Scotiabank celebrated its 85th anniversary in the Dominican Republic with a grand event held in a prestigious hotel of the city of Santiago, and attended by its senior executives.

"These 85 years represent Scotiabank's continuity and perseverance.  We have remained in the Dominican Republic in the good and bad times, in periods of crisis and national stability.  We are pleased to be a part of the history of the oldest country in Latin America," expressed Mr. Luis F. Tobón, Senior Vice-President and General Manager of Scotiabank in the Dominican Republic.  "We are pleased to be a part of the history of many people's lives," he added.

For the executive, one of the institution's major achievements in its 85 years of service in the country has been precisely its permanence, and especially "loyalty to our values; essential values that shape the framework where we develop our strategies, define our goals and carry out our day to day business.  As members of the institution, together we promote and preserve these values, which guarantee the success of our employees, both in their personal and professional lives, transcending to the achievement of our goals."

In recent years, the institution has evolved from a bank centered mainly on corporate banking to one that is focusing on retail banking, with innovative products.

During the month of July, Scotiabank has been celebrating in every branch its 85th anniversary in the country.  However, the festivities are not over yet.  After the main celebration in Santiago, numerous festivities will take place, including the second edition of the Scotiabank Auto Show, the Institutional Campaign, which is already in the media; new products will be launched and other activities will be announced throughout the year.

Scotiabank first opened its doors in the Dominican Republic in 1920, when it inaugurated its first branch at Calle Isabel La Católica.  The time to grow toward the northern region came in 1956, when it opened a branch in the city of Santiago.

In the 1960's, in spite of different social and political situations, Scotiabank continues expanding with the introduction of three new branches: two in the capital city of Santo Domingo and one in the city of Bonao.

In the 1970's, 80's, and 90's, the bank continued growing financially and strengthened its roots in the Dominican Republic.

In the new millennium, Scotiabank is moving forward with a full expansion process and more than 1,000 employees, 75 ABM's and 54 branches to date in the entire country.