
Desjardins Group Canada is a leader in financial services and community development. It's the largest cooperative financial group in Canada, with over 7 million members.
The organization was founded in 1900 by Alphonse Desjardins, who aimed to provide financial services to the working class. Desjardins' vision was to create a cooperative that would serve the needs of its members, not just make profits.
Desjardins Group Canada has a strong presence in Quebec, where it was founded, but it also operates in other Canadian provinces. Its network of branches and ATMs is extensive, making it a convenient option for Canadians across the country.
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Financial Performance
Desjardins Group Canada's financial performance is impressive. The credit union has consistently demonstrated strong financial stability, with a solid balance sheet and a significant market share in the Canadian financial services industry.
In 2020, Desjardins Group reported assets of over $330 billion, making it one of the largest financial institutions in the country. This substantial asset base provides a solid foundation for the company's financial performance.
Desjardins Group's financial performance is also marked by its strong profitability, with a net income of over $2.5 billion in 2020. This demonstrates the company's ability to generate significant revenue and maintain a strong bottom line.
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Credit Agency Ratings
Desjardins Group has received impressive credit agency ratings, reflecting its strong financial performance. As of December 2018, Moody's rated Desjardins' long-term debt Aa2.
The company's ratings from other major credit agencies are equally impressive, with S&P and Fitch considering the company's outlook "stable". This indicates a high level of confidence in Desjardins' ability to pay its debts.
DBRS and Moody's also have a "negative" outlook on Desjardins, which could be a result of various factors affecting the company's financial situation. However, a "stable" outlook from S&P and Fitch suggests that the company is well-positioned to weather any potential financial storms.
Here are the credit agency ratings for Desjardins' long-term debt as of December 2018:
- Moody's: Aa2
- S&P: A+
- DBRS: AA
- Fitch: AA-
Financial Compensation Rating
Financial Compensation Rating is a crucial aspect of a company's financial performance. With a rating of A, this company clearly prioritizes its employees' financial well-being.
The company participates in outside salary surveys every 12 months, ensuring that employee salaries are competitive and up-to-date. This helps prevent salary stagnation and promotes fair compensation.
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Individual salaries are also reviewed every 12 months, allowing for adjustments to be made as needed. This regular review process helps to maintain a fair and equitable compensation structure.
A defined-benefit (DB) pension is offered to employees, providing a predictable and stable source of income in retirement. This type of pension plan is often more generous than a 401(k) or other defined-contribution plans.
The company also offers retirement planning assistance and phased-in retirement work options, helping employees transition into retirement with ease. This support can be especially valuable for employees nearing retirement.
Year-end bonuses are available to all employees, providing an additional source of income at the end of the year. This bonus can be a welcome surprise for employees who have worked hard throughout the year.
New employee referral bonuses of up to $1,000 are offered for some positions, incentivizing employees to bring in new talent. This bonus can be a great way for employees to earn some extra money and help their colleagues find new opportunities.
Signing bonuses are also available for some positions, providing an additional incentive for new hires. However, these bonuses may not be available for all roles.
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The company offers a range of additional financial benefits, including a corporate discount program, discounted home and auto insurance, and discounted auto lease rates. These discounts can help employees save money on everyday expenses and make their paychecks go further.
Here are some of the company's financial benefits and compensation details:
Skills Rating: A
Desjardins takes employee skills development seriously, earning an A rating in this area. The organization offers in-house career planning services and online employee skills inventory to help employees plan their careers.
Desjardins provides a range of in-house training initiatives, including apprenticeship/skilled trades programs, mentoring, in-house training, online training, leadership development programs, paid internships, subsidies for professional accreditation, and even mentoring to transfer retirees' skills.
The employer covers up to 100% of tuition per year for both related and unrelated courses, giving employees the opportunity to pursue further education without financial burden. This level of support is impressive and shows a genuine commitment to employee development.
