Scotiabank’s common stock began trading on the New York Stock Exchange Friday under the ticker symbol BNS.

Scotiabank chairman and CEO Peter Godsoe initiated trading with the ringing of the opening bell.

“Today’s listing further demonstrates our commitment to the U.S. market and marks the next step in our continued growth and evolution as a global financial services institution,” said Godsoe. “NYSE is one of the world’s most prestigious stock exchanges and we are honored to be a part of it.”

Wearing red hats, Godsoe and other Scotiabank executives were joined by Dick Grasso, NYSE chairman and CEO, at the bell ringing ceremony on NYSE’s trading floor. Canada’s Deputy Consul General, Brian Schumacher was also at the podium. A Canadian presence was evident on Wall Street as the red and white of both the Canadian and Scotiabank flags flew outside NYSE for the day.

“We are delighted to welcome Scotiabank to the New York Stock Exchange,” said Grasso.

At a breakfast just prior to the bell ringing ceremony, Grasso presented Godsoe with a listing certificate. In turn, Godsoe presented NYSE with a commemorative plaque on which two silver angels are mounted. The angels were crafted from silver that was recovered from a Scotiabank vault buried under the World Trade Center. Earlier this year, more than 400 similar angels were presented to the families of the fire, rescue and police officers who lost their lives on September 11, 2001.

“We had more than 400 staff in the heart of the financial district when tragedy struck last September. The angels on this plaque are a reminder that as colleagues, as friends, as neighbors, we must never forget September 11th,” said Godsoe. “It’s wonderful to be here today to celebrate something positive, to be able to demonstrate our ongoing commitment to the Great City that is New York, and to one of its most venerable institutions, the NYSE.”