MONTREAL, QC - June 02, 2016 /CNW/ - Scotiabank unveiled the first of two new branch formats designed to provide customers an experience that best meets their evolving banking preferences. The first Scotiabank Express branches are now open to customers in both Montreal, Quebec and Guelph, Ontario. The first Scotiabank Solutions branch will open in a few weeks. These new format branches offer innovative digital tools and friendly, knowledgeable employees equipped with tablets to assist customers and provide valuable advice and support. They will complement the existing network of branches and other banking channels to provide our customers with a choice in how they do their banking.

"The way that customers are banking is changing dramatically," said Carole Chapdelaine, Senior Vice President, Quebec and Eastern Ontario at Scotiabank. "Customers today want greater choice, speed, and efficiency, with online and mobile banking playing a much more important role in meeting their day-to-day transaction needs."

"These new customer-centred branch formats are a demonstration of Scotiabank's strong commitment to innovate in all areas of our business and build an even better bank."

The Scotiabank Express branch offers digital tools and self-service options to complete everyday transactions quickly and efficiently. This branch format provides customers with easy access to the tools they need to make day-to-day transactions -- including opening a bank account, applying for a credit card, managing accounts and more, with Scotiabank employees available to work alongside customers to meet their everyday banking needs.

The first Scotiabank Solutions branch will open in Guelph, Ontario in July. Scotiabank Solutions is an innovative advice and learning branch -- an inviting space that meets the needs of customers who come to the branch for financial advice, to meet with a Scotiabank advisor and to learn and explore the services and tools available to help them reach their financial goals.

"The way that customers use the branch is changing, and we're changing too," said Maria Theofilaktidis, Executive Vice President, Retail Distribution at Scotiabank. "Our branches remain a cornerstone of our distribution strategy at Scotiabank, and these new branch formats are just one example of the investments that we're making to improve customers' experiences wherever they choose to do business with us."

These branches were designed to provide customers with a shared space where they can work together with our team to build their financial plan to become better off.

Both of Scotiabank's new branch formats will offer new services designed to meet customers' needs:

Scotiabank Express 

• Open a bank account, apply for a new credit card, and take care of any servicing needs
• Complete everyday transactions quickly and efficiently, with the help of an employee if needed
• Enjoy ABMs with US cash withdrawals, the ability to select your combination of cash, and envelope-free deposits with a copy of the deposited cheque on each receipt

COMING SOON: Scotiabank Solutions

• Free financial classes, tailored to beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels
• Innovative digital tools to empower Canadians to improve their finances
• Helpful, knowledgeable employees equipped with tablets
• New hours tailored to the community
• ABMs with US cash withdrawals, the ability to select your combination of cash, and envelope-free deposits with a copy of the deposited cheque on each receipt

About Scotiabank 
Scotiabank is Canada's international bank and a leading financial services provider in North America, Latin America, the Caribbean and Central America, and Asia-Pacific. We are dedicated to helping our 23 million customers become better off through a broad range of advice, products and services, including personal and commercial banking, wealth management and private banking, corporate and investment banking, and capital markets. With a team of more than 89,000 employees and assets of $895 billion (as at April 30, 2016), Scotiabank trades on the Toronto (TSX: BNS) and New York Exchanges (NYSE: BNS). Scotiabank distributes the Bank's media releases using CNW. For more information, please visit www.scotiabank.com and follow us on Twitter @ScotiabankViews.