EQ Bank Names Arrivals + Departures Creative and Media Agency of Record

EQ Bank, Canada’s only digital-first challenger bank, has named Arrivals + Departures as its new creative and media agency of record to help the brand deliver on its next chapter of growth.

Building on the strong momentum of recent years, EQ Bank is rapidly scaling awareness and sharpening its challenge to the status quo. With nearly 600,000 customers and a track record of innovation, the digital bank is determined to reinvent what Canadians can expect from their financial institutions.

“We’re challenging an entire category so Canadians can finally get more from their money and a banking experience that actually works for them,” said Andy MacPherson, VP of marketing at EQ Bank. “A+D has a long history of thinking and acting like a challenger. Their strategic boldness, creative instincts and integrated media model made them the perfect fit to help take EQ Bank from admired to iconic.”

Andy, who joined EQ Bank in February, brings deep brand-building experience, a keen understanding of the financial services customer and an appreciation for the powerful role data plays in driving marketing effectiveness in highly competitive industries. In his role, Andy will build on the work already begun to reinvent Canadians’ relationship with their banks and their money through a mix of technology, empathy and creative storytelling.

“EQ Bank has always punched above its weight,” continued Andy. “Now it’s time to go full tilt to make EQ Bank a household name across Canada. We’re here to show Canadians they deserve better and no longer need to settle for old banking models.” For Arrivals + Departures, the win is both personal and purposeful.

“This is the kind of partnership we live for,” said Mike Bevacqua, partner and president. “As an agency born out of a challenger spirit, we see in EQ Bank a kindred drive and willingness to be bold, defy expectations, and chart a different path. Together, we plan to build a brand that breaks category conventions and shows up differently.” The mandate includes brand platform development and fully integrated campaigns, built collaboratively with EQ Bank’s internal teams. With strategy, creative, and media under one roof, the agency aims to deliver seamless, high-impact storytelling that moves the needle.

“A+D was built for moments like this,” said Jennifer Sutherland, VP media. “We believe the best campaigns happen when creative and media work in lockstep. EQ Bank gets that. They want to win. And we’re excited to win with them.”