• Importers and exporters select BMO as the leading bank to bring global trade ambitions to life


• One in 4 Canadian jobs are supported by international trade


• This year, exports of goods and services are expected to rebound 11 per cent

TORONTO, June 21, 2010 – BMO Capital Markets, the investment and corporate banking arm of BMO Financial Group (NYSE, TSX: BMO), has been named the Best Trade Bank in Canada by Trade Finance magazine.

BMO’s accomplishment will be highlighted in the July edition of Trade Finance.

“Congratulations to BMO for being recognized as a leading provider of trade finance especially in uncertain economic times,” said Oliver O’Connell, Editor, Trade Finance magazine. “What voters are saying is that BMO has in-depth knowledge of global markets and is dedicated to providing the right advice and solutions to companies looking to expand their international trade networks.”

The annual survey encompasses industry votes and feedback from Canadian participants, as well as input from the magazine’s editorial team. 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.

“This achievement validates all of the hard work that our team consistently puts forth on behalf of our importing and exporting clients,” said Sara Joyce, Executive Managing Director and Head of Trade Finance, BMO Capital Markets. “The award by Trade Finance demonstrates that BMO has leading capabilities to assist clients engaged in world trade. It’s also timely recognition. As the G-20 assembles in Toronto, a wide range of issues critical to economic stability will be discussed, including the importance of maintaining international trade flows.”

Export Development Canada estimates that 1 in 4 Canadian jobs are supported by international trade (exports plus imports). This is based on the three year average for 2007 to 2009, to smooth out the effect of the economic downturn. After a 23 per cent decline last year, EDC expects Canadian exports of goods and services will regain some lost ground this year and into 2011. This year, exports of goods and services are expected to rebound by 11 per cent due to a strong U.S. recovery, ample inventory, restocking and an earlier-than-expected resumption of industrial activity.

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

“At BMO, we are proud to be there for all our business customers – big or small – to ensure they have what they need to take their companies to the next level,” said Ms. Joyce. “We understand that our clients are looking for the advice and tools that will help them become more efficient and boost productivity as Canada emerges from the recession.”

About BMO’s Trade Finance Group
BMO has decades of experience helping North American importers and exporters execute their strategies worldwide. BMO has strong correspondent banking relationships with more than 1,300 banks and currently supports companies who do business in more than 120 countries. BMO’s Trade Finance Group provides a complete range of trade products and services: letters of credit, guarantees, performance bonds, open account and working capital management solutions, including export receivables financing. For more information, visit: www.bmocm.com/products/treasury/tradefinance.

About BMO Capital Markets
BMO Capital Markets is a leading, full-service North American financial services provider, with more than 2,200 employees operating in 15 North American offices and 27 worldwide, 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 US$384 billion total assets and 37,000 employees as at April 30, 2010.

About Trade Finance
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.

Media Contacts:
Kim Hanson, Toronto, kim.hanson@bmo.com, (416) 867-3996
Ronald Monet, Montreal, ronald.monet@bmo.com, (514) 877-1101
Holly Holt, New York, holly.holt@bmo.com, (212) 885-4153