Business accounts

Business banking accounts for the creative industry

Manage your business finances with confidence and make every dollar go further.

Chequing accounts

No matter your business size, we have an account that makes your business banking better.

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Savings accounts

Put your business earnings to work with higher interest rates and easy access when you need it.

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Make the most of your daily business banking

Student smiling in hallway holding backpack straps

Credit cards

Effortlessly earn rewards on every business expense, wherever your work takes you.

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Debit card

Flexible access to your money — designed to keep your business running smoothly.

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Business services

Get the guidance and tools you need to help your business start strong and keep growing.

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Looking for personal accounts?

Designed for creative people, our personal accounts help you stay financially confident while your ideas take shape.

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What types of business accounts are available?

Creative Arts Financial offers business chequing and business savings accounts designed to support day to day banking needs. These accounts help businesses manage cash flow, make payments, and receive deposits efficiently. Options are available to suit different operating styles, from high transaction accounts to savings solutions for surplus funds.

Who can open a business account?

Business accounts are available to sole proprietors, freelancers, partnerships, incorporated businesses, and organizations in the creative industries. Creative Arts Financial supports businesses at every stage, from early growth to established operations.

How does a business chequing account support daily operations?

A business chequing account helps manage everyday transactions such as paying suppliers, receiving client payments, handling payroll, and covering operating expenses. It provides easy access to funds, reliable digital banking, and clear transaction records that simplify bookkeeping.

What is the benefit of a business savings account?

A business savings account allows businesses to set aside surplus funds while earning interest. It is ideal for short term reserves, upcoming expenses, or building a financial cushion without locking funds into a fixed investment. Creative Arts Financial offers savings accounts with competitive rates and flexibility.

How do business accounts help with cash flow management?

Business accounts provide clear visibility into incoming and outgoing funds. This makes it easier to track spending, plan ahead, and maintain healthy cash flow. With organized records and flexible banking tools, Creative Arts Financial helps businesses stay in control of their finances.

Not a member yet? It’s easy to open a business account with us.

Ejaz Nadeem

Board endorsed

Personal statement of interest

As a lifelong advocate for financial literacy, sound governance, and member value, I am seeking election to the Board of FirstOntario Credit Union to contribute my strategic, financial, and leadership expertise. I bring a deep understanding of risk management, regulatory compliance, and fiduciary responsibility developed over three decades in the financial sector.

My governance experience includes serving as National Chair, Treasurer, Finance & Audit Chair, and Governance Committee member. I am committed to strong oversight, financial stewardship, and member-driven decision-making. If elected, I will help strengthen financial sustainability, support innovation, and uphold the values that make FirstOntario trusted in our communities.

What can you specifically contribute to the Board

30+ years of financial services leadership with deep operational and strategic experience
Former FirstOntario VP & Head of Wealth Management, providing direct insight into members, culture, and regulatory expectations
Strong governance background: National Treasurer, Finance & Audit Chair, Governance Committee member
Robust financial literacy from P&L leadership, budgeting, forecasting, and capital awareness
Risk-aware decision-maker, experienced in conducting risk, suitability, compliance, and audit collaboration
Constructive challenge mindset grounded in clarity, evidence, and member outcomes
Collaborative board approach that respects roles, values diverse perspectives, and supports collective decisions
Commitment to cooperative principles and long-term member value
Focus on sustainable performance, financial resilience, and responsible risk-taking

Education & Professional Designations

Master's Degree, MA (Economics) from the University of Alberta
Completed levels 1 and 2 of the Chartered Financial Analyst Program (CFA)
CFP and CLU designations

Work Experience

Management Consultant 2021 – Present
VP & Head of Wealth, FirstOntario Credit Union 2011-2020
VP (Regional) Credential/Aviso Wealth 1998-2009

Board & Committee Experience

Current:

Board Trustee, Past Chair, The Institute for Advanced Financial Education
Board Director, Advocis, The Financial Advisors Association of Canada
Member, Governance Committee, Advocis

Past:

Treasurer, Finance & Audit Committee Chair, Advocis
Board Director and Treasurer, Muslim Association of Hamilton
Board Director, Canadian Association of Gift Planners

Business U.S. Dollar Investment Savings account

Balance	Rate*
Balance All balances	Rate* 0.20%

* Per annum rate. Rate and terms subject to change without notice. Conditions apply.

Business Savings account

Balance	Rate*
Balance $0 – $100,000.00	Rate* 0.20%
Balance $100,000.01 – $250,000.00	Rate* 0.30%
Balance $250,000.01 – $500,000.00	Rate* 0.40%
Balance $500,000.01 – $750,000.00	Rate* 0.60%
Balance $750,000.01 – $1,000,000.00	Rate* 0.80%
Balance $1,000,000.01+	Rate* 1.10%

* Per annum rate. Rate and terms subject to change without notice. Conditions apply.

Stu Walker

Stu Walker has served on FirstOntario’s Board of Directofor the past seven years. Stu believes he has taken the necessary steps to serve you better through experience, personal and professional development and wishes to continue using that knowledge by giving back to FirstOntario and its members. Stu is a firm believer in the cooperative spirit of the credit union system whose values and principles are about giving forward to our communities not about improving shareholder value on the backs of its members.

Now retired, Stu was employed as a Finance Manager for over 25 years, performing various senior management functions and responsibilities.

