouraging employees to volunteer their time and expertise to support educational initiatives.

* Skills Advancement Programs: Offering training and development opportunities to help students prepare for the workforce.

* Partnerships with Educational Institutions: Collaborating with universities and colleges to create innovative learning experiences.

* Research & Advocacy: Supporting research on educational equity and advocating for policies that promote access to education.

This holistic approach demonstrates BMO’s dedication to creating a more equitable and prosperous future for all. The bank’s focus on lasting finance extends to its educational investments, aiming for long-term, systemic change.

Looking Ahead: Future of the Initiative

BMO plans to continue and expand the Equity Through Education Trading day in the years to come. Future goals include:

* Increased Fundraising Targets: Setting ambitious goals to raise even more funds for student success initiatives.

* Expanded Beneficiary Network: Partnering with additional organizations that are making a difference in education.

* Enhanced Program Evaluation: Measuring the impact of the funded programs to ensure they are achieving their intended outcomes.

* Greater Employee Engagement: Increasing employee participation in the Trading Day and other educational initiatives.