Framework establishes a platform for the issuance of labelled defence instruments in support of Canada's defence, security and resilience priorities
TORONTO, Sept. 8, 2026 /CNW/ -- Scotiabank today published its Canadian Defence Issuance Framework, becoming the first organization in Canada to establish a dedicated framework for labelled defence issuances. The Framework provides the basis for Scotiabank to issue Canadian Defence Instruments, including Canadian Defence Bonds, to finance or refinance eligible activities supporting Canada's defence, security and resilience priorities. The Framework establishes the criteria under which Scotiabank may issue Defence Instruments in the future and does not itself constitute an issuance of securities.
The publication of the Framework comes as Canada and its allies increase investment in defence capabilities, industrial capacity, critical infrastructure and strategic technologies. By establishing a dedicated framework, Scotiabank aims to support the mobilization of capital across Canada's defence and security ecosystem while providing transparency regarding the allocation of proceeds from Defence Instruments issued under the Framework.
"Defence financing is a fast-evolving market where standards are still forming. Publishing this Framework is how we bring discipline and transparency to the capital we deploy in support of Canada's security and industrial capacity," said Brandon Konigsberg, Executive Vice President and Group Treasurer, Scotiabank.
"As Canada makes significant investments in defence, security and resilience, access to capital will play an increasingly important role in supporting those priorities," said Paul Scurfield, Executive Vice President and Global Head, Capital Markets, Scotiabank. "The Framework reflects our commitment to supporting clients operating in sectors that contribute to Canada's security, resilience and long-term economic growth."
The Framework is informed by Canadian and allied defence priorities, including Canada's Defence Industrial Strategy and Our North, Strong and Free, and sets out the eligible activities, governance approach and reporting commitments applicable to Defence Instruments issued under the Framework.
The Framework is also the first such framework globally to receive an independent assessment from Sustainable Fitch, which found that the Framework is aligned with emerging defence financing market practices and has clear linkage to Canada's defence, security and sovereign capability objectives through well-defined eligibility criteria.
The Canadian Defence Issuance Framework and Sustainable Fitch's Defence Issuance Framework Assessment are available on Scotiabank's website at: https://www.scotiabank.com/ca/en/about/investors-shareholders/funding-programs/defence-issuances.html.
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Noah Note: You know, it was only a few months ago that prople jumping unto industry were getting debanked by our financial institutions over their Defence ties. I think we often forget that the hesitancy and downright refusal to contribute to defence from our major banks is still fresh, and in some cases still ongoing in itself.
That is changing ad the Federal Government throws it's weight into industry, but we shouldn't forget that our institutions still voew defence as a black sheep in many regards, and their support needs to be consistent, fair, and universal if we want to have the Instruments needed to contribute to the Defence Industrial Base.
This is good, don't get me wrong, but it's a small step of what needs to be a leap.
Is this somehow tied or first step in support of DSRB?