In his current role, Hakomaki will shepherd a team of 325 professionals who serve customers through BMO’s network of 27 branches in New Brunswick & Prince Edward Island.

She possesses 15 years of experience in financial services industry and served in senior roles in commercial and retail banking with BMO, the bank said.

Most recently, she was based in Calgary and acting as managing director, corporate finance division.

Hakomaki commented, "BMO is focused on helping its personal banking customers make sense of financial matters, by providing clarity surrounding financial choices and decisions."

In an effort to intensify its presence, BMO Bank of Montreal has made available $10bn in credit for small firms to give them access to the capital they need to grow.

As of 31 July 2012, BMO Financial had $542bn in assets and offers retail banking, wealth management and investment banking products and solutions, through 46,000 employees.