BMO Global Asset Management (BMO GAM) has announced the expansion of its Canadian Depositary Receipts (CDR) lineup with the launch of 10 new CDRs, effective September 18, 2025. The additions include some of Europe’s most recognized names: AXA, Sanofi, Société Générale, Rheinmetall, Heineken, BNP Paribas, Hermès, L’Oréal, LVMH, and TotalEnergies. With this launch, BMO continues to broaden its innovative CDR platform, enabling Canadian investors to access global leaders through a simplified, cost-effective structure.

“We’re proud to expand our Canadian Depositary Receipt (CDR) lineup to include CDRs based on well-known French companies as well as additional CDRs based on German and Dutch companies. These new BMO CDRs will offer investors access to some of Europe’s most iconic companies - all in Canadian dollars and on a Canadian exchange,” said David Hudson, Head of Structured Solutions at BMO GAM. “This launch reflects our commitment to innovation and investor accessibility, helping Canadians diversify their portfolios globally with ease and efficiency.”

How CDRs Work

Canadian Depositary Receipts (CDRs) are designed to provide local investors with access to foreign-listed companies while eliminating many of the barriers traditionally associated with global investing. Traded on Canadian exchanges and priced in Canadian dollars, CDRs feature a built-in notional currency hedge, minimizing the impact of foreign exchange fluctuations. Investors also retain proportional rights to dividends and voting, with all dividends paid in Canadian dollars.

Importantly, CDRs make high-priced global companies more accessible through fractional share structures, allowing investors to buy into household names like LVMH or Hermès without the prohibitive share prices of their home listings. CDRs trade just like any other Canadian-listed security, making them easy to buy and sell.

Why Investors Should Consider CDRs

For Canadian investors, CDRs offer several compelling benefits:

• No currency conversion costs: Investors transact in Canadian dollars, avoiding FX fees.
• Built-in currency hedging: Reduces portfolio volatility linked to foreign exchange movements.
• Accessibility: Fractionalized pricing opens doors to globally renowned companies.
• Dividend rights: Investors maintain proportional dividend entitlements, paid directly in Canadian dollars.
• Ease of access: Listed domestically, CDRs provide a seamless way to gain international exposure.

By offering access to some of Europe’s largest and most prestigious companies, including global leaders in luxury goods, energy, pharmaceuticals, and financial services. BMO’s new CDRs provide an efficient way to diversify portfolios beyond North America.

About the Issuer

Backed by the 200-year legacy of BMO Financial Group, BMO Global Asset Management is one of Canada’s largest asset managers. With a focus on creating bespoke portfolios and delivering innovative solutions, BMO GAM helps Canadian investors address evolving market challenges while maintaining global reach. The firm’s growing suite of Canadian Depositary Receipts demonstrates its commitment to investor accessibility, diversification, and innovation.

Learn more at www.bmogam.com.

Please note this article is for information purposes only and does not in any way constitute investment advice. It is essential that you seek advice from a registered financial professional prior to making any investment decision.