BMO Bank of Montreal North American Channels head Niti Badarinath said: "Mobile is increasingly important for customers to address their banking needs, and this service is another way we're using our digital capabilities to empower our customers and simplify their lives.

"This customer-centric, mobile-first design provides a seamless user experience. It's an example of how we're quickly bringing to market solutions that are focused on streamlining banking processes."

This first-of-its-kind account opening capability allows customers to quickly search, select and open a new account with BMO through an intuitive, conversational interface. It's exclusively done using a smartphone in minutes – without having to download an App from the App Store.

Badarinath, noting that the number of transactions completed on digital channels continues to increase, added: "This service is the next step in the journey we are taking with our customers as they increase their use of digital."