Desjardins Group remains true to its roots as a community-based financial cooperative, despite its immense size and impact. Founded in 1901 as a small credit union in Quebec, Desjardins has grown into Canada’s largest cooperative, providing financial services to nearly six million members and clients. Desjardins continues to contribute to the economic and social development of their communities.

The growth and diversification of Desjardins is truly remarkable; the credit union added insurance services in the 1940s and brokerage services in the 1980s. Consolidated assets reached the $1 billion mark in 1964, $40 billion in the 1990s and have since surpassed $150 billion.

Today, Desjardins is a network of member-owned cooperatives that provide banking, investment, insurance and brokerage services. The company’s success stems from Canada’s robust financial regime, a skilled and educated workforce and a shared commitment to community. As a cooperative, Desjardins protects the interests of members and clients with profitable and secure financial products and services. The company also emphasizes sustainable development. In the 1970s, Desjardins began providing technical support and investment services to people in developing countries through the wholly-owned subsidiary Développement International Desjardins.

Desjardins [www.desjardins.ca] is another example of Canadian leadership and excellence the global business world continues to count on.

Additional Facts

• In 2008, Desjardins posted total assets of $163 billion and employed approximately 41,000 Canadians.
• Desjardins maintains a network of more than 500 branches and 2,700 automated teller machines.
• To meet the needs of Canadians who travel south each winter, Desjardins also maintains three branches in Florida.
• In 2008, Desjardins contributed $80 million dollars to the communities it serves in the form of sponsorships, donations and bursaries.