Citizens Bank of Canada is offering investors that chance to make the world a better place and make money at the same time with the Shared World term deposit.

Citizens Bank of Canada’s Shared World term deposit invests in micro-credit programs in developing countries.

Microcredit is the extension of small loans to impoverished people-primarily women-who lack steady employment, collateral and a credit history. In villages around the world, microcredit loans are helping to cultivate entrepreneurs and bring about community development, thereby creating self-sufficiency, and a better quality of life.

Microcredit has received recent attention with the announcement of Dr. Muhammad Yunus and Grameen Bank as recipients of the 2006 Nobel Peace Prize. Yunus, who received the Nobel Prize on December 10, has been called “Banker to the Poor” as a result of lending over $6.8 billion to more than 100 million people worldwide.

Shared World is a one-year, non-redeemable term deposit offered at a competitive interest rate of 3.7% (as at Dec. 8, 2006). RRSP-eligible, Shared World term deposits are available for a minimum investment of $100 and provide maximum impact in disadvantaged communities around the world. Both the principal and interest are guaranteed, and protected up to $100,000 through membership with Canada Deposit Insurance Corp.

“The Shared World term deposit is not charity – it’s a competitive investment vehicle with a social objective,” said Jason Farris, president and CEO of Citizens Bank of Canada. “We see this as an opportunity to provide investors with a sound financial return and a solid social return, ultimately making a difference in the lives of many people.”

Shared World purchasers’ deposits are pooled into a fund administered by Citizens Bank in collaboration with the Calvert Social Investment Foundation (www.calvertfoundation.org), a world-leader in international community investing. The pooled funds are then invested in community loan funds which provide affordable credit in low-income communities in Africa, Latin America, Asia, Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union.

Under the direction of the Calvert Foundation, Shared World term deposits will be invested in a portfolio of 15 non-governmental and cooperative organizations such as FINCA (Foundation for International Community Assistance) and the Global Bridge Fund from ACCION International which started offering microcredit loans as early as 1973. Visit www.citizensbank.ca/SharedWorld for a complete Shared World loan portfolio.

Shared World Term Deposits can be purchased online at www.citizensbank.ca/SharedWorld.