About Us

A Rich Tradition

At 10:00 a.m. on Monday, November 3, 1817, the Montreal Bank opened its doors for the first time and has been open for business ever since. From modest beginnings – a single branch in a rented house – we now serve banking, investing and institutional clients across North America and around the world.

History of Harris

Norman Wait Harris came to Chicago in the late 1800's to help America expand westward. In 1882, he founded what has become Harris on the principles of honesty and fair dealing - principles we believe in to this day.

History of M&I

In 1847, Samuel Marshall rented half of a Milwaukee cobbler shop and opened Samuel Marshall & Co, an exchange brokerage. He was joined by Charles Ilsley two years later. Together, they built one of Wisconsin’s premier financial institutions – Marshall & Ilsley Corporation – on the principles of quality and service. We are proud to carry on the M&I tradition.

BMO’s History

For further information related to BMO’s history, please visit:
Download History of Bank of Montreal (Pdf) (2,135 KB)