NIAMH KRISTUFEK | Head of U.S. Business Banking | BMO Financial Group 

Niamh Kristufek is BMO’s Head of U.S. Business Banking, responsible for spearheading the growth of their segment across 32 states as they deliver on their commitment to provide innovative products, digital-first capabilities, and simplified customer experiences to help small businesses make real financial progress.

Raised by parents who were small business owners, Niamh has a profound appreciation for the vital role businesses play in a strong economy and thriving communities. Her passion for leadership combined with her commitment to eliminating financial barriers to inclusion has led to the launch of Zero Barriers to Business. The initiative is part of BMO’s EMpower commitment aimed at fostering an inclusive economic recovery for all.

With over 25 years of experience in the banking industry, Niamh started her career in credit and commercial lending at LaSalle Bank. In 2011, she joined BMO as Vice President, Special Assets Management, specializing in commercial debt restructuring and reorganization. In 2014, she joined BMO’s Credit Risk team, and she was promoted to the Head of U.S. Business Banking Credit Risk in 2017 and Head of U.S. Business Banking in 2018.

Niamh earned her Masters of Business Administration at the University of Chicago’s Booth School of Business and a Bachelor’s degree in Economics at Lake Forest College. She serves on the board of Envision Limited, a Chicago-area non-profit serving adults with disabilities through day programing and housing. Niamh is also a member of the board at the Nasdaq Entrepreneurial Center, a non-profit that creates access and fosters inclusion for entrepreneurs around the world. Niamh resides in the Chicago suburbs with her husband and three children.