Mr. Lemar Persaud reports

EQUITABLE BANK INCREASES PRIME RATE

EQB Inc.'s Equitable Bank is increasing its prime lending rate by 25 basis points to 4.70 per cent from 4.45 per cent.

Equitable Bank's wholly owned subsidiary, Concentra Bank, is also increasing its prime lending rate by 25 basis points to 4.70 per cent from 4.45 per cent. Both rates are effective Oct. 29, 2026.

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.

EQB's purpose is to remake banking so every Canadian gets ahead, every day. Since 1970, EQB has built thoughtful financial solutions that serve more than four million customers, turning everyday moments into meaningful progress. As the exclusive financial partner of Loblaw Companies Ltd.'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.

EQB provides personal and commercial banking services to Canadian households and businesses through everyday banking, tailored lending and connected payments, while fuelling competition and choice in Canadian banking. Through its subsidiaries, EQB also offers home and auto insurance, estate and trust services, credit union solutions, and alternative asset management.