He served on the Board of Directors for Prime Financial Credit Union for over 11 years and as Chair of the Board for two years. He assisted with facilitating the successful merger with FirstOntario. While on the Prime Financial Board, Stu also served as Vice Chair for six years and Chair of the Planning Committee for three years. While on the Prime Financial Board, Stu also served as Treasurer on the Board of Directors for the Hamilton & District Chapter of the Credit Institute of Canada for six years.

Stu has completed the Credit Union Directors Achievement (CUDA) program earning the Accredited Canadian Credit Union Director designation and also holds a Chartered Director designation from Directors College. Stu also graduated from the Audit program at Directors College. He continues to maintain his standing through professional development, active participation and frequent volunteering.

In the past, Stu has participated in both of the Junior Achievement Programs; The Business Advisor program and their Project Business program. As a volunteer and a Director representing different organizations, Stu brings a well-rounded sense of what is required in order to serve FirstOntario’s members to the best of his ability. He believes that as a credit union Director, he is responsible first and foremost to the Membership by listening and enacting policies and procedures that will strengthen FirstOntario Credit Union.

Stu has served as Audit & Risk Committee Chair, Governance Committee Chair and as a member of the Strategic Oversight Committee of FirstOntario’s Board of Directors.

Dianne MacLean

Dianne MacLean and her husband Dave have both lived and worked in the Hamilton area for the past 40 years. A mother to four children, Dianne is now retired and is enjoying spending time with her seven grandchildren. In her career, Dianne attended McMaster University and Mohawk College to attain the designation of “FCCUI” - Fellow of the Canadian Credit Union Institute.

Dianne began her working career at the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce and Canada Permanent Trust before taking a position with Keen Community Credit Union - later known as Prime Financial.

Dianne worked at Prime Financial for twenty-nine years as a Manager and Assistant General Manager. While employed with Prime Financial, Dianne managed human resources and administered the employee benefits program. Dianne particularly enjoyed interacting with members and helping them with their financial decision making.

Dianne gave her time as treasurer as a Board Member of the Fifty Point Yacht Club for three years. She also sat on the Board of Prime Financial Credit Union for a year as a member of the audit and governance committees.

A volunteer with the Cancer Society, Dianne participated in a program called “Reach to Recovery” and also volunteered with the Breast Cancer Society. Along with her three daughters, she participated in a sixty km walk to raise money for cancer research at the Princess Margaret Hospital. While at Prime Financial, Dianne organized and participated, along with her staff, in the annual Terry Fox Run at Gage Park for twenty years. Dianne’s other interests include yoga and sailing.

Dianne relishes her years working for Prime Financial and has always believed very strongly in the credit union philosophy. She and her family have enjoyed the many benefits that have come with being credit union members over the years. She has served in the position of Chair for the Governance, Audit & Risk Management, Strategic Oversight and Elections committees. During her time on FirstOntario’s Board of Directors, she has also achieved her Accredited Canadian Credit Union Director designation. Dianne is thrilled to have the opportunity to help the credit union and the membership.

U.S. Dollar Investment Savings account

Balance	Rate*
Balance All balances	Rate* 0.15%

* Per annum rate. Rate and terms subject to change without notice. Conditions apply.

Daily Interest Savings account for seniors (60+)

Balance	Rate*
Balance $0 – $1,000.00	Rate* 0.05%
Balance $1,000.01 – $5,000.00	Rate* 0.05%
Balance $5,000.01 – $10,000.00	Rate* 0.05%
Balance $10,000.01+	Rate* 0.05%

* Per annum rate. Rate and terms subject to change without notice. Conditions apply.

Investment Savings account

Account options	Rate*
Account options Non-registered savings	Rate* 0.30%
Account options TFSA investment savings	Rate* 0.60%
Account options FHSA investment savings	Rate* 3.20%
Account options RRSP investment savings	Rate* 0.05%
Account options RRIF investment savings	Rate* 0.05%

* Per annum rate. Rate and terms subject to change without notice. Conditions apply.

Daily Interest Savings account

Balance	Rate*
Balance $0 – $1,000.00	Rate* 0.05%
Balance $1,000.01 – $5,000.00	Rate* 0.05%
Balance $5,000.01 – $10,000.00	Rate* 0.05%
Balance $10,000.01+	Rate* 0.05%

* Per annum rate. Rate and terms subject to change without notice. Conditions apply.

Friday, April 3, 2026	Good Friday
Monday, May 18, 2026	Victoria Day
Wednesday, July 1, 2026	Canada Day
Monday, August 3, 2026	Civic Holiday
Monday, September 7, 2026	Labour Day
Wednesday, September 30, 2026	National Day for Truth and Reconciliation*
Monday, October 12, 2026	Thanksgiving Day
Wednesday, November 11, 2026	Remembrance Day*
Thursday, December 24, 2026	Christmas Eve**
Friday, December 25, 2026	Christmas Day
Monday, December 28, 2026	Observation of Boxing Day*
Thursday, December 31, 2026	New Year's Eve**
Friday, January 1, 2027	New Year's Day 2027

Easter closure

Business accounts

Business banking accounts for the creative industry

Manage your business finances with confidence and make every dollar go further.

Chequing accounts

Savings accounts

Make the most of your daily business banking

Credit cards

Debit card

Business services

Looking for personal accounts?

What types of business accounts are available?

Who can open a business account?

How does a business chequing account support daily operations?

What is the benefit of a business savings account?

How do business accounts help with cash flow management?

Not a member yet? It’s easy to open a business account with us.