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BMO's Kristin Milchanowski Receives Prestigious AI Recognition

On February 5, 2026, in a noteworthy announcement, BMO revealed that Kristin Milchanowski, their Chief AI & Data Officer, has earned a spot on AI Magazine's esteemed list of the Top 100 AI Leaders for 2026. This accolade is a testament to her profound impact on the advancement of artificial intelligence within the financial services sector.

Leading the Charge in AI Implementation

Milchanowski has been pivotal in not only driving the adoption of AI technologies at BMO but also in nurturing talent and establishing a culture of ethical AI use. As a co-leader of the bank's initiatives on enterprise-wide AI learning, she has been instrumental in equipping BMO employees with the essential skills for harnessing AI in responsible and innovative ways.

Steve Tennyson, Chief Technology and Operations Officer at BMO, praised Milchanowski's dedication to fostering a trustworthy and human-centered approach to AI. He remarked, “Kristin’s recognition reflects her commitment to building AI capabilities that are not only innovative, but trusted and human-centered.” Her leadership has significantly positioned BMO as a front-runner in the responsible adoption of AI in global banking.

AI Magazine's Selection Criteria

The AI Magazine’s Top 100 AI Leaders list showcases executives who are influencing the future of AI through strategic initiatives, innovative approaches, and responsible deployment. It identifies leaders across various sectors—including technology, healthcare, and manufacturing—who are facilitating organizations to harness the potential of AI for sustainable growth, efficiency, and long-term value.

Commitment to Education: AI for All

Under Milchanowski's guidance, BMO has reinforced its commitment to fostering a culture of AI literacy through programs like AI for All. Launched in August 2025, this initiative guarantees that every BMO employee gains a comprehensive understanding of AI—including its functionalities, ethical considerations, and real-world applications at the bank. Milchanowski emphasizes that “the best way to learn about AI is to stay curious and experiment hands-on,” advocating for a culture of exploration and experimentation in the realm of AI.

The program has been designed to empower staff, ensuring they not only understand AI's operational mechanisms but also recognize its transformative potential for providing significant benefits to clients and colleagues alike.

Industry Recognition in Talent Development

BMO's commitment to reskilling, upskilling, and enhancing AI proficiency has garnered external accolades. Recently, the bank achieved a joint #1 ranking in the 2025 Evident AI Index, which evaluates enterprise-level AI maturity and execution among global financial institutions.

Milchanowski remarked, “AI success is ultimately about empowering people with the right knowledge and tools.” Her pride in being part of a team dedicated to thoughtful and scalable AI capability development is evident as BMO continues to prioritize robust governance in its AI strategies.

To learn more about the full Top 100 AI Leaders 2026 list, you can visit AI Magazine's official website.

About BMO Financial Group

With its roots stretching back 200 years, BMO Financial Group has established itself as the seventh-largest bank in North America, boasting total assets of $1.5 trillion as of October 31, 2025. The bank is dedicated to providing a wide array of personal and commercial banking services, investment banking, and asset management to approximately 13 million clients worldwide. Their mission, “to Boldly Grow the Good in business and life,” reflects their commitment to driving positive change and fostering sustainable socio-economic development.

In conclusion, Kristin Milchanowski’s recognition as one of the Top 100 AI Leaders for 2026 not only showcases her individual contributions but also highlights BMO's strong commitment to integrating AI responsibly and effectively within its operations.