Ms. Tanya Eisener reports

SCOTIABANK TEAMS UP WITH IMMIGRATION.CA TO CREATE SMOOTHER PATHWAYS FOR NEWCOMERS

Continuing to support the dreams of those looking to call Canada their new home, the Bank of Nova Scotia kicks off its strategic partnership with Immigration.ca, Canada's longest-operating newcomer website. Immigration.ca is a leading source of resources for newcomers in the Canadian immigration industry with more than 2.5 million monthly visitors through on-line and social media channels.

"Building a life in a new country can feel like a daunting task, which is why we are committed to helping newcomers through this transition by empowering them with the financial information and support they need to succeed in their new home," said Tanya Eisener, senior vice-president of retail customer value at Scotiabank. "Our partnership with Immigration.ca will allow us to reach and help more newcomers, no matter where they are in their moving process."

For newcomers seeking valuable insights and information advice, Immigration.ca connects people around the world with qualified and licensed immigration professionals to assess their potential for immigration to Canada. Immigration.ca, through the Canadian Citizenship and Immigration Resource Center (CCIRC) Inc., is made up of an experienced team of licensed representatives with a combined experience of more than 90 years in immigration matters.

Additionally, the website offers fast and reliable resources outlining the necessary requirements when applying for student, work or travel visas and provides free evaluations of a person's potential for immigration to Canada.

"We are delighted to partner with Scotiabank to ensure our visitors get access to the best possible banking experience before and after they arrive in Canada," said Jon Vassallo, chief executive officer of Immigration.ca. "Scotiabank has products specifically geared towards newcomers that will help them prepare for a successful life in Canada."

Scotiabank surveys have shown that newcomers feel worried, overwhelmed and confused by their finances and navigating through the Canadian banking system which is why Scotiabank continues to enhance its pre- and postarrival support for newcomers.

As the exclusive banking partner of Immigration.ca, Scotiabank will provide access to credible financial literacy resources, knowledgeable financial professionals and personalized support designed specifically for newcomers to Canada.

Scotiabank's additional support for newcomers:

• Scotiabank Startight program provides personalized support to newcomers, helping them gain access to no-fee chequing accounts for one year, credit, savings, no-fee international money transfers, and advice and solutions from Scotia advisers.

• Scotiabank's Advice+ centre helps newcomers navigate the Canadian banking landscape with trusted information about Canadian banking products, services, common banking topics and a range of new options to seek financial advice.

• Scotia Smart Money powered by Advice+, a digital budgeting app, and investment platforms like Scotia Smart Investor empower newcomer clients take more control over their finances.

• Scotiarise, Scotiabank's 10-year, $500-million initiative to help strengthen economic resilience among disadvantaged groups.

About the Bank of Nova Scotia

Scotiabank's vision is to be its clients' most trusted financial partner, to deliver sustainable, profitable growth and maximize total shareholder return. Guided by the purpose: "for every future," the bank helps its clients, their families and their communities achieve success through a broad range of advice, products and services, including personal and commercial banking, wealth management and private banking, corporate and investment banking, and capital markets. With assets of approximately $1.4-trillion (as at Jan. 31, 2024), Scotiabank trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: BNS) and New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: BNS).