A Century on Bay Street

For over a century, the Bongard family has guided clients through the complexities of the financial markets, rooted in trust, loyalty, and an unwavering commitment to client success. Now in its fifth generation with my son Chris, we continue a tradition that combines disciplined investing with client-focused care.

This legacy is a personal one, intertwined with my own journey, from early exposure to finance through family to my experiences on the bond desk, each step deepening my understanding and dedication to wealth management.

Our Enduring Values

Our history is the story of Canadian finance itself. The principles demonstrated through that journey are the same ones that guide us today.

Principled Leadership

From navigating the Great Depression without a single default to shaping national policy, the firm established the values of stability and trust that define us today.

Generational Perspective

We think in decades, not quarters. With Chris extending our family's legacy, we ensure clients benefit from the insights of both traditional and contemporary wealth management approaches.

Client-Focused Innovation

Through every merger and evolution, our family values have remained at the forefront - prioritizing integrity, relationship-driven service, and disciplined investment strategies.

The Founding Era · 1912–1929

  1. Vintage, black and white portrait of a distinguished man in a suit, circa 1910.

    Foundations

    Our journey began when Robert Ross Bongard purchased a Toronto Stock Exchange membership for $20,000 (approximately $3,360,000 in 2025 dollars). This substantial investment marked the start of the family's influence in finance and a commitment to building a trusted firm.

    $20,000 1912 Seat Price (~$3.36M Today)
  2. Black and white portrait of a confident man from the World War I era.

    War and the Markets

    When World War I breaks out, the TSX suspends trading for three months starting July 28 to prevent panic - a proactive measure to protect the financial system. Gordon R. Bongard serves in the conflict before returning to join the firm.

  3. Black and white portrait of a confident man from the World War I era.

    The Second Generation

    Under the leadership of Gordon Ross Bongard, the firm grew across Ontario, gaining a reputation for personalized service and conservative investment strategies that set the standard for future generations.

  4. A vintage mechanical calculator or billing machine from the 1920s.

    Early Innovation

    In a move that signals a long-standing commitment to operational excellence, Bongard & Co. becomes the first Toronto brokerage to convert from manual bookkeeping to modern billing machines.

  5. Black and white photo of a 1920s stock ticker tape machine.

    Navigating the Crash

    On October 29, the TSX plunges, losing 20% of its value in a single day. While over 2,000 U.S. brokerages fail during the subsequent Depression, Bongard & Co. retains all staff and meets every obligation.

    0 TSX Member Defaults

Growth & Expansion · 1930s–1960s

  1. Vintage photograph of the trading floor at the Winnipeg Grain Exchange.

    Western Expansion

    Signaling a commitment to national growth, the firm purchases a seat on the Winnipeg Grain Exchange. This strategic move establishes a foothold in Western Canada's booming commodities market just prior to the war.

  2. The Art Deco facade or trading floor of the 1937 Toronto Stock Exchange building.

    A New Home on Bay Street

    The TSX moves to a modern Art Deco headquarters at 234 Bay Street. Equipped with the first air-conditioned trading floor in the city, this building becomes the hub of Canadian finance for decades.

  3. Gordon R. Bongard in later years, presiding over a meeting.

    Leading the Exchange

    Gordon R. Bongard is elected President of the Toronto Stock Exchange. One of the youngest presidents in history, he leads the exchange through the uncertainty of WWII, facilitating war loans and maintaining market stability.

  4. Vintage photograph of a Canadian factory during World War II.

    Wartime Support

    The firm supports the war effort by distributing victory bonds and establishes a private wire system with partners like Norris Securities (Winnipeg) and Carlile & McCarthy (Calgary).

  5. Black and white portrait of a thoughtful, professional man from the 1950s.

    The Third Generation

    After serving in the Royal Canadian Navy during WWII, Gordon R.P. Bongard joins the firm. He brings strong academic credentials - an Engineering degree from U of T and a Harvard MBA - and a vision for modernization.

  6. A vintage punch-card computer system from the 1950s.

    The Postwar Boom

    As TSX trading volume hits a record 1 billion shares and seat prices soar to $100,000, Bongard & Co. becomes the first in Toronto to adopt punch-card bookkeeping to handle the surge in activity.

