Mr. Scott Thomson reports

SCOTIABANK LAUNCHES SCOTIA GROWTH INSTITUTE AND COMMITS OVER $100 BILLION IN FINANCING TO SUPPORT CANADA'S GROWTH AGENDA

Bank of Nova Scotia (Scotiabank) has launched of the Scotia Growth Institute -- a new platform dedicated to supporting key stakeholders in advancing long-term economic growth and competitiveness in Canada and across North America.

The institute will draw on Scotiabank's expertise, insights and partner and client perspectives from high-growth sectors to guide policymakers, business leaders and markets in making decisions about Canada's long-term competitiveness and to bring greater focus to the economic choices ahead.

"Every day, we hear from our clients and partners about the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of their businesses and the broader economy," said Scott Thomson, president and chief executive officer of Scotiabank. "This is why we are launching the Scotia Growth Institute. The decisions we make today around investment, productivity and competitiveness will influence that future for generations to come. The institute will examine where Canada can accelerate and what it will take to turn the country's strengths into lasting prosperity."

Strategic leadership and advisory

Scotiabank is appointing strategic advisers -- distinguished leaders with deep experience in national competitiveness to support the Scotia Growth Institute's work. In addition to providing strategic guidance, these advisers will engage with clients and stakeholders to strengthen relationships and convert the institute's insights into tangible outcomes.

Ambassador Kirsten Hillman, one of Canada's foremost experts on trade and international economic affairs, has been appointed lead strategic adviser for the Scotia Growth Institute.

"Canada does not lack ambition or opportunity," said Ms. Hillman. "What is needed is sharper analysis, practical solutions, and a clear understanding of where we can compete and lead. I am proud to be joining the Scotia Growth Institute to lead its external advisory group and help bring together evidence and expertise to support this critical work."

Pairing insight with action

Alongside the launch of the institute, Scotiabank commits over $100-billion in financing, underwriting and investment to be available to support Canadian companies and projects in key sectors that will drive forward Canada's economic growth agenda over the next five years.

Through Scotiabank's ScotiaRise commitment to support economic resiliency across its footprint, the bank will also dedicate $50-million to programs that build the skills, talent and capacity needed for a stronger, more resilient economy. These partnerships will aim to close the gap on future labour market shortages and equip Canadians with the skills required for high-growth sectors and innovation and AI (artificial intelligence).

These actions are intended to support investments aligned with Canada's long-term growth priorities, with a focus on sectors and projects identified through the federal government's Major Projects Office and broader economic development agenda.

One of the institute's first outputs is an analysis of Canada's major projects pipeline. It is accompanied by an interactive tool designed to help decision makers see how projects across the country are tracking against Canada's ambitious objectives.

About Bank of Nova Scotia

Scotiabank's vision is to be its clients' most trusted financial partner and deliver sustainable, profitable growth. Guided by its purpose, "for every future," Scotiabank 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 $1.5-trillion (as at July 31, 2026), Scotiabank is one of the largest banks in North America by assets and trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange (symbol: BNS) and the New York Stock Exchange (symbol: BNS).