National Bank Taps Retired General Hillier as Strategic Defence Advisor
Event summary
- General Rick Hillier (ret.) joined National Bank of Canada as Strategic Defence Advisor on August 10, 2026.
- Hillier will advise on defence-related trends and support for dual-use companies in Canada's evolving security landscape.
- He previously served as Chief of the Defence Staff from 2005 to 2008 and recently sat on the Board of the Defence, Security and Resilience Bank.
The big picture
National Bank's appointment of General Hillier underscores the growing intersection of finance and national security, as Canadian institutions adapt to heightened defence spending and industrial base expansion. With $618 billion in assets, the bank is positioning itself as a key player in supporting sectors critical to Canada’s strategic resilience.
What we're watching
- Defence Sector Growth
- How National Bank's deepened focus on defence and security aligns with Canada's increasing investment in resilience and industrial capacity.
- Strategic Advisory Impact
- Whether Hillier’s expertise can enhance the bank’s positioning among dual-use companies and advanced manufacturing firms.
- Regulatory Dynamics
- The pace at which defence-related financial services evolve under shifting geopolitical and regulatory pressures.
Related topics