News Releases
TORONTO, Oct. 19, 2026 /CNW/ -- BMO, the official bank of the Canadian Defence Community, and the Institute of International Finance (IIF) will host the BMO and IIF Defence Finance Forum on October 22, 2026, at First Canadian Place, Toronto. The event will bring together senior leaders from government, finance, technology and industry to explore how Canada can mobilize private capital, including the build-out of critical infrastructure and supporting long-term growth across the country, while strengthening industrial capacity, and improving data security through greater collaboration among industry participants.
When: | October 22, 2026 |
Where: | First Canadian Place, 68th Floor, Toronto |
Media: | Forum sessions are held under Chatham House Rules. General Wayne Eyre is available for interviews on a select basis. BMO leaders and other speakers may be available for individual media interviews, subject to scheduling and availability. |
Contact: | Kelly Hechler, Kelly.hechler@bmo.com, 647-291-3800 |
The one-day forum will feature prominent voices from the DSR community, including Doug Guzman, Chief Executive Officer, Defence Investment Agency, and General Wayne Eyre, former Chief of the Defence Staff of Canada.
Discussions are expected to touch on mobilizing private capital through innovative financing structures to support investment in defence, critical infrastructure, cybersecurity, and industrial capacity; expanding Canada's industrial capacity for critical minerals, defence training, and sovereign space infrastructure; advancing AI leadership, data security and digital infrastructure; building supportive policy and regulatory frameworks for DSR investment; and strengthening collaboration among financial institutions, governments and industry participants.
Participating organizations include:
- AHOY AI
- BCE Inc.
- BMO Capital Markets
- Brookfield Asset Management
- CAE
- Canada Growth Fund Investment Management
- Cohere
- Defence Investment Agency
- DSRB Development Group
- Institute of International Finance (IIF)
- Telesat
- Western Insurance Company
About BMO Financial Group
BMO Financial Group is the eighth largest bank in North America by assets, with total assets of $1.5 trillion as of July 31, 2026. Serving clients for more than 200 years, BMO provides a broad range of personal and commercial banking, wealth management, global markets and investment banking products and services across Canada, the United States, and select markets globally. BMO is innovating for business value, by deploying and integrating human, digital and artificial intelligence to personalize client experiences, augment teams, and automate its business responsibly. Driven by its purpose, to Boldly Grow the Good in business and life, BMO is committed to driving positive change in the world, and making progress for a thriving economy, sustainable future, and stronger communities.
About IIF
The Institute of International Finance (IIF) is the global association of the financial industry, with about 400 members from more than 60 countries. The IIF provides its members with innovative research, unparalleled global advocacy, and access to leading industry events. Its mission is to support the financial industry in the prudent management of risks; to develop sound industry practices; and to advocate for regulatory, financial and economic policies that foster global financial stability and sustainable economic growth. For more information, visit www.iif.com.
SOURCE BMO Financial Group
