News Releases

TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Jan. 18, 2012) - BMO has added more locations for its free video conferencing service so customers in remote and rural communities can chat live with a financial expert. The service has also been expanded, so customers can access specialists in retail banking; commercial and small business; and wealth management.

BMO is using CISCO high-definition, desk-top video conferencing technology to allow customers and financial experts to have a conversation, share research and presentations and use BMO tools and calculators.

Started as a pilot in 2009, the service now includes access to Financial Planners, Small Business bankers, Commercial Account Managers, Commercial Deposit Specialists and BMO Nesbitt Burns Investment Advisors.

The video conferencing service is available in 51 locations, with many in remote and rural areas:

• British Columbia: Vancouver, Parksville, Port Alberni, Penticton, Port Moody, Squamish
• Manitoba: Winnipeg, Brandon, Portage La Prairie, Dauphin, Neepawa, Carberry
• Ontario: Mindemoya, Gore Bay, Little Current, Elliot Lake, Sault Ste. Marie, Orillia, Sudbury, Campbellford, Port Hope, Northbrook, Tweed, Stirling, Kingston, Verona, Kenora, Sioux Lookout, Schreiber, Dryden, Harbour Crossing, Thunder Bay, Bracebridge, Haliburton
• Quebec: Baie Comeau, Sept-Iles, Place du Saguenay
• Nova Scotia: Sydney, Canso, Port Hawkesbury

"This service allows us to reach customers in remote locations that do not have immediate access to financial specialists," said Paul Dilda, head of branch channel for North America, BMO Bank of Montreal. "It also enables employees to cut down on travel time and cover regions more effectively, rather than having to wait and set up meetings with clients that could take a month."

Mr. Dilda noted that BMO opted for video conferencing rather than self-service video kiosks; a branch employee always helps the customer reach the remote specialist at the other end of the video conferencing setup. "We wanted the service to be seamless, secure, private and free," added Mr. Dilda.

With the New Year underway, many Canadians are turning their attention toward their investments, with the upcoming Registered Retirement Saving Plan (RRSP) deadline of March 1 just around the corner. Video conferencing is a helpful tool for customers looking for advice from a BMO financial expert about their RRSP or other investment needs.

"Securing your retirement is essential to your overall financial well being," said Tina Di Vito, Head, BMO Retirement Institute and author of 52 Ways to Wreck Your Retirement... and How to Rescue It. "One of the best ways to get started is by meeting with a financial planner - whether by using the video conferencing tool or the many other services provided by BMO - who can help you to prioritize your financial goals and provide advice and assistance in developing a strategy to help you achieve them."

For more on investing and maximizing RRSP contributions, visit www.bmo.com/smartinvesting.