Defence and security: Montréal brings it all together for the DSR Bank

February 3, 2026

Montréal, Tuesday February 3, 2026 – The City of Montréal, Montréal International, together with their partners, are unveiling Montréal’s official pitch to host the headquarters of the future Defence, Security and Resilience Bank (DSR Bank). Backed by the Government of Québec, the project could generate approximately 3,500 high‑quality jobs and place the host city at the centre of multilateral defence and security collaboration among NATO member countries and allied nations.

Montréal’s proposal showcases a combination of strategic assets, starting with its international ecosystem—home to nearly 70 international organizations, including six United Nations offices and NATO’s Climate Change & Security Centre of Excellence. The city also offers the strongest cross‑sector ecosystem in the country to support the operations of the future DSR Bank, backed by a deep pool of highly skilled, multilingual talent.

“Montréal has all the right ingredients to support the DSR Bank’s success: a mature financial ecosystem, world‑class expertise in defence and aerospace, and a policy to attract international organizations. By choosing Montréal, member states would be investing in a city that understands global security challenges and offers the talent, infrastructure, and political commitment needed to propel this institution to the forefront of transatlantic cooperation. Québec stands ready to mobilize all its resources to make the DSR Bank a lasting success,” said Christopher Skeete, Minister of International Relations and La Francophonie.

“Beyond its direct benefits, the creation of the DSR Bank would elevate Montréal’s international stature, strengthen Québec’s diplomatic presence, and position Canada at the forefront of multilateral defence and security financing. Montréal is the only place in the world capable of assembling an aircraft from end to end. We are a capital of knowledge and a hub for dual‑use industries that bring together defence, artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, cybersecurity, and aerospace. With a track record like ours, the choice is clear. Here, innovation, security, and international affairs come together. Montréal is the city of choice to host the Defence and Security Bank,” said Soraya Martinez Ferrada, Mayor of Montréal and President of the Communauté métropolitaine de Montréal.

“Montréal stands alone in Canada as the city that offers all the winning conditions to host and propel the DSR Bank. Nowhere else do finance, aerospace, deep‑tech innovation, and a uniquely robust international organizations community converge with such strength. Montréal consistently demonstrates its ability not only to fuel economic growth, but also to foster the kind of multilateral partnerships that shape the future,” said Stéphane Paquet, President and CEO of Montréal International.

Supporting the defence of NATO member countries

The DSR Bank will be designed to facilitate the financing of defence-related projects, at a time when NATO member countries and their allies are stepping up their investments. The federal government has appointed Isabelle Hudon, President and CEO of the Business Development Bank of Canada, to represent Canada among the international partners involved in the project. The site selection process for the future bank is being led by the DSR Bank Development Group, which brings together experts from the financial sector, government, and defence.

Mobilization by ÉQUIPE Montréal

Gathered at Montréal City Hall on December 9, representatives from the city’s academic, business, and economic development communities reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the establishment of the DSR Bank in Montréal. Their engagement includes concrete measures such as temporary assignments and preferential service rates.

Montréal’s pitch: highlights

Montréal is home to finance, aerospace and defence, AI, and advanced technologies hubs.
Montréal is the top Canadian hub for international organizations, the 3rd in the Americas.
Montréal is one of nine cities in the world to host a specialized UN agency.
Montréal is the leading city in the Americas for international association conferences.
Québec has a policy for welcoming international organizations, a unique tool in North America.

To learn more about Montréal’s bid

For nearly 30 years, Montréal International has had a mandate to support international organizations in the city. This mandate is financially supported by the City of Montréal, the Government of Québec, and the Government of Canada.

Media contact

Eve Caron
Director, Public relations – Montréal International
514-210-0084
eve.caron@mtlintl.com

Joanna Kanga
Press secretary – Mayor of Montréal
438-221-5117
joanna.kanga@montreal.ca