EQB Inc. Appoints Vivian Abdelmessih to the Board of Directors

Kishore Kapoor, current EQB Board member and Chair of the Risk & Capital Committee, to step down effective January 1, 2027

TORONTO, Oct. 16, 2026 /CNW/ -- The Board of Directors of EQB Inc. and Equitable Bank (collectively "EQB") today announced that it will appoint Vivian Abdelmessih to the Board of Directors and Chair of the Board's Risk & Capital Committee.

Vivian Abdelmessih joins the EQB Board of Directors, effective immediately.

Ms. Abdelmessih is a seasoned risk management and financial services executive with extensive experience in enterprise risk management, capital oversight, regulatory compliance and corporate governance. Throughout her career, she has advised and led organizations through complex strategic, regulatory and operational challenges, developing a reputation for disciplined decision-making and strong governance oversight. She currently serves on the First Capital Real Estate Investment Trust Board and the Scientific Games Board and is the Chair of the Export Development Canada Board. She is also the incoming President and CEO of the Global Risk Institute. This change will be effective immediately.

"We are delighted to welcome Vivian to the Board and to appoint her as Chair of the Risk & Capital Committee," said Mike Pedersen, Chair of the Board of Directors, EQB Inc. "Vivian brings deep expertise in risk governance and a proven track record of leadership in highly regulated financial institutions. Her experience and insight will complement the Board's existing strengths and will be invaluable as EQB continues to execute its growth strategy while maintaining its longstanding commitment to prudent risk management."

Additionally, EQB is announcing that after 10 years of dedicated service, Kishore ("Kish") Kapoor has chosen to step down from the Board in January 2027, confident in EQB's strength and believing the time is right for an orderly succession. Mr. Kapoor remains a committed shareholder. 

"Kish has been a tremendous partner to management and has helped shape the strong risk culture that exists at EQB today," said Chadwick Westlake, President and Chief Executive Officer of EQB. "We are deeply grateful for his many contributions, including the vital role he played in strengthening the company's overall governance, risk oversight and financial stewardship throughout several pivotal moments in our journey."

Mr. Kapoor most recently served as Chair of the Risk & Capital Committee and previously served as Chair of the Audit Committee, helping guide EQB through a period of significant growth, transformation and value creation.

The Board thanks Mr. Kapoor for his significant service and leadership over the past 10 years and looks forward to benefiting from Ms. Abdelmessih's contributions as EQB continues to advance its strategy and deliver value for its customers, shareholders and other stakeholders.

About EQB Inc.

EQB Inc. (TSX: EQB) is a leading Canadian financial services company with approximately $151 billion in combined assets under management and administration. It is the parent company of Equitable Bank, the country's seventh largest Schedule I bank by assets, which operates EQ Bank, Canada's Challenger Bank^™.

Our purpose is to remake banking so every Canadian gets ahead, every day. Since 1970, we have built thoughtful financial solutions that serve more than 4 million customers, turning everyday moments into meaningful progress. As the exclusive financial partner of Loblaw Companies Limited's PC Optimum^™ loyalty program – one of Canada's largest loyalty programs with more than 18 million members – EQ Bank's financial solutions are deeply embedded into the daily lives of Canadians. 

We provide personal and commercial banking services to Canadian households and businesses through everyday banking, tailored lending and connected payments, while fueling competition and choice in Canadian banking. Through our subsidiaries, we also offer home and auto insurance, estate and trust services, credit union solutions and alternative asset management.

To learn more, visit eqb.investorroom.com and eqbank.ca, or connect with us on Instagram, Facebook or LinkedIn.

Investor contact: 
Lemar Persaud
SVP, Investor Relations & Enterprise Performance Management 
[email protected]    

Media contact: 
Danielle Mason
Director, PR & Communications
[email protected]

Forward-Looking Information

This news release may contain forward-looking statements that reflect EQB's current expectations about its future performance and capabilities. These statements are made based on assumptions and estimates and are subject to risks and uncertainties. Actual future results could differ materially from those currently anticipated. The statements are not guarantees of future performance. EQB does not undertake any obligation to update or publicly revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except to the extent required under applicable securities laws.

SOURCE EQB Inc.