News Releases

TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - June 26, 2012) - For the third consecutive year, BMO Capital Markets, the investment and corporate banking arm of BMO Financial Group (NYSE:BMO)(TSX:BMO), has been named the Best Trade Bank in Canada by Trade Finance magazine.

"Receiving this award three years in a row is a testament to the strength of our Trade Finance Group and the consistent success we have helped our clients achieve," said Peter Grills, Managing Director and Head of Trade Finance, BMO Capital Markets. "Trade is incredibly important to the Canadian economy, and once again BMO Capital Markets has been recognized for our role in supporting the industry."

According to BMO's economists, trade is a vital component of Canada's rising prosperity. Exports and imports each account for nearly one-third of Canada's economic activity, recently supported by the high prices of, and sustained strong demand for, Canada's natural resources and agricultural commodities.

BMO ranked among the top three for two other categories: Best Overall Trade Bank in North America and Best Trade & Supply Chain Bank in North America. As well, U.S.-based BMO Harris Bank was ranked in the top three for the Best Trade Bank in the USA category.

The annual survey ranks firms on the basis of industry votes and feedback from Canadian participants, as well as input from the magazine's editorial team. Respondents including manufacturers, exporters, importers, traders, government, multilateral agencies, and other clients and industry partners selected BMO as the No. 1 Canadian bank to help businesses conduct global trade in a fast-changing regulatory environment.

"To win the Best Trade Bank in Canada award in the Trade Finance Magazine Awards for Excellence for the third year running is truly an achievement of note. BMO Capital Markets has yet again proven that its innovative approach, in-depth knowledge and high levels of service are highly valued by its clients," said Oliver O'Connell, New York-based editor of Trade Finance magazine.

About BMO Trade Finance

BMO's Trade Finance Group advises clients across North America at every stage of growth, whether they are a growing, independent, middle market enterprise or a large publicly traded firm involved in international trade across a number of sectors. From Supply Chain Finance to Trade Payables Processing, BMO specializes in anticipating and responding to the impacts of fluctuating interest rates and currency values on international trade, managing financial relationships with trading partners and navigating the regulatory landscape. BMO also offers powerful tools that make it easy for clients to monitor trade activity and track results.

About BMO Capital Markets

BMO Capital Markets is a leading, full-service North American financial services provider, with 2,200 employees operating in 30 offices worldwide including 17 in North America, offering corporate, institutional and government clients access to a complete range of investment and corporate banking products and services. BMO Capital Markets is a member of BMO Financial Group, one of the largest diversified financial services providers in North America with total assets of $525 billion and more than 46,000 employees as at April 30, 2012.

About Trade Finance Magazine

Trade Finance magazine is Euromoney Publications' flagship international trade, export, commodity and supply chain finance publication. Euromoney has been covering trends in trade finance for more than 25 years and is the longest standing global publication concentrating exclusively on the international trade finance market. The Trade Finance "Awards for Excellence" have been awarded ever since the magazine launched in 1998. For more information, visit: www.tradefinancemagazine.com.