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Desjardins also offers educational leaves of absence, allowing employees to take time off for education without worrying about their job security. Additionally, the organization provides financial bonuses for course completions, which is a great motivator for employees to continue learning.
The Desjardins Cooperative Institute serves as a corporate university for personal development, offering a wide range of courses and training programs. The Passionate Professionals Network is another unique program that enables employees to learn about different roles from peers who are currently in those roles. And with access to LinkedIn Learning, employees have over 10,000 online courses at their fingertips.
Here are some of the specific training and development programs offered by Desjardins:
Low Carbon ETFs
Desjardins Group in Canada offers a range of low-carbon ETFs that can help investors reduce their carbon footprint.
These ETFs exclude companies with high carbon intensities, providing a more environmentally friendly investment option.
Desjardins RI Global Multifactor Fossil Fuel Reserves Free ETF gives investors zero exposure to the traditional energy sector, excluding companies that hold fossil fuel reserves or derive a sizable portion of their revenue from the fossil fuels industry.
Investors can choose portfolios that are designed to lower their carbon footprint compared to traditional stock indices with Desjardins low-CO2 ETFs.
The Desjardins low-CO2 ETFs exclude companies with the highest carbon intensities, making them a great option for those looking to make a more sustainable investment choice.
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Insurance Services
Desjardins Group Canada offers a range of insurance services through its various subsidiaries. The Property and Casualty Insurance segment offers automobile and home insurance products to the public.
These products are distributed across Canada through various channels, including the caisse network, Client Care Centres, the Internet, mobile applications, and a large financial services and insurance network.
Desjardins General Insurance offers home and auto insurance products to individuals and small companies, providing them with a convenient and accessible way to protect their assets.
The company also offers a range of financial benefits and compensation to its employees, including a defined-benefit pension plan, retirement planning assistance, and a corporate discount program.
Here are some of the additional financial benefits and compensation offered by Desjardins Group Canada:
- Year-end bonuses available to all employees
- Referral bonuses up to $1,000 for some positions
- Signing bonuses available for some positions
- One-time allowance of $1,000 for ergonomic expenses or IT equipment and accessories
- Discounted home insurance, auto insurance, and auto lease rates
A+ Community Rating
Desjardins, an insurance services company, has a remarkable commitment to community involvement. They support a wide range of charitable causes, from local to international.
Their charitable involvement is not just about writing checks; employees are actively involved in the selection process, ensuring that the causes they support are truly meaningful. Some of the notable organizations they've supported include the Opération Enfant Soleil telethon, The Project Factory, and the Canadian Red Cross.
In 2023, Desjardins pledged nearly $126-million to support sustainable community development through donations, sponsorships, philanthropic partnerships, and scholarships. This level of commitment is truly impressive and demonstrates a genuine dedication to giving back.
Here are some of the community organizations Desjardins has supported:
Their dedication to community involvement is truly inspiring, and it's a testament to the company's values and commitment to making a positive impact.
Property & Casualty Insurance
Desjardins offers a range of property and casualty insurance products, including home and auto insurance. These products are available to the public, as well as to members of partner groups and businesses.
The company's insurance products can be purchased through various channels, including caisse networks, Client Care Centres, the internet, and mobile applications.
Desjardins General Insurance offers home and auto insurance products to individuals and small companies. This subsidiary is part of the Desjardins General Insurance Group.
Desjardins' insurance products are distributed across Canada, providing customers with a wide range of options to suit their needs.
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Here's a breakdown of the types of insurance products offered by Desjardins:
Desjardins' property and casualty insurance products are designed to provide customers with peace of mind and financial protection.
Banking and Trust
Desjardins Bank is a unique institution that offers financial services to Desjardins members living or staying in Florida or elsewhere in the United States.
It's worth noting that Desjardins Bank is wholly owned by Fédération des caisses Desjardins du Québec, making it the first Desjardins Group banking institution outside of Canada.
