Desjardins Group Scoops Up Two Awards for its Market-linked Guaranteed Investment Certificates

Desjardins wins for "Best Sales in Canada" and "Best Distributor Sales in Canada for GICs"

LÉVIS, QC, Aug. 17, 2012 /CNW Telbec/ - During the North America SRP Euromoney Awards held in Boston this past June, Desjardins stood out from other Canadian financial institutions when it came to sales of market-linked guaranteed investment certificates (GICs). The largest cooperative financial group in the country won for "Best Sales in Canada" as well as for "Best Distributor Sales in Canada for GICs".

It was with great pride that Desjardins Group accepted this recognition—a testament not only to the excellence of our products but also to the outstanding work of our personnel. "These two honours confirm the quality of our investment products and the confidence we have earned from our clients," notes Denis Berthiaume, Senior Vice-President, Wealth Management and Life and Health Insurance.

Sales of market-linked guaranteed investment certificates have experienced considerable growth in Canada over the last few years. Against the backdrop of low interest rates and volatile stock markets, these products allow investors to participate in markets while protecting their capital.

If Desjardins posts the best sales in Canada, it is thanks to a number of exclusive investment offers, such as the Income option for portfolio holders and a range of guaranteed-interest products.

It is also interesting to note that, according to the latest report by Investor Economics, Desjardins Group is the most diverse provider on the market today and the second best market-linked GIC provider in Canada.

This first edition of the North America SRP Euromoney Awards was organized by banking magazine Euromoney and the www.structuredRetailProducts.com website to recognize the best financial institutions in the Americas according to specific categories.

About Desjardins Group

Desjardins Group www.desjardins.com is the leading cooperative financial group in Canada with assets of $194 billion. Drawing on the strength of its caisse network in Québec and Ontario and its subsidiaries across Canada, it offers a full range of financial products and services to its 5.6 million members and clients. Desjardins specializes in Wealth Management and Life and Health Insurance, in Property and Casualty Insurance, in Personal Services, in Business and Institutional Services. "Best Corporate Citizen in Canada" for 2012 and among Canada's Top 100 Employers for 2012^TM, Desjardins is supported by the skills of its 44,645 employees and the commitment of nearly 5,400 elected officers. A new education and cooperation program is now available to Desjardins members and the general public. For more information, visit www.desjardins.com/co-opme.

SOURCE: DESJARDINS GROUP

Information (for journalists only):
Caroline Phémius
Media Relations
Desjardins Group
514-281-7000 or 1-866-866-7000, ext. 7646
[email protected]