Celebrating Female Leadership: EQ Bank's Anilisa Sainani and Janet Lin Recognized Among Canada's Most Powerful Women

Recognition of Exceptional Leadership

In a remarkable feat, Anilisa Sainani, the Chief Financial Officer, and Janet Lin, the Chief Information Officer of EQ Bank, have both been acknowledged as part of the prestigious 2026 Top 100 Most Powerful Women in Canada by WXN Media. The award honors women across diverse sectors for their influential roles in shaping organizations, industries, and communities throughout the country. Specifically, Sainani is recognized in the Executive Leadership category while Lin has earned her accolade in the AI Technology segment.

This recognition comes at a pivotal time for EQ Bank as it undergoes significant transformation with the integration of PC Financial and a steadfast commitment to technology and customer growth. The achievements of Sainani and Lin exemplify the robust leadership that is essential for driving the bank’s forward momentum, especially in promoting women's roles in upper management and technology.

Anilisa Sainani: A Transformative Leader

Anilisa Sainani joined EQ Bank in 2025, a critical moment that marked the bank's evolution as a Challenger Bank in Canada. She played a crucial role in the acquisition and integration of PC Financial, which greatly enhanced the bank's presence and ability to offer diverse choices to its customers. In addition to her executive duties, she is a vital contributor to enterprise decision-making and champions the development of future leaders.

Sainani expresses her gratitude for the recognition, stating, “It is an honor to stand alongside women who are carving the future of business in Canada. My journey has been shaped by mentors who believed in me, and I am dedicated to creating those opportunities for others.” Her ambition is to enhance the lives of millions of Canadians through EQ Bank’s efforts, while also paving the way for more women to ascend in leadership roles.

Janet Lin: Innovating the Future with Technology

Janet Lin has been steering the technological and AI strategies at EQ Bank since her arrival in 2021. Under her leadership, the bank established its AI Centre of Excellence, laying down the foundational principles for effectively implementing AI across operations. Her vision extends to translating technological advancements into enriched customer experiences and better equipping EQ’s workforce for future challenges.

Proud of her accomplishments, Lin stated, “Being recognized in this capacity is gratifying, especially as I work with a team that believes in leveraging technology to improve lives.” She envisions Canada as a prominent player in the AI landscape, advocating for responsible innovation and greater growth opportunities for women in tech.

Commitment to Diverse Leadership

The accolades received by both Sainani and Lin reflect EQ Bank's unwavering dedication to fostering diverse leadership that cultivates an environment where women can thrive in banking, technology, and innovation. Their successes highlight the critical role of inclusive leadership in propelling innovation and long-term organizational growth.

About EQ Bank

EQB Inc. (TSX EQB) stands as a leading Canadian financial service provider, managing combined assets of approximately $151 billion. As the holding entity for Equitable Bank—the seventh largest Schedule I bank in Canada—EQ Bank champions a progressive banking approach, striving to ensure that every Canadian can advance in their financial lives. Furthermore, their association with PC Optimum™ further embeds their financial solutions into Canadians' daily routines.

As EQ Bank moves forward, it continues to prioritize innovation and inclusivity, setting a benchmark for the industry's future and reinforcing the pivotal roles women play in shaping that future.