"Bridging Canada with Asia: Global Family Business Perspectives"

In the context of a reorganization of global trade, family-owned Canadian businesses have unique assets to diversify their markets and seize on Asia-Pacific growth opportunities.

MONTREAL, Sept. 10, 2026 /CNW/ -- National Bank of Canada today released the sixth edition of its National Bank Family Advantage report, Bridging Canada with Asia: Global Family Business Perspectives. Against a backdrop of shifting global supply chains, trade tensions and Canada's growing desire to diversify its economic partnerships, the report explores opportunities in the Asia-Pacific region for family-owned Canadian businesses. 

As Canada seeks to expand its trading horizons beyond its traditional markets, the Asia-Pacific region is emerging as a growth engine and a strategic destination for Canadian businesses. With a long-standing presence in the region, its office in Hong Kong, and extensive network of institutional and business partners, National Bank supports businesses in their ambitions for diversification and international growth. This sixth edition highlights the opportunities offered by Asia, as well as the relationships, expertise and networks that enable Canadian businesses to thrive there.

In a global environment undergoing profound transformation, family-controlled companies continue to demonstrate their resilience and ability to generate long-term value. Their entrepreneurial vision, disciplined governance and approach focusing on sustainable relationships are particularly sought-after assets in Asian markets, where trust and continuity play a pivotal role.

The report features the perspectives of two Canadian executives who have built careers in some of Asia's largest family-run businesses: Frank J. Sixt, of CK Hutchison Holdings and John Witt, until recently Group Managing Director of Jardine Matheson. The perspective of Dominic Barton, former Canadian Ambassador to China and Chair of the Board of Directors of Rio Tinto and Invest in Canada is also presented.

The report also highlights the performance of the NBC Canadian Family Index (ticker: NBCFAMTR), which tracks 41 Canadian family businesses representing close to a quarter of the market capitalization of the S&P/TSX Composite Index. Since June 2005, the index has generated a cumulative total return of 636%, compared to 479% for the S&P/TSX Composite Index, illustrating the ability of family businesses to create long-term value.

Highlights

• The Asia-Pacific region has more than 4 billion people and is expected to account for nearly 50% of world GDP by 2040.
• The report highlights trade diversification opportunities for Canadian businesses in a climate where the global economic environment is rapidly changing.
• Representing approximately 70% of GDP and more than 60% of jobs in certain markets, Asian family businesses offer significant collaboration and business opportunities for Canadian family businesses, driven by a shared long-term vision and entrepreneurial culture.
• National Bank of Canada has been present in the Asia-Pacific region for more than three decades and maintains relationships with several key organizations that promote trade between Canada and Asia.
• The NBC Canadian Family Index has generated a total cumulative return of 636% since 2005, compared to 479% for the S&P/TSX Composite Index.
• The 41 companies that make up the NBC Canadian Family Index represent close to a quarter of the market capitalization of the S&P/TSX Composite Index

Quotes

Vincent Joli-Coeur

Vice-Chair, National Bank of Canada Capital Markets, Chair, National Bank of Canada Asia-Pacific Board and Chief Representative, National Bank of Canada Hong Kong Representative Office 

"In a more complex and fragmented global environment, diversification is no longer just an opportunity for growth, it is becoming a strategic imperative. From our Asia-Pacific central location in Hong Kong, we have established, in the past three decades, strong relationships with leading economic players across the region and we help Canadian businesses tap into the world's most dynamic markets. Beyond capital, we provide them with access to networks, local expertise and business opportunities to foster their long-term growth.

Professor Karl Moore

Associate Professor at the Desautels Faculty of Management, McGill University and Associate Fellow, Green Templeton College, Oxford University

"Asia represents one of the greatest economic opportunities of our time. Canadian family businesses have a natural advantage in this region, where long-term relationships, stability and reputation remain essential factors for success. By building on their distinctive strengths and a sustained presence in the region, they can play a major role in Canada's economic diversification."

Frank J. Sixt

Group Co-Managing Director and Group Finance Director, CK Hutchison Holdings Limited

"In Asia, trust-based relationships are built over years, sometimes decades. Family businesses naturally understand this reality. Their ability to think for the long term, invest with discipline and maintain lasting partnerships is a considerable advantage in a region where continuity and reputation remain essential to success."

John Witt

Former Group Managing Director, Jardine Matheson

"Asia remains one of the most dynamic regions in the world. There are many opportunities for Canadian businesses, but they require a constant presence, an understanding of the local context and sustained engagement. Organizations that adopt this approach can build lasting relationships and create value for many years to come.

Dominic Barton

Chair of the Board of Rio Tinto and Invest in Canada and former Canadian Ambassador to China

"As global trade is reorganized, Canada must strengthen its presence in the markets that will shape growth in the coming decades. The Asia-Pacific region represents a critical opportunity for Canadian businesses. To take full advantage of it, we need to invest in relationships, develop a thorough understanding of local markets and maintain a sustained presence in the region."

About the National Bank Family Advantage report – 2026 edition

The National Bank Family Advantage report is a research publication that explores the distinctive traits of Canadian family businesses and how they contribute to the economy. The 2026 edition examines the ties between Canada and the Asia-Pacific region through the lens of family businesses and trade diversification. The report presents the NBC Canadian Family Index, calculated by S&P Dow Jones Indices, which tracks the performance of family- or founder-controlled Canadian companies against the S&P/TSX Composite Index.

About National Bank of Canada

With $635 billion in assets as at July 31, 2026, National Bank of Canada (the "Bank") is one of Canada's six systemically important banks. The Bank has more than 37,000 employees in knowledge-intensive positions and operates three business segments in Canada: Personal and Commercial Banking, Wealth Management and Capital Markets. A fourth segment, U.S. Specialty Finance and International, complements the growth of its domestic operations. Its securities are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: NA). Follow the Bank's activities at nbc.ca or via social media.

SOURCE National Bank of Canada