TORONTO, March 30, 2012 /CNW/ - Scotiabank has expanded its Scotiabank StartRight program to offer a suite of financial services tailored to help Mexican residents planning to move to Canada make a seamless transition from their Mexican banking relationship into a new Canadian banking relationship.

The Scotiabank StartRight Program, which launched in 2008, now offers the International Account Opening program to customers from Mexico who are preparing for the next chapter in their lives and allows them to begin the financial transition before they arrive in Canada. The new program adds onto existing Scotiabank initiatives which help newcomers from China and India establish their banking needs in Canada before leaving their home country.

"As Canada's most international bank, we have operations in over 55 countries and that gives us a unique perspective on what clients from around the world are looking for when they plan their financial future," said Winnie Leong, Vice President of Multicultural Banking at Scotiabank. "When it comes to emigrating to a new country, the 'to do' list required for making a major move like that can be extensive; from getting a new social insurance number, to finding a new family doctor to establishing new contacts. The Scotiabank StartRight program was developed to help ease the financial transition item on that 'to do' list."

In select branches in Mexico, Scotiabank can work with Mexicans who have been granted permanent residence or a work or study permit to Canada for a year or more to open a bank account, send money and apply for a credit card before leaving their home country.

"We take a holistic approach in the StartRight program too, by offering tips on what government documents newcomers to Canada will need to apply for and how to build their credit history," said Fabiola Sicard, Director of Latin Markets for Multicultural Banking at Scotiabank. "In addition, the program also helps landed immigrants already in Canada with their changing financial needs like getting an auto or mortgage loan and planning for retirement."

This latest initiative adds to Scotiabank's ongoing efforts to offer the best possible services to the Spanish speaking community, including offering Spanish in Scotiabank ATMs across Canada and helping potential customers find the nearest branch with advisors who can speak their language.

The Scotiabank StartRight website is accessible for customers in a variety of languages, including Spanish, French and Mandarin.

For more details on the Scotiabank StartRight program for Mexican newcomers, please visit www.scotiabank.com/startright.

About Scotiabank

Scotiabank is one of North America's premier financial institutions and Canada's most international bank. With more than 77,000 employees, Scotiabank and its affiliates serve some 19 million customers in more than 55 countries around the world. Scotiabank offers a broad range of products and services including personal, commercial, corporate and investment banking. With assets above $637 billion (as at January 31, 2012), Scotiabank trades on the Toronto (BNS) and New York Exchanges (BNS). For more information please visit www.scotiabank.com.