ESG Framework

Environmental

Social

Governance

Climate

Customers

Community

Challengers

Controls

Descriptions

Our business and all stakeholders are dependent on a healthy climate. We consider the following within our climate strategy: emissions, targets, risks, governance, and products and services. We are focused on doing our part to conserve resources and preserve/protect the natural environment

Our Bank would not exist without customers. Since our customers have choices of where to bank, our differentiating purpose is to drive change in banking to enrich people’s lives. We work tirelessly to provide a best-in-class customer experience, and products that serve this purpose

We believe we owe a duty of care to the communities that house our employees, customers, business partners, and shareholders. We consider ourselves an important piece of a wider puzzle and seek to support our communities with positive actions that are meaningful to them

All 1,685 employees of Equitable are Challengers as they deliver our Bank’s purpose. As a matter of principle, structure, strategy, and practice, the Bank seeks to develop, empower, reward, and nurture its Challengers

These are the principles by which we are governed. We run our business with a prudent risk appetite and never waver from ethical behaviour. We have an experienced and diverse group of people leading the charge

Environmental

Social

Governance

Our values

Climate

Customers

Community

Challengers

Controls

Respect

We work collaboratively with our peers, customers, Challengers, and communities to minimize the impact of climate change

We embrace our customers with compassion, celebrate their diversity, and work to ensure our approach helps them to thrive

We pursue opportunities for engagement, celebrate the diversity of our local communities, and serve underbanked groups

We provide our employees with meaningful work and opportunities for advancement and growth

We are led by skilled individuals with diverse backgrounds who use their varied experiences to drive change that delivers value to our stakeholders, while building our inclusive culture

Integrity

We are intentional: we only promise what we can deliver, and we measure, disclose, and manage what matters for the environment

We deliver value through cost-effective financial solutions, transparency, inclusive communication, and an obsession with privacy

We are committed to justice and reconciliation in all communities across Canada

We treat employees fairly through clear and honest training and development, provide transparency

on roles and expectations, and clearly live our corporate values

We use proven governance frameworks and controls, provide transparent reporting, and manage risk through processes that ensure ethical behaviour

Service

We focus on operational efficiency and zero-waste, empowered

by our branchless, digital-first business model

We believe that all customers are entitled to accessible and flexible banking, accompanied by exceptional service

We work with like-minded community partners who share our values and amplify their missions, while making authentic differences through thoughtful contributions

We listen to our people and make changes, protect employee health and wellness, and strive for

full engagement

We forge Board and management relationships with key stakeholders, and treat our investors like our customers, by developing products and services that do good and enrich Canadians’ lives

Empowerment

We aim to support our customers, communities, employees, suppliers, and regulators as they continue along their decarbonization pathways through a shift to green initiatives, products and services

We offer education, customer-centric product development, and support. We constantly research customer behaviour

and are there when our customers need us to empower them

We support local arts and charitable causes with time, money, and education to enhance their ability to serve key stakeholders and help communities build resiliency

We give our employees responsibility and autonomy by minimizing traditional hierarchies, and opening avenues for them to show value, innovate, develop, and connect over our shared purpose

We deploy governance structures that enable confident decision- making while maintaining checks and balances. We deploy

capital responsibly to customers and businesses who align with our values

Agility

We track and assess climate and environmental risks as they emerge, keep a pulse on industry developments, and stay responsive to customer needs resulting from climate- related disasters

We are receptive to customer needs at all times including during periods of economic strife through customer care, and we rely on data and advanced cloud technology to stay responsive

We recognize the changing shape of our communities by addressing the needs of underserved groups, and offering products that keep pace with demographic and psychographic changes

We encourage our employees to challenge the status quo, develop ideas, create solutions, and be prepared to pivot to address opportunity and risk

We have efficient risk, monitoring, and reporting mechanisms that allow us to address challenges

in real-time and focus on new opportunities for effective product development