Desjardins Group Ranked 26th among the World’s Safest Financial Institutions

Lévis (Québec), August 31, 2009 – Desjardins Group is proud to announce that it is ranked 26th among the "World's 50 Safest Banks" 2009, as published by Global Finance.

For over 20 years, Global Finance, based in New York City, has enjoyed a high profile among senior executives in the business world. Initially a print magazine distributed in 163 countries, Global Finance expanded its activities to include an impressive number of economic studies, including the "World's 50 Safest Banks."

To determine the ranking, 500 financial institutions were meticulously evaluated through a comparison of their long-term credit ratings and total assets. Global Finance took into account credit ratings issued by rating agencies such as Moody's, Standard & Poor's and Fitch.

The ranking underscores the magnitude and influence of Desjardins Group both in Canada and on the international scene. "This kind of recognition shows that, in addition to holding significant assets and excellent credit ratings, Desjardins can above all rely on its solid capital base to handle economic fluctuations and to secure the enviable position of one of the safest financial institutions in the world," states Monique F. Leroux, Chair of the Board, President and CEO of Desjardins Group.

About Desjardins Group

Desjardins Group is the largest cooperative financial group in Canada, and the ninth largest in the world, with overall assets of approximately $160 billion. Drawing on the strength of its caisse network in Québec and Ontario, as well as its subsidiaries, several of which are active throughout Canada, Desjardins offers a full range of financial products and services to its 5.8 million individual and business members and clients. Desjardins Group is also home to a wealth of expertise in property and casualty insurance, life and health insurance, wealth management, services for businesses of all sizes, securities brokerage, venture capital, asset management and secure leading-edge virtual access methods, all part of an integrated offer that is the only one of its kind in Canada. One of the largest employers in the country, Desjardins is backed by the knowledge and skills of its 42,000 employees and the commitment of its 6,300 elected officers. To find out more, consult www.desjardins.com.

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Source :
André Chapleau
Information and Media Relations
Desjardins Group
514-281-7229 or 1-866 866-7000, ext. 7229