Desjardins Group wins the prestigious Structured Products House of the Year Canada Award for its quality market-linked GICs

LÉVIS, QC, May 10, 2013 /CNW Telbec/ - Desjardins Group has been recognized for its manufacturing capabilities once again, receiving the esteemed Structured Products House of the Year Canada Award during a ceremony in Coral Gables, Florida on May 2. The prize was awarded by the internationally renowned London-based magazine Structured Products and recognized Desjardins' innovation in the manufacturing of structured products in 2012.

This is the second time in less than a year that Desjardins has been acknowledged for its market-linked GICs, having won prizes for Best Sales in Canada-GICs and Best Distributor Sales in Canada at the North America SRP Euromoney Awards in June 2012.

"Desjardins is already recognized as a national leader for market-linked GICs, with a full range of diversified products. This award is proof-positive of Desjardins' capacity to innovate for its members," says Denis Berthiaume, senior vice-president and general manager, Desjardins Wealth Management and Life Insurance.

Among the Desjardins products singled out were the Quebec Selection Guaranteed Investment that provides returns linked to the growth of Quebec based companies; and Priority Terra Guaranteed investment, a socially responsible guaranteed investment product.

In addition to producing cutting edge products for its own members, Desjardins shares its manufacturing expertise with the Canadian credit union system. Desjardins takes great pride in being a manufacturing partner of credit unions and caisses populaires across Canada since 1997.

"We have received positive responses from both members and credit union partners as we have upgraded our product line with new innovations. And to receive industry recognition for our product innovation is rewarding for our entire team," adds Sebastien Vallée, director of Desjardins Structured Product team.

Click here to read an article published on Risk.net after the prize was awarded.

About Desjardins Group

Desjardins Group is the leading cooperative financial group in Canada with assets over $200 billion. Drawing on the strength of its caisse network in Quebec and Ontario and its subsidiaries across Canada, it offers a full range of financial products and services to its 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, Desjardins is supported by the skills of its 44,942 employees and the commitment of 5,268 elected officers. Desjardins members and the general public are invited to visit Desjardins Group's education and cooperation program website at www.desjardins.com/co-opme.

SOURCE: Desjardins Group

(for media only):

Caroline Phémius
Media Relations
Desjardins Group
514-281-7000 or 1-866-866-7000, ext. 7646
[email protected]