Are there Ukrainian-speaking consultants in Calgary banks?

In multilingual Calgary, where over 140 languages are spoken by city residents, the issue of language support in banking institutions is particularly relevant, especially for the Ukrainian community. After 2022, when more than 132,000 Ukrainians arrived in Canada, the demand for Ukrainian-language banking services increased significantly, forcing financial institutions to adapt their services to the needs of this community.

The current state of Ukrainian-language banking services in Calgary is characterized by a variety of approaches, ranging from fully specialized Ukrainian credit unions to large Canadian banks with multicultural teams of advisors. This situation creates unique opportunities for Ukrainians to receive banking services in their native language, but also requires an understanding of the specifics of each institution and the options available.

Ukrainian Credit Union: the most comprehensive Ukrainian-language banking support

Ukrainian Credit Union (UCU) offers the most comprehensive Ukrainian-language banking services in Canada. Although physically located in Ontario, it serves customers across the country, including Alberta. As the largest Ukrainian credit union in Canada, UCU offers a full range of banking services entirely in Ukrainian.

Of particular value is the specialized Welcome Ukraine Package program, created specifically for Ukrainians who arrived after the start of the war in 2022. The program includes a three-year commission-free checking and savings account, an Enhanced Debit Card with increased limits ($1,000 daily cash withdrawal and $1,500 daily purchases), commission-free international transfers to Ukraine and neighboring countries, and access to credit cards.

A critical feature of UCU is the ability to open accounts online directly from Ukraine or other countries, allowing newcomers to start banking before arriving in Canada. The process includes verification through Ukrainian documents (driver's license, ePassport, passport) and support from Ukrainian-speaking consultants via dedicated phone lines from Ukraine (+380 89 324 0486) and Poland (+48 22 397 16 11).

UCU also provides financial education in Ukrainian through the Welcome Ukraine Webinar Series, which covers topics such as banking, investing, financial planning, lending, starting a business, and the Canadian tax system. All UCU ATMs are bilingual (English/Ukrainian), and the website, contact center, and branch staff speak Ukrainian.

RBC Royal Bank: the largest network of Ukrainian-speaking advisors

RBC Royal Bank has the most developed multilingual service system among traditional Canadian banks, including strong support in Ukrainian. The bank offers several levels of Ukrainian-language services, from specialized advisors to technology solutions.

RBC's main branch in Calgary (Main Calgary, 339 8th Ave SW) officially offers services in Ukrainian among 10 available languages, including Russian, Chinese (Mandarin and Cantonese), Hindi, Korean, Punjabi, and Arabic. This provides newly arrived Ukrainians with access to personalized service in their native language in the heart of the city.

The RBC Multilingual Telephone Service program is revolutionary, providing access to over 150 languages, including Ukrainian, through a network of 2,600+ specialized interpreters. Customers can call 1-800-ROYAL 1-1 and within minutes receive a confidential three-way call with a Ukrainian-speaking interpreter.

Particularly valuable is the RBC Newcomer Advisors program, which employs specially selected advisors, many of whom are newcomers themselves. In Calgary, the team includes Ukrainian-speaking specialists such as Denys Smushko, who conducts financial literacy seminars in Ukrainian and assists with community integration.

CIBC: Specialized Financial Advisors

Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce has an extensive network of Ukrainian-speaking financial advisors across Canada, including Calgary. For example, Karen Radyk, CFP, Senior Financial Planner, is available downtown. Programs for newcomers include financial planning, investments, insurance products, tax advice, pensions, and RESPs.

Scotiabank: Multicultural support

The Banking Offers for Ukrainians program, part of the StartRight Program, provides newcomers with free account services, safe deposit boxes, credit cards, and multilingual support, including Ukrainian.

BMO Bank of Montreal: partnership with community organizations

BMO partners with Immigrant Services Calgary and has a branch at the Gateway Newcomer Welcome Centre. The BMO NewStart program offers two years of no-fee banking, credit cards, commission-free wire transfers to Ukraine, and special lending terms.

TD Canada Trust: technological support

The TD New to Canada Banking Package includes one year of free service, unlimited transfers, and access to credit cards without a Canadian credit history.

Regional banks and credit unions

ATB Financial: local approach and flexible terms.
Servus Credit Union: cooperative structure, two years of commission-free service, and profit sharing.

Online banks

Tangerine: Ukrainian-language telephone support, convenient mobile app.
Simplii Financial: $300 bonus for opening an account and Ukrainian-language support through CIBC.