Founded in 1850, American Express Company is a diversified worldwide travel and financial services company. It is a global leader in charge and credit cards, travellers cheques, travel, financial planning, investment products, insurance, accounting and international banking. American Express began in Canada in 1853, with the opening of offices in Toronto and Hamilton. Today, American Express in Canada operates as Amex Canada Inc. and Amex Bank of Canada. With headquarters in Markham, Ontario, Amex Canada Inc. and Amex Bank of Canada employ about 3,000 Canadians in 13 cities coast-to-coast. Each year, these businesses serve millions of fellow Canadians and visitors to Canada. Amex Canada Inc. is a leading provider of travel related services in Canada and assists companies in managing and controlling their business and travel expenses. Amex Bank of Canada is an issuer of American Express Cards in Canada. Both companies are wholly owned subsidiaries of the New York based American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.