News Releases
SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 10, 2025 /CNW/ - BMO today announced it has signed a new five-year agreement with UC Berkeley, designating it the Official Bank of UC Berkeley, building on a successful relationship that began with BMO's acquisition of Bank of the West in 2023. The new partnership, which began July 1, 2025, introduces expanded banking services with an emphasis on digital convenience, enhanced financial wellness programming and new initiatives to support students, faculty, staff, alumni and the surrounding community.
"Our partnership with BMO builds on UC Berkeley's tradition of innovation while meeting today's needs for accessible, forward-thinking financial services," said Kelly Sparks, vice chancellor for finance and chief financial officer at UC Berkeley. "BMO is a purpose-led bank, and this relationship is about more than providing banking services—it's about empowering our students, faculty, staff and alumni with the knowledge and tools to make informed financial decisions and fostering a financially confident campus community."
"BMO is proud to be the Official Bank of UC Berkeley, and we look forward to partnering to create meaningful, lasting impact across the campus and the broader community. We're excited to help students and young professionals make real financial progress by meeting them where they are and making financial education relevant to their current stage of life," said Halé Behzadi, Vice Chair, California, BMO. "BMO's Purpose is to Boldly Grow the Good in business and life, and working with UC Berkeley demonstrates our belief that progress happens when we invest in people, education, and opportunity."
The partnership reaffirms BMO's commitment to the campus and reflects the outcome of a thorough review process led by University Business Partnerships & Services and the university's Financial Services Working Group, a committee of student, staff and faculty representatives.
BMO will continue to offer students low-fee accounts, including Smart Money Checking—certified by Bank On, a national initiative that sets standards for affordable, accessible banking options—savings accounts and enhanced digital banking tools designed for convenience and security, including access to BMO's SmartProgress® platform.
For faculty and staff, BMO will offer financial wellness resources through its Bank at Work program, which includes access to SmartProgress®, seminars and personalized guidance from on-campus representatives. BMO will continue to operate its full-service branch in the Martin Luther King Jr. Student Union and maintain on-campus ATMs, providing convenient access to banking resources alongside access to more than 40,000 fee-free Allpoint® ATMs nationwide.
A cornerstone of the new relationship includes an increased emphasis on financial education. As the "Official Partner of the UC Berkeley Center for Financial Wellness," BMO will expand resources for interactive workshops, personalized financial coaching and integration into first-year student orientation and career development programs. Large campus events, including Caltopia, Cal Day, Golden Bear Welcome and Golden Bear Orientation, will also feature BMO activations that provide students with opportunities to engage with banking tools and explore resources that support long-term financial well-being.
With a history spanning more than 200 years, BMO brings its longstanding commitment to community and financial empowerment to UC Berkeley—equipping students, faculty, staff and alumni to navigate today's financial challenges, strengthen their financial confidence and achieve lasting financial success.
About BMO Financial Group
BMO Financial Group is the seventh largest bank in North America by assets, with total assets of $1.4 trillion as of July 31, 2025. Serving customers for 200 years and counting, BMO is a diverse team of highly engaged employees providing a broad range of personal and commercial banking, wealth management, global markets and investment banking products and services to 13 million customers across Canada, the United States, and in select markets globally. Driven by a single 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 inclusive society.
About University of California, Berkeley
The University of California, Berkeley, is the world's premier public university and the flagship of the 10-campus University of California system. The university was chartered in 1868 with a mission to excel in teaching, research and public service. Enrolling more than 45,000 undergraduate and graduate students, the campus is home to approximately 1,500 full-time and 500 part-time faculty members across more than 130 academic departments offering nearly 400 degree programs. UC Berkeley's outstanding research has led to a distinguished record of scholarship, innovation, a concern for the betterment of our world and consistently high rankings of its schools and departments. Its community of faculty and alumni includes nearly 60 Nobel laureates, underscoring Berkeley's legacy of excellence and global impact.
SOURCE BMO US
