As positive bank earnings are released, PwC survey shows that Canadians<br>remain confident in their banks

TORONTO, Dec. 14 /CNW/ - A PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) survey conducted by Leger Marketing just two weeks before the banks' earning releases, shows that 80% of Canadian consumers are confident in the Canadian banking system. Given the recent bank earnings, they have even more reason to be confident. "Canadians know that the solid bank results of the last two weeks are a good thing," says George Sheen, leader of the PwC Canada Financial Services Practice.

Furthermore, respondents to the survey of 1544 Canadians said they feel banks are well run (72%), and another 81% believe that the strength of the large Canadian banks is critical to the health of the overall economy.

"Canadians continue to see that our banks are well managed and can navigate through difficult times without the public bailouts that have haunted the industry globally," says Sheen. "The banks have stuck by their clients - personal and business - did not turn off the taps and provided credit when the economy needed it." Indeed, when asked how their bank had responded to their personal needs for credit, of those surveyed who had a view, 79% believe their bank responded well. Interestingly, although Canadians are confident in their banks, only three in 10 Canadians believe the banks should consider further expansion outside of Canada.

"This sentiment likely stems from concern about the uncertainty of the global financial services industry. Canadians have seen the scattered remains of failed foreign banks and likely feel there is too much risk associated with our bank's entering or extending themselves into new markets. However, in reality their relative strength in capital and sound risk management practices puts them in an enviable position when it comes to looking at acquisition opportunities in other countries. If selective and rigorous in their assessment of both credit and market risks, there can be real value created for Canadian shareholders," says John MacKinlay, leader of the PwC Canada Banking Performance Improvement Practice.

For more information and a copy of the full survey results please visit www.pwc.com/ca/canadianbanks.

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