BMO Nesbitt Burns Wednesday celebrated its 100th anniversary, a major milestone for the Canadian wealth advisory.

“This is a truly momentous occasion for our organization,” said Jacques Ménard, chairman, BMO Nesbitt Burns and president, BMO Financial Group, Quebec, in a release. “We take pride in our heritage and have remained committed to the highest standards in helping our clients reach their financial objectives.”

“Our firm, along with its predecessors, has demonstrated its strength and endurance as a market leader throughout key world events, including the Great Depression, two World Wars and various market conditions,” Ménard added.

Investment firm Nesbitt Thomson was established in May 9, 1912 with the objective of assisting the development of electric utilities and, during the First World War, focused on raising money for the war effort through the issuance of Victory Bonds. The company grew to become a household name and, in 1987, was acquired by BMO Financial Group, the first bank/broker merger in the Canadian financial services sector.

In 1994, the firm joined forces with Burns Fry Ltd. to create BMO Nesbitt Burns. Today BMO Nesbitt Burns has almost 1,400 investment advisors serving the needs of more than 200,000 individuals and businesses across Canada.

“From its inception, our firm has always held an unwavering belief in the power of the client-advisor relationship,” said Charyl Galpin, co-head, private client division. “Our business thrives on helping our clients reach their life goals, which is why building trusted and meaningful relationships is such a critical priority for us.”

“A large part of our success is based on the hard working individuals that make up our team,” said Richard Mills, co-head, private client division. “Our organization remains unified in our drive, passion, focus and commitment to delivering an extraordinary client experience.”