the bank of montreal is a canadian multinational investment bank and financial services company. founded in montreal, quebec, in 1817 as montreal bank. their head office remains in montreal. they also have operational headquarters and executive offices in toronto, ontario, since 1977. one of the big five banks in canada, as well as one of the ten largest banks in north america. it is commonly known by its acronym bmo. bmo is also its stock symbol on both the toronto stock exchange and the new york stock exchange.