News Releases

BMO Financial Group's investor relations website has been named Best of Show in the first annual Interactive Investor Relations Awards (IIR Awards). The Boston-based Web Marketing Association, in association with the Wealth Management News Service, announced the award.

Entries competed with peers in more than 50 industry categories, as well as against an overall standard of excellence. Sites were judged on design, navigation, ease of use and use of technology to enhance the investor experience, in addition to specific content criteria relating to investor and financial communication.

"Effective and open communication with the investor community, clients and all of our stakeholders is a top priority for BMO," said Karen Maidment, Senior Executive Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer, BMO Financial Group. "The IIR Award is a strong validation of the effort we've put into this vital area, and will continue to make in the future."

Established in 1817 as Bank of Montreal, BMO Financial Group (TSX, NYSE: BMO) is a highly diversified North American financial services organization. BMO serves clients across Canada and the United States through its Canadian retail arm BMO Bank of Montreal; Chicago-based Harris, a major U.S. mid-west financial services organization; BMO Nesbitt Burns, one of Canada's leading full-service investment firms; and Harris Nesbitt, its U.S. investment and corporate banking operation.

-30-