Recognition for multiple executives reflects excellence of leadership driving growth and innovation at Canada's Challenger Bank
TORONTO, Sept. 9, 2026 /CNW/ -- EQ Bank today announced that Chief Financial Officer Anilisa Sainani and Chief Information Officer Janet Lin have been recognized as 2026 Canada's Most Powerful Women: Top 100 Award Winners by WXN Media, recognized in the Executive Leadership and AI & Technology categories, respectively.
The awards recognize 104 women across nine categories whose leadership and innovation are shaping industries, organizations and communities across Canada, selected by an independent panel of judges. The recognition comes during a transformational period for EQ Bank, including the integration of PC Financial and continued investment in technology, AI and customer growth. The achievement reflects the depth of leadership driving the bank's next phase of growth while advancing women in senior leadership and technology roles.
Anilisa Sainani joined EQ Bank in 2025 at a pivotal moment for Canada's Challenger Bank. She has been central to the acquisition and integration of PC Financial, a defining move that significantly expanded the bank's reach, impact and ability to create more choice and value for millions of Canadians. She is also a trusted voice in enterprise decision-making and a passionate builder of the next generation of executive leaders. Beyond EQ, she contributes to national economic dialogue through the C.D. Howe Institute and serves on the Boards of St. Joseph's Health Centre Foundation and Kingsway College School.
"It is a sincere privilege to be recognized alongside women who are shaping the future of business in Canada," said Anilisa Sainani, EVP and Chief Financial Officer, EQ Bank. "Throughout my career, I've benefited from leaders who invested in my growth, and creating those opportunities for others is something I care deeply about. I look forward to continuing to improve the lives of millions of Canadians through EQ Bank, while opening the door wider for the women who will lead next."
Janet Lin, who joined EQ Bank in 2021, leads the bank's technology and AI agenda. She established EQ's AI foundation through its AI Centre of Excellence and enterprise governance framework, and set the bank's AI ambition with the executive leadership team in 2026, helping translate emerging technology into better experiences for customers while equipping EQ's workforce to thrive. She also led technology due diligence and integration planning for the PC Financial acquisition and was recognized among the Toast Top 25 Women in Technology in 2025 for contributions to Canadian technology innovation.
"I'm grateful for this recognition, and to be part of a team that believes technology should make people's lives measurably better," said Janet Lin, SVP and Chief Information Officer, EQ Bank. "Canada has a real opportunity to lead in AI, and that advantage is earned by institutions willing to move first and move responsibly. I'm proud to be shaping that strategy at Canada's Challenger Bank, translating it into genuine innovation and value for our customers, and helping more women build their futures in technology."
The recognition of both Sainani and Lin reflects EQ Bank's commitment to building diverse leadership teams and creating opportunities for women to lead across banking, technology and innovation. Their achievements highlight the impact of inclusive leadership in driving performance, innovation and long-term growth.
About EQ Bank
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.
About WXN Media
Building on nearly three decades of leadership through WXN (Women's Executive Network), WXN Media is a media company dedicated to telling the stories of exceptional women leaders through trusted editorial, prestigious recognition, and signature experiences.
Its portfolio includes Be Bold Magazine, The Bold Edit, The One Bold Truth, Signature Experiences, and Canada's Most Powerful Women: Top 100™, one of Canada's most prestigious leadership recognition programs.
For more information, visit https://wxnetwork.com/
Investor contact:
Lemar Persaud
SVP and Head of IR
[email protected]
Media contact:
Danielle Mason
Director, PR & Communications
[email protected]
SOURCE EQ Bank
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