TORONTO, October 20, 2009 – Scotiabank today announced the launch of a new interactive website, scotiabank.com/helpmeinvest, designed to provide Canadians with timely information and insights on investing.  The site, which will leverage social media platforms such as Twitter and YouTube, provides users with access to commentary from Bank experts as well as economic and market research reports.  

“At Scotiabank, we are always looking for new ways to meet the evolving needs of our customers,” said John Doig, Senior Vice President, Marketing, Scotiabank. “Given the turbulence of the markets over the past year, Canadians have a lot of questions about their investments. Help Me Invest, which is designed to address those questions, offers  two-way communication between investors and bank experts.”

Users of Help Me Invest are able to shape the content of the site by asking questions and requesting information on investment-related topics.  Currently, scotiabank.com/helpmeinvest includes a video series featuring Scotiabank experts providing insight on the current economic and market recovery and what it can mean for investors.

Other features of the site include:

• YouTube video ‘How To’ series featuring Scotiabank experts
• Access to Scotiabank podcasts on iTunes
• Research and analysis from Scotiabank experts
• Investing tools demonstrating the importance of starting early, investing regularly and knowing your risk tolerance
• Webinars
• Scotiabank investment newsletter
• Links to blogs, podcasts and Twitter feeds from industry experts

“With many Canadians holding cash on the sidelines, now is a great time for investors to review their finances and consider making adjustments to ensure their money is invested in a way that best suits their short term and long term needs,” said Brent Currie, Managing Director, Core Deposits and Payments, Scotiabank. “As important as it is to invest, it is just as important to be educated about how to invest, which is what Help Me Invest is all about.”

Scotiabank is one of North America's premier financial institutions and Canada's most international bank. With close to 69,000 employees, Scotiabank Group and its affiliates serve approximately 12.8 million customers in some 50 countries around the world. Scotiabank offers a diverse range of products and services including personal, commercial, corporate and investment banking. With more than $485 billion in assets (as at July 31, 2009), Scotiabank trades on the Toronto (BNS) and New York Exchanges (BNS). For more information please visit www.scotiabank.com.