Banks in Canada recognize the need to foster a more inclusive and
sustainable future for Indigenous individuals, businesses and
communities.
Bank Support for Indigenous Peoples
For more than 25 years, Canada’s major banks have provided tailored banking, borrowing and investment services for Indigenous businesses, governments and families through specialized Indigenous Banking Teams.
Tailored financial services
Financial services available from both on-reserve and other bank locations include:
For individuals
- Tailored offers on loans and lines of credit
- Discounts on credit cards that offer cash back, low interest rates or rewards
- Chequing and savings accounts for day‑to‑day banking, as well as term deposits
- Mortgages to support the purchase of homes
- Investment services to support retirement planning
- Customized financial literacy training and credit-building education
For businesses
- Financing solutions for small and commercial businesses
- Automated payroll and electronic cash management services
- Small and commercial business development webinars and seminars
For band offices
- Chequing and savings accounts for business banking
- Automated payroll and electronic cash management services
- Revolving lines of credit allowing borrowers to keep borrowing when debts are repaid without reapplying for a loan
- Equipment and infrastructure financing
- Comprehensive wealth and trustee services including investment specialists with expertise in managing trusts
Indigenous Trust Services
Dedicated Indigenous banking departments can assist in the process to establish trusts to manage bank moneys held in trust for First Nations and their members. Services include:
- Expertise in developing and structuring trusts
- Community engagement services
- Day-to-day trust administration and management services
Specialized home ownership opportunities
Banks are also committed to making housing loans accessible for all First Nations. Several banks have partnered with the Government of Canada and the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation to operate the First Nation Market Housing Fund (FNMHF) program.
The FNMHF is a tool developed with input from First Nations communities to facilitate loans for housing on reserve and settlement lands where appropriate. This program enables Indigenous People to build, buy, or renovate individual homes and multi-suite rental units.
More information about programs to support housing for Indigenous People can be found on the Government of Canada website at:
canada.ca/en/services/indigenous-peoples/housing-for-indigenous-peoples.html
Additional support
Beyond providing tailored financial services, banks understand the importance of attracting and retaining Indigenous employees, investing in Indigenous education and financial literacy and taking an active role in community development.