BMO Bank of Montreal Opens First Smart Branch in Winnipeg

Open-concept location to offer more opportunities for advice-based banking

WINNIPEG, July 17, 2018 /CNW/ - BMO Bank of Montreal has opened its first Smart Branch in Winnipeg, as part of the bank's rollout of the new format in Canada.

The Smart Branch format, which has also been introduced in the U.S. by BMO, provides a new and engaging banking environment that brings together advice-based services and the latest in digital experiences. The new Winnipeg location is at 110-400 North Town Road.

"We listen closely to our customers' needs and expectations; in a lot of cases, the insights we learn help to drive innovation as the pace of change within our industry increases," said John MacAulay, Senior Vice President, Prairies and Central Canada Division, BMO Bank of Montreal. "With the new branch format, our customers can now handle day-to-day transactions on their own in a more efficient and convenient manner in branch, while also benefiting from the assistance of the staff for more complex financial needs such as mortgages and investment products in an open-concept, relaxed environment without service lineups or teller counters."

The new Smart Branch format is a reflection of BMO's commitment to investing in both its digital and physical channels to enhance every customer touch point, and features the following:

• Smaller square footage and an open concept design without service lineups or teller counters – creating an environment where customers can have more relaxed and open conversations about their financial needs
• Self-Check-in Hubs, which alert branch staff via instant message when a customer arrives for an appointment, including the specific reason – making the experience more convenient and less time consuming for customers
• ATMs that offer the option of selecting money denomination when withdrawing funds
• Bankers equipped with laptops and tablets to help customers with the new bank technology and provide assistance with their financial needs
• Free Wi-Fi available for customers

Mr. MacAulay added that the new Smart Branch is located in a high growth area of the city that is experiencing substantial residential and commercial development. This presents an opportunity for BMO to modernize the in-branch experience.

To find the nearest BMO branch, please visit https://branchlocator.bmo.com/

About BMO Financial Group
Serving customers for 200 years and counting, BMO is a highly diversified financial services provider – the 8th largest bank, by assets, in North America. With total assets of $744 billion as of April 30, 2018, and a team of diverse and highly engaged employees, BMO provides a broad range of personal and commercial banking, wealth management and investment banking products and services to more than 12 million customers and conducts business through three operating groups: Personal and Commercial Banking, BMO Wealth Management and BMO Capital Markets.

SOURCE BMO Financial Group

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