CIBC reaches out to newcomers to help them start building their financial future in Canada

TORONTO, July 13, 2011 /CNW/ - Every year 250,000 people from around the world move to Canada with hopes and dreams of building a better life. One of the basic building blocks of establishing yourself in a new country is opening a bank account and establishing a credit history - a task that can be overwhelming for some newcomers unfamiliar with the process in Canada.

"Individuals who are new to the country tell us that getting their finances established is one of the most critical first steps in moving to Canada," said Stephen Forbes, CIBC's Executive Vice-President of Marketing, Communications & Public Affairs. "In building a banking relationship their top priorities are having convenient access to their funds, knowing their money and valuables are safe, and establishing their credit here in Canada. We understand the anxiety and the excitement new Canadians feel in their first few years in Canada and we want to make it as easy as possible for them to get the financial help they need.

"We are doing this by offering money-saving and convenient CIBC products tailored specifically to address the unique needs of people new to the country. That also means being able to speak to an advisor - often in your preferred language - who understands your needs and can help you make the transition to Canada an easier one."

CIBC recently launched a new marketing campaign, which includes print, online, in-branch, out-of-home and TV ads, featuring advice, expertise and products that are relevant to the specific needs of newcomers to Canada.

The campaign includes unique elements that reach out to new Canadians with important cultural tips and financial advice, through advertising in Chinese grocery stores, South Asian movie theatres, and malls and community centres in select neighbourhoods. For the first time ever the campaign will also include dedicated TV spots in Mandarin and Cantonese during Asian programming and in English during South Asian programming in order to demonstrate our commitment to reaching these audiences in a culturally relevant way. The commercials begin airing this week.

In addition to highly competitive products and services, CIBC continues to invest in new and expanded branches in high growth markets. These branches reflect the communities they serve, with many offering banking and advice in multiple languages. CIBC also offers telephone banking in English, French and Chinese languages.

CIBC's Welcome to Canada website has a wide range of helpful information for new Canadians preparing to move to Canada and to help them get established once they are here.

The campaign will have high visibility in newcomer communities nationwide, with a special focus on the Greater Toronto Area, Vancouver Lower Mainland, Montreal, Calgary and Edmonton.

With nearly 1,100 locations across the country, CIBC has one of the largest branch networks in Canada. CIBC clients also benefit from access to nearly 4,000 automated bank machines, and 24/7 service by phone, online and through mobile banking.

CIBC is a leading North American financial institution with nearly 11 million personal banking and business clients. CIBC offers a full range of products and services through its comprehensive electronic banking network, branches and offices across Canada, and has offices in the United States and around the world. You can find other news releases and information about CIBC in our Press Centre on our corporate website at www.cibc.com.