Mr. Silvio Stroescu reports

BMO: COMMISSION-FREE STOCK AND ETF TRADES WITH BMO INVESTORLINE

Bank of Montreal's BMO InvestorLine is making its digital investing experience even better with the introduction of unlimited commission-free trading on all stocks, ETFs (exchange-traded funds) and options, the elimination of all brokerage account administration fees, and the reduction of options contract fees. As the first direct investing brokerage owned by one of Canada's five largest banks to eliminate commissions on stock and ETF trades, BMO InvestorLine is making self-directed investing more accessible, giving Canadians access to a full-feature digital investing platform with professional research, intelligent tools, valuable insights and support to help them build their portfolios with confidence.

"BMO InvestorLine is setting a bold standard for digital investing in Canada by combining commission-free trading and no brokerage account administrative fees with the insights and advanced capabilities investors expect from a full-feature digital investing platform," said Silvio Stroescu, president and chief executive officer of BMO InvestorLine. "We're eliminating barriers that can stand in the way of investing and paving the way for what comes next. BMO InvestorLine will continue to lead with new ideas, capabilities and experiences that give investors more of what they want and greater confidence in how they invest."

Why it matters

The announcement reflects BMO InvestorLine's commitment to expanding access to digital investing for all Canadians. As more Canadians manage their financial lives digitally, BMO InvestorLine is lowering the cost of self-directed investing without compromising access to the tools, research and support (including AI-powered (artificial intelligence) news and market summaries) that investors can use to make informed investing decisions.

Whether clients are making their first investment, building long-term wealth or actively trading using sophisticated investment strategies, BMO InvestorLine delivers a comprehensive investing experience designed to help clients invest with confidence.

Tools for active traders

Today's announcement builds on recent enhancements to the BMO InvestorLine platform that support both active traders and long-term investors through a suite of investing capabilities, including:

• Multileg options trading;
• Advanced options screeners;
• Strategy-building tools;
• Enhanced educational resources;
• Real-time market data and research.

BMO InvestorLine also recently introduced paper-trading capabilities for BMO active trader clients that allow them to use a practice account to learn how the BMO Active Trader platform works, test new trading strategies and build trading skills without risking their money.

adviceDirect -- a simpler, smarter investing experience

As part of BMO InvestorLine's award-winning digital investing platform, adviceDirect combines on-line investing with personalized advice and dedicated adviser support, delivering a simpler, smarter investing experience. With adviceDirect, investors get all the features they enjoy, along with a team of advisers to support them in reaching their goals, provide trade recommendations and offer continuous portfolio monitoring.

Together, these capabilities support investors across every stage of their journey, from those placing their first trade to experienced investors executing sophisticated options and trading strategies.

Frequently asked questions

When will BMO InvestorLine offer unlimited zero-dollar commission stock and ETF trading?

BMO InvestorLine self-directed clients will benefit from zero-dollar commissions on all stock and ETF trades and the elimination of all brokerage account administrative fees effective Sept. 14, 2026.

Which BMO InvestorLine clients are eligible for unlimited zero-dollar commission stock and ETF trading?

The zero-dollar commission pricing for all stock and ETF trades and elimination of all brokerage account administrative fees apply for all BMO InvestorLine self-directed clients.

Are options trades included in unlimited zero-dollar commission trading?

Yes, options trades will also have zero-dollar commissions. In addition, the per-contract fee for options trades has been reduced to 90 cents from $1.25, and there will be no assignment fees or exercise fees for option contracts.

Do existing clients need to take any action to receive the new pricing?

No. BMO InvestorLine self-directed clients will automatically receive the new pricing effective Sept. 14, 2026. No action is required.

Do adviceDirect clients also qualify for unlimited zero-dollar commissions on stock and ETF trading?

An advisory fee based on the value of the billable assets in an account is paid by adviceDirect clients. Commissions are not applicable and options are not eligible for adviceDirect accounts.

About Bank of Montreal

BMO Financial Group is the eighth-largest bank in North America by assets, with total assets of $1.5-trillion as of July 31, 2026. Serving clients for more than 200 years, BMO provides a broad range of personal and commercial banking, wealth management, global markets, and investment banking products and services across Canada, the United States and select markets globally. BMO is innovating for business value by deploying and integrating human, digital and artificial intelligence to personalize client experiences, augment teams and automate its business responsibly. Driven by its purpose, to boldly grow the good in business and life, BMO is committed to driving positive change in the world and making progress for a thriving economy, sustainable future and stronger communities.