National Bank garners two Mercuriades awards for its Internet strategy

On the occasion of the XXIII Mercuriades, a competition organized by the Fédération des Chambres de commerce du Québec, the National Bank is proud to have won first prize in the Internet Strategy category, as well as the Bell Special Award for a company's use of new information technology.

"We're very proud to accept these honours in recognition of the hard work put in by our teams to implement an Internet vision and strategy focussed on the needs of our clients. Ultimately, they're the ones who benefit most," remarked Michel Lozeau, National Bank Senior Vice-President – E-Commerce, at the official awards ceremony yesterday at the Palais des Congrès de Montréal.

The line of business specialized in e-commerce is one of the nerve centres of the National Bank. In 2001, it launched the development of an approach aimed at providing straightforward, user-friendly, standardized and reliable access to its website as a way of promoting its products and financial services via the Internet. The new site encourages on-line purchasing and integrates the sites of the Bank's subsidiaries, which is a definite advantage for clients. "We've invested significant amounts in an e-commerce infrastructure that can meet present and future needs. It took some one hundred professionals over a year to finalize and launch the www.nbc.ca. These two Mercuriades awards are tangible proof that the Bank's strategic choices were the right ones," Mr. Lozeau reminded the audience.

Today, the National Bank's website is one of the most comprehensive in the financial industry. In just the first few months since the new site has been on-line, the number of visitors has jumped 20%, Internet sales of products and financial services are up 53%, and the customer satisfaction rate is close to 100%.

About National Bank of Canada

National Bank of Canada is an integrated group which provides comprehensive financial services to consumers, small and medium-sized enterprises and large corporations in its core market, while offering specialized services to its customers elsewhere in the world. The National Bank offers a full array of banking services, including corporate and investment banking. It is an active player on international capital markets and, through its subsidiaries, is involved in securities brokerage, insurance and wealth management, as well as mutual fund and retirement plan management. The National Bank has approximately $75 billion in assets and, together with its subsidiaries, employs over 17,000 people. The Bank's securities are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (NA: TSX). For more information, visit the Bank's website at www.nbc.ca.

Information (The telephone number and e-mail address provided below are for the exclusive use of journalists and other media representatives):

Denis Dubé
Director of Public Relations
National Bank of Canada
Tel.: (514) 394-8644
E-mail: denis.dube@nbc.ca