Vancouver, November 16, 2004
Credential Direct^® named best online broker in Canada
Credit union owned service jumps from third to first in Q4 2004 Watchfire^® GómezProScorecard

Vancouver, Tuesday, November 16, 2004 – Credential Direct jumped to first place in the latest Watchfire GómezPro Online Broker Scorecard based on the strength of continued enhancements to its service offering. Credential Direct is an online brokerage servicing credit union members and the investing public.

Credential Direct earned eight Scorecard honours, including top spot in the all-important Life-Goal Planner profile which, according to Watchfire GómezPro, represents approximately 75% of the online brokerage market segment. The service also topped the One-Stop Shopper profile as well as the Overall (Best) Cost category. It placed second in the Active Trader and Serious Investor profiles as well as the Ease of Use and Relationship Services categories.

In their Scorecard analysis, Watchfire GómezPro stated that Credential Direct offers both mainstream and active trading products and services to its entire client base, as well as an aggressive pricing strategy that attracts volume and size traders. They also noted the service has effectively positioned its offering as one of the most diverse Canadian online brokerages for all investors.

Lothar Fabian, Vice President for Credential Direct, agrees with their assessment. “Our insights into the needs of online investors have driven our enhancements; we’re pleased they have been supported by the Watchfire GómezPro Scorecard results. Our service appeals to any investor — both credit union and non-credit union member alike — who wants top notch investment tools and research while benefiting from the most competitive commissions from an online broker in Canada.”

Credential Direct’s overall ranking displaced industry heavyweight BMO InvestorLine out of first place, a position the latter held for five consecutive Scorecards. Credential Direct also surpassed CIBC Investor’s Edge, another perennial top three favourite.

About Credential Direct

Credential Direct is an online brokerage service that provides credit union members and independent investors access to self-managed investment services. Launched in 2000, Credential Direct enables investors to access powerful online trading tools and investment research directly, or through their credit union’s Internet portal. Credential Direct is a division of Credential Securities Inc.

For more information contact:

Carol Boutin
Manager, Marketing Communications
Credential Financial Inc.
Tel: 604.714.3997
Fax: 604.714.3861
mediarelations@credential.com

Brokerage services are offered through Credential Direct, a division of Credential Securities Inc., operating as a separate business unit. Credential Securities Inc. is a Member-CIPF. ®Credential and Credential Direct are registered marks owned by Credential Financial Inc., and are used under licence. Gómez is a registered trademark of Gómez Inc., used under license.