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Fairstone Bank launches Women in Leadership Scholarship to advance gender parity and invest in the next generation. $5,000 annual scholarship reinforces targeted and measurable investment in women's leadership amid persistent advancement and earnings gaps MONTREAL, March 10, 2026 - As International Women's Day approaches, Fairstone Bank of Canada ("Fairstone Bank" or the "Bank") proudly announces the launch of the Nicole Hunter Women in Leadership Scholarship, a new annual $5,000 award designed to accelerate the development of high-potential women within the organization. The scholarship is a targeted and flagship investment in leadership development and gender parity, reinforcing Fairstone Bank's commitment to advancing women into positions of influence. Created in honour of Nicole Hunter's remarkable 29-year career as a transformative executive and her retirement in December 2025, the scholarship reflects a belief that progress requires both inspiration and structure. "Nicole Hunter built her career by stepping into complexity, embracing challenges with intelligence and courage, and creating space for others to rise," says Grant Wyard-Scott, Chief Operating Officer and co-executive sponsor of Fairstone Bank's Women's Network. "Initiatives like this matter because closing leadership gaps doesn't happen organically. It requires deliberate investment, visible sponsorship, and measurable action. This scholarship is purposefully anchored in Nicole's legacy, not only to honour her career, but to demonstrate the tangible business impact women make in leadership roles and to create a clear pathway for more women to rise." The $5,000 scholarship will be paid directly toward tuition or registration fees for an approved leadership, coaching or professional development program. The initiative supports women of all levels, reinforcing Fairstone Bank's long-term parity journey. "True leadership development requires intention," says Heather Lee, Chief Legal Officer and co-executive sponsor of Fairstone Bank's Women's Network. "This scholarship is about more than funding, it's about recognizing ambition, rewarding courage, and ensuring that talented women have access to learning experiences that will accelerate their growth and development. Our cultural commitment and structural support are a catalyst for meaningful progress." While progress has been made, gender gaps in leadership representation and lifetime earnings remain significant across Canada and the world. Research continues to show that disparities in advancement opportunities and access to development contribute to long-term economic inequity. Meaningful change requires sustained, intentional action across organizations and sectors. A broader commitment to gender parity. The scholarship builds on Fairstone Bank's ongoing efforts to advance gender equality, including its commitment to empowering women as one of the Bank's five core Corporate Social Responsibility pillars. * Women currently represent 29% of senior and executive management roles and 62% of all roles across the organization. * Fairstone Bank has pledged a four-year, $80,000 commitment to the Canadian Women's Foundation's Economic Development Program, supporting initiatives that help women, girls and gender-diverse people achieve financial independence. * In 2026, Fairstone Bank earned the Silver Parity Certification from Women in Governance for the third year in a row, recognizing measurable progress in advancing women in leadership. * The Fairstone Bank's Women's Network, an employee resource group open to women and allies, continues to play a vital role in developing skills, building sponsorship, and preparing women for future leadership opportunities. * The annual Women in Leadership Award recognizes female leaders who are driving inclusive change across the organization. By embedding the Nicole Hunter Women in Leadership Scholarship into its annual calendar, with recipients announced each year on International Women's Day, Fairstone Bank reinforces its commitment to measurable action in support of women's advancement, honouring the past while building a stronger, more inclusive future. About Fairstone Bank of Canada. Fairstone Bank of Canada and its subsidiaries, including Fairstone Financial Inc. and Home Trust Company, deliver innovative, accessible and reliable financial solutions that enable Canadians to reach their financial goals. Collectively, Fairstone Financial Inc. offer residential and commercial mortgages, consumer deposits and GICs, retail and automobile financing, credit cards and digital lending, in addition to unsecured and secured personal loans online and at more than 260 branches coast to coast. With a long-established history, Fairstone Financial Inc. is proud to be Canada's leading alternative lending bank. Learn more at FairstoneBank.ca. Media contact: Caroline Morin Vice President, Corporate Communications +1 833 461-2900

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