Desjardins Trust is the trust arm of Desjardins Group, and it remains active in various fields such as asset custody and personal trust services.
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Bank
Banking options are available for Canadians living abroad, as seen with the Desjardins Bank, which offers financial services to its members in Florida and the US.
Desjardins Bank is a wholly owned subsidiary of Fédération des caisses Desjardins du Québec, making it the first Desjardins Group banking institution outside of Canada.
This means that Canadians living in the US can still access their banking services with Desjardins Bank, providing a sense of continuity and convenience.
Desjardins Bank serves Desjardins members living or staying in the United States, catering to their financial needs.
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Trust
Trust is a vital aspect of the banking industry, and Desjardins Trust is a prime example. It's the trust arm of Desjardins Group, which means it's active in various fields.
Desjardins Trust offers asset custody services, which is a way to safely store and manage investments. This can give individuals and businesses peace of mind knowing their assets are secure.
Personal trust services are also provided by Desjardins Trust, helping clients manage their financial affairs when they're unable to do so themselves. This can be a big relief for families dealing with an elderly loved one.
Desjardins Trust is involved in asset administration, which involves overseeing the management of assets on behalf of clients. This can be especially helpful for those who are new to investing or managing complex financial situations.
The Immigrant Investor Program is another area where Desjardins Trust is active, providing a pathway for immigrants to invest in Canada and potentially gain residency.
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Capital and Foundation
Capital and Foundation are key components of the Desjardins Group in Canada. Capital Desjardins is a wholly-owned subsidiary that offers its own securities and invests in Desjardins caisses. It's a unique approach that allows for strategic investment.
Desjardins Capital is a fund manager that provides support to growing businesses and innovative start-ups. This support can be a game-changer for young entrepreneurs. Desjardins Capital helps them achieve their goals and make a lasting impact.
The Desjardins Foundation has been a driving force for youth development since 1970. Each year, it awards around $2 million in scholarships, prizes, and donations to organizations that support young people.
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Capital Region Cooperative
Capital Region Cooperative is a unique investment opportunity in Quebec. It's a tax-advantaged fund that allows Quebec taxpayers to contribute to the province's economic growth by investing in SMEs and local cooperatives.
One way to participate is by purchasing shares in the fund. This can be a great way to support local businesses and potentially earn a return on investment.
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The fund is specifically designed to invest in SMEs and local cooperatives. This means that your investment will be directly supporting the growth of businesses in your community.
Capital Desjardins is another entity that offers securities in the financial markets. It's a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Fédération des caisses Desjardins du Québec and invests the proceeds in securities issued by Desjardins caisses.
Desjardins Capital is a fund manager that offers strategic and financial support to growing businesses and innovative start-ups. This can be a great resource for entrepreneurs looking to take their business to the next level.
By investing in the Capital Region Cooperative, you'll be supporting the growth of local businesses and contributing to the economic development of Quebec.
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Foundation
The Desjardins Foundation has been contributing to the success of young people since 1970. It awards approximately $2 million in scholarships, prizes, and donations each year to partner organizations recognized for their work with young people.
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Quebec and Ontario Presence
Desjardins has a significant presence in Quebec and Ontario, with a large network of caisses (204 in total) and points of service (661) across both provinces.
These caisses and points of service are strategically located to provide convenient access to financial services for customers.
In addition to physical locations, Desjardins also has a strong presence on university campuses, with 8360 spaces available in universities across Quebec and Ontario.
If you're a student or work in one of these universities, you can take advantage of these convenient locations.
Desjardins Business locations are also abundant, with 71 locations available to support small business owners and entrepreneurs.
If you're a business owner, you can visit one of these locations to get help with your financial needs.
The company's ATM network is also impressive, with 1,559 ATMs available in Quebec – the largest network in the province.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Desjardins a US Bank?
No, Desjardins is a Canadian financial cooperative, not a US bank. It's actually the largest federation of credit unions in North America, founded in 1900 in Quebec, Canada.
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