News Releases

Harris Nesbitt Donates All Equity Trading Commissions Today

NEW YORK, May 11, 2005 – At market open today, Harris Nesbitt, the U.S. investment and corporate banking arm of BMO Financial Group (NYSE, TSX: BMO), will launch its first Equity through Education trading day, a new charitable program designed to raise money for students who demonstrate academic promise but lack the support and means to pursue opportunities that can only be achieved through education.

Specifically, all of the institutional equity trading commissions earned today by Harris Nesbitt across the United Stateswill go directly to three important organizations dedicated to giving bright and deserving individuals the opportunity to achieve the ir fullest potential.

"Our goal today is to help those who just need a chance and I want to thank those who are joining us today in making a difference together," said Manny Gerard, Vice Chair, Harris Nesbitt.

The three charities Harris Nesbitt's Equity through Education program is supporting are:

• The Jackie Robinson Foundation

  Founded in 1973 by Rachel Robinson, the Jackie Robinson Foundation is a public, not-for-profit; national organization that awards four-year college scholarships to academically gifted students of color with financial needs, enabling them to attend the college or university of their choice.
  www.jackierobinson.org

• YAI/ National Institute for People with Disabilities Network

  A nationally acclaimed leader in the provision of services, education and training in the field of developmental and learning disabilities, YAI currently supports more than 20,000 people with disabilities through more than 400 community-based programs. All funds donated by Equity through Education will be used to finance its various educational programs
  www.yai.org

• The Financial Women's Association (FWA)

  Established in 1956, FWA is the leading professional organization for women in financial services. The FWA serves more than 1,100 members through leadership experience, programs that enhance their knowledge and skills, and a widened professional network. In addition, it also works to encourage future generations to seek career opportunities in business and finance through its nationally acclaimed scholarship, mentoring, and training programs. The proceeds from Equity through Education will be used to establish the Harris Nesbitt College Scholarship Fu nd for undergraduate students.
  www.fwa.org

"The Financial Women's Association, through its nonprofit Educational Fund, sponsors scholarships, mentoring programs, and internships," said Kelly Mathieson, FWA president and a managing director at JP Morgan Invest. "Thanks to Harris Nesbitt and the Equity in Education Program, we will be able to enhance these activities and work with more students as they prepare for careers in business."

Harris Nesbitt has a proud tradition of helping local communities, donating more than $3 million in trading commissions beginning in 2000.

Harris Nesbitt is an investment and corporate bank offering clients access to a full range of products and services including investment and corporate banking, treasury services, market risk management, institutional investing and research. Harris Nesbitt is part of Harris, an integrated financial services organization providing more than 1.5 million personal, business, corporate and institutional clients with banking, lending, investing and financial management solutions. Harris Nesbitt is a member of BMO Financial Group (NYSE, TSX: BMO). For more information, please visit www.harrisnesbitt.com.