Latino Leaders Index 500, powered by BMO: The leaders helping shape America's future
BMO Gives & Sponsorships, Talent & Inclusion
Updated 
3 min. read
The leaders recognized through this year’s Latino Leaders Index 500, powered by BMO, are helping drive one of the most powerful forces in the U.S. economy.
Today, the U.S. Latino economy is valued at $4.4 trillion, making it the equivalent of the fourth-largest economy in the world if it stood on its own. The 500 companies featured in this year’s Index 500 generate more than $180 billion in annual revenue and employ more than 700,000 people nationwide, according to the 2026 Latino Leaders Magazine Index 500 report.
Those figures represent more than business success. They reflect companies creating jobs, strengthening communities, and expanding opportunities for future generations.
Throughout 2026, BMO and Latino Leaders Magazine brought together entrepreneurs, executives, clients and community leaders at events nationwide in Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Tampa, Miami and New York City to celebrate the vision, leadership and impact of Latino-owned businesses.
The conversations that took place throughout the year reinforced a common theme: successful leaders don’t just build companies. They create opportunities for employees, invest in their communities, and help shape the future of business.
From family-owned businesses to rapidly growing enterprises, the organizations represented in the Index500 demonstrate the resilience, innovation and entrepreneurial spirit that continue to fuel economic growth across the United States.
“For BMO, supporting the Latino Leaders Index 500 is about more than recognizing achievement. It’s about elevating the leaders helping drive progress, creating opportunities for meaningful connections and wealth creation, and celebrating the businesses making a lasting impact in the communities they serve.”
- Eduardo Tobon, Managing Director & Florida East Market Executive.
That commitment is also translating into measurable results. Since its inception in 2021, BMO’s Latino Segment has grown from $8.4 million in annual loan aggregates to more than $1 billion in cumulative lending. In fiscal 2026, the segment has $255.6 million in authorized credit, with a line of sight to more than $300 million by fiscal year-end. These relationships are creating additional opportunities across deposits, Treasury & Payment Solutions, commercial card, Wealth, Capital Markets and other BMO capabilities—demonstrating the power of BMO’s One Client approach.
“Building a business takes vision and persistence, but staying humble and grounded in family is just as important. Family-owned businesses carry forward values, create opportunities across generations and strengthen the communities they serve The Index 500 helps elevate the stories of these businesses and the leaders behind them, recognizing the impact they are making across the country.”
- Jon Paul (JP) Pérez, President and CEO of Related Group
The impact of the initiative extended beyond the events themselves. Through storytelling, thought leadership and media engagement, the Index500 helped amplify the accomplishments of Latino business leaders and highlight their contributions to the U.S. economy.
As Hispanic Heritage Month reminds us, the story of Latino achievement is ultimately a story of possibility. It is reflected in businesses built from the ground up, leaders who invest in their communities and entrepreneurs whose success creates opportunities for others.
The leaders recognized through this year’s Latino Leaders Index 500 embody that spirit, helping shape a stronger economy and a brighter future for the next generation.
Interested in learning more? Explore the full Index 500 ranking in Latino Leaders Magazine and listen to BMO's Markets Plus podcast series, where business leaders, industry experts and BMO specialists share insights on leadership, growth and the trends shaping today's business landscape.
