Scotiabank Timeline

By Decade

1993 - Micro-lending - Scotiabank launches a micro-lending program in Guyana. Scotia Enterprise offers collateral-free loans, mainly for working capital, to structured groups of five people.

In addition, the program helps educate micro-entrepreneurs about credit and encourages savings among borrowers.

1993 - Braille Statements - Starting in December Scotiabank begins providing account statements in Braille.

Expanding on this, in 1995 Scotiabank becomes the first major Canadian bank to offer VISA statements in Braille.

1993 - Mastercard - Scotiabank issues its first Mastercard. While offering only VISA in Canada, Scotiabank introduces Mastercard in Jamaica and in Trinidad and Tobago.

This card also represents The Bank of Nova Scotia Jamaica Limited’s first domestic credit card.

1993 - Scotia Professional Plan

Scotiabank introduces a comprehensive package of business and personal banking services specially designed to meet the needs of self-employed professionals.

1994 - Glacier National Life Assurance - Scotiabank acquires Glacier National Life Assurance and renames it Scotia Life Insurance Company.

Prior to this acquisition, Scotiabank offered insurance products only through partnerships with insurance providers.

1994 - Montreal Trust - Scotiabank acquires Montreal Trustco Inc., one of the oldest and most respected trust companies in Canada, with branches across the country.

The purchase positions Scotiabank as a major player in the arena of trust services.

1994 - Scotia Student Loans

Scotiabank launches Scotia Student Loans, designed to meet the needs of students who are ineligible for provincial and federal government loans.

1995 - Costa Rica

Scotiabank establishes a presence in Costa Rica with the acquisition of an 80% stake in the Costa Rican financial services group, Corporacion Mercaban.

1995 - First Female EVP - Scotiabank appoints Sylvia Chrominska to Executive Vice President.

She assumes overall responsibility for the Human Resources function.

1995 - Scotiabusiness Plan Writer - Scotiabank launches Scotiabusiness Plan Writer, a free, user-friendly software package.

It is designed to assist entrepreneurs in preparing business plans, including detailed financial projections.

1995 - Redefining "Spouse"

Scotiabank changes its definition of spouse to permit benefit coverage for same-sex partners.

1996 - Banking By Phone - Scotiabank introduces TeleScotia, which provides toll-free access to telephone banking from anywhere in North America.

The service is available in English, French, Cantonese and Mandarin, 24 hours a day.