MINNEAPOLIS (March 28, 2019) – The Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) announced that RBC Wealth Management-U.S. and RBC Capital Markets, U.S. each received a perfect score of 100 on the 2019 Corporate Equality Index (CEI), a national benchmarking survey and report on corporate policies and practices related to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) workplace equality, administered by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation. RBC joins the ranks of more than 550 major U.S. businesses which also earned top marks this year.
“RBC is incredibly honored to receive a perfect score of 100 on the Human Rights Campaign Corporate Equality Index for the tenth year, as we strive to be a strong advocate for advancing LGBTQ rights in the workplace,” said Michael Armstrong, CEO, RBC Wealth Management-U.S. “Diversity & Inclusion is more than just a strategic priority for RBC Wealth Management – U.S., it’s an imperative that’s built into our DNA. In order for our diversity to be meaningful, we also have to create an inclusive work environment – somewhere employees feel they can bring their whole selves to work every day.”
“Celebrating diversity and inclusion are core values of our organization and we are honored to be given a top score on the Corporate Equality Index for the tenth year,” said John Thurlow, Chief Operating Officer of RBC Capital Markets in the U.S. and its U.S. Intermediary Holding Company. “We are committed to advancing a culture that embraces and respects the LGBTQ community, and we recognize that our business is only at its best when our employees feel welcome, supported and included. Equality is fundamental to both who we are and how we do business.”
As an advocate for equal employment opportunities, RBC maintains a workplace that embraces diversity and inclusion. The company provides domestic partner benefits inclusive of same sex couples as well as transgender benefits. RBC also supports national and local organizations that serve the LGBT community through sponsorships, grants and the employee gift matching program.
LGBT employee resource groups within RBC globally, include: RBC PRIDE U.S. (established in 1999), RBC PRIDE Canada (2006), RBC PRIDE Capital Markets (2011), and RBC PRIDE UK (2011). All groups have a mission to create a welcoming and open working environment that allows LGBT employees to achieve their full potential.
The 2019 CEI rated more than 550 businesses in the report, which evaluates LGBTQ-related policies and practices including non-discrimination workplace protections, domestic partner benefits, transgender-inclusive health care benefits, competency programs and public engagement with the LGBTQ community. RBC’s efforts in satisfying all of the CEI’s criteria results in a 100 ranking and the designation as a Best Place to Work for LGBTQ Equality.
For more information on the 2019 Corporate Equality Index, or to download a free copy of the report, visit www.hrc.org/cei.
In the United States, RBC Wealth Management operates as a division of RBC Capital Markets, LLC. Founded in 1909, RBC Capital Markets, LLC is a member of the New York Stock Exchange, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, the Securities Investor Protection Corporation, and other major securities exchanges. RBC Wealth Management has $358 billion in total client assets with approximately 1,800 financial advisors operating in 200 locations in 42 states. For more information about RBC Wealth Management-U.S., visit https://www.rbcwealthmanagement.com/
RBC Capital Markets is a premier global investment bank providing expertise in banking, finance and capital markets to corporations, institutional investors, asset managers and governments around the world. We serve clients from 70 offices in 15 countries across North America, the UK, Europe and the Asia-Pacific region. Our more than 7,400 professionals deliver the experience and insights required to raise capital, access markets, mitigate risk and acquire or dispose of assets for clients worldwide. We are consistently ranked, by third-party sources, among the 10 largest and most significant investment banks globally.
RBC Capital Markets is part of a leading, diversified provider of financial services, Royal Bank of Canada (RBC). Operating since 1869, RBC is one of the largest banks in the world and the fifth largest in North America, as measured by market capitalization. With a strong capital base and consistent financial performance, RBC is among a small group of highly rated global banks.
The Human Rights Campaign Foundation is the educational arm of America’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual transgender and queer people. HRC envisions a world where LGBTQ people are embraced as full members of society at home, at work and in every community.
Jonell Lundquist, RBC Wealth Management, 612-371-2239, or Jonell.lundquist@rbc.com
Investment and insurance products offered through RBC Wealth Management are not insured by the FDIC or any other federal government agency, are not deposits or other obligations of, or guaranteed by, a bank or any bank affiliate, and are subject to investment risks, including possible loss of the principal amount invested.