Desjardins Group

Desjardins Group is the sixth largest financial institution in Canada with assets over $100 billion and provides Desjardins Credit Union with important financial support.

Desjardins Group was founded more than one hundred years ago when Alphonse Desjardins created the first caisse or "co-op" (the equivalent of a credit union) in the province of Québec. It was a way for members to take control of their finances. With over 572 caisses (as at December 31, 2004), the network includes approximately 20 companies in such fields as insurance, brokerage and wealth management. Together, they constitute a major economic force that provides individuals and businesses with a broad range of financial services.

Desjardins Group has been present in Ontario for several years with numerous caisse populaires serving the franco-ontarian communities. Moreover, through its subsidiaries, Desjardins Group offers insurance and brokerage services to individuals and companies in Ontario and employs more than 2,000 people in the province.

Desjardins is a financially sound institution. Desjardins Group's credit ratings of AA, AA (minus) and Aa1 by Dominion Bond Rating Service, Standard and Poor's and Moody's respectively, are equal and in some cases better, than those for the five major chartered banks in Canada.

More on Desjardins Group:

Mission
Organization chart
Desjardins figures
A cooperative
Social responsibility report