News Releases

Harrisdirect names Charles Piermarini President and CEO

JERSEY CITY, N.J. – January 5, 2005 – Harris today announced Charles Piermarini has been named President and Chief Executive Officer of Harrisdirect. Mr. Piermarini will report to Bruce Schwenger, Head of Global Direct Investing for BMO Financial Group. His appointment is effective immediately.

Mr. Piermarini has nearly 18 years experience with the BMO organization, most recently serving as Executive Managing Director of BMO Nesbitt Burns responsible for the implementation and management of strategic initiatives throughout the BMO Financial Group and Harris companies. He has also served as Executive Vice President of Harris Bank in Chicago responsible for electronic contact channels and e-commerce initiatives, and Global Head of Money Market and Derivatives Trading and Sales for BMO Financial Group.

"Harrisdirect is a leader in the industry with an excellent team in place," Mr. Piermarini said. "I'm looking forward to guiding the organization through its next stages of growth as we continue to enhance the quality and scope of the offering for the disciplined self-directed investor."

"My primary focus for the last two years has been to lead Harrisdirect through the transition period following key acquisitions, improve our position in the marketplace, and create a solid foundation for growth," Mr. Schwenger said. "I'm proud of the progress we made under some challenging circumstances. Now, the organization is well positioned for it's next stages of development and it's time to focus my attention on BMO's complete North American direct investing strategy and let Charlie bring his expertise and enthusiasm to lead Harrisdirect to the next level. I look forward to working with him in that pursuit."

Harrisdirect is a leading provider of direct investing and advisory services to informed investors with long-term financial goals, as well as third-party brokerage services for institutions, including many of the nation's largest 401(k) plan providers. Harrisdirect is part of Harris, an integrated financial service organization that provides more than 1.5 million personal, business, corporate and institutional clients with banking, lending, investing, financial planning, trust administration, portfolio management, family office and wealth transfer services. Harris is a member of BMO Financial Group (NYSE, TSX: BMO). For more information, please visit www.Harrisdirect.com or www.harrisbank.com.

Harris is a trademark used by various financial service providers in the BMO Financial Group, a marketing name used by Bank of Montreal. Banking products and services are provided by Harris N.A. and The Harris Bank N.A. Members FDIC. Insurance and annuities are offered through Harris Bancorp Insurance Services, Inc (HBIS). Securities are provided by Harris Nesbitt Corp (HNC), a registered broker dealer, m ember NYSE, NASD and SIPC and Harrisdirect LLC, a registered broker dealer, member NASD and SIPC. HBIS, HNC and Harrisdirect are wholly owned subsidiaries of Harris Financial Corp. Products offered by HBIS, HNC and Harrisdirect are Not Insured by the FDIC or any Federal Government Agency, Not a Deposit of or Guaranteed by Any Bank or Bank Affiliate, May Lose Value. The purchase of insurance or an annuity is not a condition on any bank loan or service. Financial planning and investment advisory services are provided by Sullivan, Bruyette, Speros & Blayney, Inc., an SEC registered investment advisor. Family office services are provided by Harris myCFO, Inc. Investment advisory services are also offered by Harris myCFO Investment Advisory Services LLC, an SEC registered investment advisor and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Harris myCFO, Inc. Not all products and services are offered in every state and/or location.