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TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - June 1, 2011) - IDG's CIO magazine today named BMO Financial Group (NYSE:BMO)(TSX:BMO) as a member of the 2011 CIO 100. The 24th annual award program recognizes organizations around the world that exemplify the highest level of operational and strategic excellence in information technology (IT). BMO was the only Canadian bank to be named to this year's Top 100.

"This year's CIO 100 awards draws well-deserved attention to companies that are not only innovating with IT but creating genuine business value as well," said Maryfran Johnson, Editor in Chief of CIO magazine & Events. "These winning companies and their IT organizations are an inspiration to businesses everywhere."

BMO was recognized for its Online Banking for Business platform, a multi-channel, global commercial online banking solution, which was launched in the fall of 2010 and consolidates multiple online systems into one single-access point. It provides business banking customers with a comprehensive view of their financial information, payments products and banking services in an easy-to-use internet environment.

"We're delighted to be recognized by CIO Magazine for our innovation," said Jean-Michel Arès, Group Head, Technology & Operations, BMO Financial Group. "But ultimately, the real reward is that our technology is providing a tangible benefit to our customers. Online Banking for Business will enable access to a customizable homepage allowing our customers to manage all of their global cash management, foreign exchange, and card services online in a secure environment."

Earlier this year, BMO also launched a first for business banking customers in Canada – a new mobile banking service that will enable them to make payments decisions over mobile devices safely and securely.

"We're the first to offer our business banking customers such mobile functionality. Our customers are notified via email or SMS when actions such as wire payment approvals are due, so that they can make payment decisions anytime and anywhere via the mobile channel" said Gail Cocker, Senior Vice-President, Commercial Banking and Global Treasury Management, BMO Financial Group. "This is an important next step in our ongoing investment in delivering great customer experience to our business banking customers. We are committed to providing seamless, simple, and personalized access to all of their business banking services from one platform."

About BMO Financial Group

Established in 1817 as Bank of Montreal, BMO Financial Group is a highly-diversified North American financial services organization. With total assets of $413 billion as at April 30, 2011, and more than 38,000 employees, BMO Financial Group provides a broad range of retail banking, wealth management and investment banking products and solutions.

About CIO Magazine

CIO produces award-winning content and community resources for information technology executives and leaders thriving and prospering in this fast-paced era of business, as well as create opportunities for information technology and consumer marketers to reach them. The CIO portfolio includes CIO.com, CIO magazine (launched in 1987), CIO Executive Programs and the CIO Executive Council.