Laurentian Bank Honoured with an OCTAS Award

MONTREAL, June 18 /CNW Telbec/ - Laurentian Bank is pleased to announce that its Evolution Chip Card project has earned an OCTAS Award in the IT Project Management category. Organized by the IT ACTION Network, the annual OCTAS competition recognizes the best achievements within Québec's Information Technologies sector, with the OCTAS Award being one of the most coveted distinctions in this particular sphere of activity. The prize was presented during a gala held at the Québec City Convention Centre, and the Bank's Martine Lapointe, Vice-President of Solutions, Projects and Business Relations, and Sylvain Malo, Vice-President of Direct Financial Services, were on hand to receive the honour.

Executed in under 24 months, the Evolution project was aimed at meeting the requirements of a joint international initiative to combat credit and debit card fraud. The project team assembled all the winning conditions to allow for a harmonious integration of modifications thanks to effective and continuous synchronization of suppliers and partners. Laurentian Bank met this formidable challenge by successfully migrating its systems simultaneously. It did so without encountering any major problems and coming in under the initially prescribed budget as a result of maintaining a tight schedule and rigorous coordination of deliveries.

One of the project's most noteworthy successes was the effective management of partnerships that included teams of external specialists from eight companies, all dedicated to working in close collaboration on this large-scale endeavour. "The accelerated realization of the process well within the established timeframe and budget testifies to creative and rigorous administration and the efficiency of the participating partners," underlined Martine Lapointe. "We are extremely proud of this achievement, which so clearly demonstrates the competence of our resources in the execution of complex projects."

About Laurentian Bank

Laurentian Bank of Canada is a banking institution operating across Canada and offering its clients diversified financial services. Distinguishing itself through excellence in service, as well as through its simplicity and proximity, the Bank serves individual consumers and small and medium-sized businesses. The Bank also offers its products to a wide network of independent financial intermediaries through B2B Trust, as well as full-service brokerage solutions through Laurentian Bank Securities.

Laurentian Bank is well established in the Province of Quebec, operating the third-largest retail branch network. Elsewhere throughout Canada, it operates in specific market segments where it holds an enviable position. Laurentian Bank of Canada has more than $23 billion in balance sheet assets and more than $14 billion in assets under administration. Founded in 1846, the Bank employs more than 3,600 people.

For further information: Mary-Claude Tardif, Public Relations Advisor, 514 284-4500, extension 4695, [email protected]