About us

Discover how people are at the heart of our mission and history

Who we are

We’re Canada's 6th largest bank and the leading one in Quebec. But above all, we’re a bank with a human touch that stands out for its bold approach, entrepreneurial spirit, and passion for people.

We offer a full range of financial services for individuals, businesses, and clients with specific needs, both domestically and internationally. We also offer a wide range of banking and insurance services as well as innovative investment and wealth management solutions.

Our common goal

Since we began in 1859, we've been here to make a positive impact on people's lives. Our strategy? Building long-term relationships with our clients, teams, shareholders, and our community.

As sustainability is an integral part of our mission, we have made a series of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) commitments that demonstrate our dedication to the well-being of future generations.

Our values in action

Founded on a desire to support local business owners, our entrepreneurial spirit is still firmly rooted in our way of doing things and is aligned with the three core values that we embody.

Picto of a gear turning

Empowerment

Each of us has the ability to make a difference. It is up to us to take action.

Picto of three silhouettes with a lightbulb

Partnership

We work as a team to make a positive impact.

Picto of a target with an arrow hitting the bullseye

Agility

We always adapt quickly to changes in society and in the lives of our customers.

Our story

Our bank was founded in 1859 by a group of Quebec City businessmen who were committed to serving the interests of their French-speaking peers. We have evolved through the acquisition of other successful businesses, strengthening our presence in response to constant change. Today, we are proud to be one of Canada's leading influential banks.

1924

First merger with Banque d'Hochelaga to form the Banque Canadienne Nationale to weather the Great Depression of the 1930s

1979

A second merger, with the Provincial Bank of Canada, to create the National Bank and plan its expansion outside Quebec

1983

Construction of the head office in the heart of Montreal: two huge office towers symbolizing our importance in the market

1985

Acquisition of the Mercantile Bank of Canada and the beginning of an expansion phase in Ontario, Western Canada, and the United States

2009

Creation of Private Banking 1859 to meet the specific needs of our affluent clients

2016

Acquisition of ABA Bank of Cambodia and investment in other foreign financial institutions to expand internationally

2017

Digital and cultural transformation: deployment of online banking solutions, among other innovations

2018-2023

Construction of the future head office and cultural shift to new dynamic work environments

Picto of a newspaper

News and communications

Stay up to date with our latest market news and analysis.

Photo of the team at the groundbreaking ceremony for the future head office

Join our amazing team

Photo of the team at the groundbreaking ceremony for the future head office

Do our mission and history inspire you? Come pursue your ambitions in one of the best places to work in Canada 1. Join a dynamic work environment that values the expression of individuality.

Governance

Get to know the people who guide our organization by browsing the professional experiences of each member of our Senior Leadership Team.

 

Meet our leaders

Investor relations

Are you a National Bank shareholder? Follow our stock performance and discover our quarterly results. Consult our other news and publications of interest, as well as our archives.

 

Browse our resources

Little details that matter

  1. National Bank named by Glassdoor as one of Canada's Top 25 Best Places to Work for 2022.