National Bank CEO Laurent Ferreira publicly called on the federal government to appoint a non-partisan deregulation official to identify and eliminate unnecessary regulatory barriers. In his remarks, he also proposed measures such as reducing capital gains taxes for business owners, dismantling interprovincial trade barriers, deferring taxes on business transfers, and enacting a 'Buy Canada Act' to prioritize local businesses and defense procurement amid rising economic uncertainty.

On January 23, 2025, National Bank CEO Laurent Ferreira called for a 'Buy Canada Act' and related nationalist reforms during a speech at the Chamber of Commerce of Metropolitan Montreal. His proposals included reducing the tax and regulatory burdens on businesses, full tax reform, and lowering capital gains taxes to stimulate domestic investment, as part of a response to looming US tariffs and growing protectionism.

A Black customer, Armstrong Victor, filed a complaint with the Canadian Human Rights Commission after experiencing racial discrimination at National Bank’s DIX30 branch in Brossard. Victor was followed by security, falsely accused of theft, detained in front of colleagues, and offered token compensation that he found insulting. The bank’s response, including an eventual offer of $500 and statements framing the incident as 'sad,' has been deemed inadequate in addressing the discrimination.

An article outlines the significant layoffs at National Bank of Canada in 2025 affecting non-unionized employees, and explains the severance pay rights available to impacted workers. This highlights concerns regarding the bank's labor practices and the treatment of its workforce.

The article details significant layoffs at National Bank prompted by economic pressures and technological shifts. It discusses several legal cases that underscore concerns over potential wrongful dismissals and unjust termination practices, raising questions about the bank's commitment to protecting employee rights.

National Bank inaugurated its new 40-storey headquarters in Montreal, incorporating advanced technologies like artificial intelligence and cloud computing alongside inclusive, sustainable design features such as collaborative workspaces, daycare centre, and urban park facilities. The project, developed in partnership with local Montreal firms, underscores the bank's commitment to modernizing operations, enhancing employee wellbeing, and bolstering community engagement.

During the bank’s annual shareholder meeting on April 19, 2024, National Bank CEO Laurent Ferreira called on Ottawa to remove what he described as regulatory barriers hindering productivity and quality of life for Canadians. He also warned that recent changes in capital gains taxation could further deter domestic investment and innovation.

National Bank of Canada released its ESG reports for 2023, detailing its commitments to environmental sustainability, social responsibility, and inclusion. The reports include its Climate Report, an Inclusion, Diversity and Equity Booklet, and a Responsible Investment report, laying out concrete steps in reducing GHG emissions, promoting an inclusive work environment, and supporting community engagement.

During the Great Recession, National Bank, along with other institutional investors like CDPQ, played a key role in managing the collapse of commercial paper by agreeing on an orderly method to recover investments, contributing to the stabilization of the financial market and protection of jobs.