    1 Billion Shares Traded (1955)
  7. Map showing office locations across Canada in the early 1960s.

    A National Footprint

    Celebrating its 50th anniversary, Bongard & Co. has expanded to 11 cities across Canada. The firm's growth reflects its transformation from a local Toronto brokerage into a nationwide investment dealer.

  8. Two businessmen shaking hands in a vintage 1960s office.

    Creating a National Dealer

    A merger with Montreal-based G.E. Leslie & Co. establishes the firm as a national presence, combining Ontario strength with Quebec and Maritime operations to lay the foundation for a truly cross-country institution.

  9. Research analysts collaborating over market data in the 1960s.

Technological Revolution · 1970s–1980s

  1. Vintage photo of a green-screen Computer Assisted Trading System (CATS) terminal from 1977.

    The CATS Revolution

    As Chairman of the TSX Computer Committee, Gordon R.P. Bongard launches CATS, the world's first electronic stock exchange trading system, later adopted by exchanges in Paris and Brussels.

  2. A corporate boardroom in the 1970s, symbolizing a major merger.

    Nesbitt Thomson Bongard

    In 1977, the family firm merges with Nesbitt Thomson, bringing its client-focused approach to a larger platform. Gordon R.P. Bongard maintains the family's values as he takes on the role of Honorary Chairman.

  3. Late-1970s trading floor scene.
  4. Professional woman in a 1980s office, focused on her work.

    A Foundation in Fixed Income

    Debbie Bongard begins her career on the institutional bond desk at Wood Gundy. In this demanding environment, she develops a deep foundation in asset allocation, risk management, and disciplined analysis.

  5. Photo of three professionals of different generations collaborating in a 1980s office.

    Building Independently

    After five years at Wood Gundy, Debbie joins Nesbitt Thomson Bongard, starting with no clients. Encouraged by her father to build independently, she learns resilience while her grandfather mentors her on the importance of relationships.

  6. Chaotic trading floor from the 1980s, depicting Black Monday.

    Crisis-Tested: Black Monday

    During the market crash, Gordon R. Bongard sits beside Debbie, calmly advising her. His mentorship during the crisis helps define the team's steady, disciplined approach to volatility.

    -11% One-Day Market Drop
  7. Modern corporate building representing the merger with a larger financial institution in the 1990s.

    Joining the Bank of Montreal

    As regulations change, Nesbitt Thomson Bongard is acquired by the Bank of Montreal. The move integrates the family firm with the stability of Canada's oldest bank.

Modern Era · 1990s–Present

  1. The logo of a major bank on a skyscraper, representing the final merger into BMO Nesbitt Burns.

    Joining BMO Nesbitt Burns

    Nesbitt Thomson merges with Burns Fry to become BMO Nesbitt Burns. This evolution allows the team to leverage BMO's expansive resources, from market research to cutting-edge wealth solutions, while preserving the Bongard legacy.

  2. Professional financial advisor meeting with clients in modern office

    The Wealth Management Revolution

    The industry transforms from transaction brokerage to holistic wealth advisory and embraces comprehensive financial planning for clients.

  3. Abstract image of digital stock charts showing volatility during the 2008 financial crisis.

    Navigating the Great Recession

    Drawing on lessons from 1929 and 1987, the team's defensive positioning and proactive communication during the Global Financial Crisis demonstrate the value of a true discretionary approach.

  4. Professional portrait of a young man in a modern business suit.

    A Legacy for Future Generations

    Chris joins the team, extending the family legacy. As a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) and Certified Financial Planner (CFP), he brings a modern perspective, ensuring clients benefit from both traditional and contemporary approaches.

  5. A financial advisor presenting a modern chart to clients, representing a shift to discretionary management.

    Pioneering a New Model

    Following the lessons of the 2008 crisis, the team transitions to discretionary licensing, recognizing that external managers often lack client context and must stay fully invested regardless of conditions. The move coincides with the family's 100th year in finance, marking a century-long tradition that continues to evolve for clients.

  6. Modern Toronto skyline representing 110 years of Canadian finance

    A Philosophy Refined by Generations

    In 2022, we celebrated 110 years in finance. This milestone reflects our commitment to ethical investing and thoughtful, long-term strategies - an approach tested through crashes and recoveries alike.

    110+ Years of Service