RBC businesses in the U.S. celebrated for LGBTQ equality by the Human Rights Campaign

Newsroom

Share

Top marks as ‘Best Place to Work’ achieved for 12th year

MINNEAPOLIS and NEW YORK (January 28, 2021) – RBC Wealth Management – U.S. and RBC Capital Markets – U.S. have for the 12th year received a top score on the Human Rights Campaign’s 2021 Corporate Equality Index (CEI), the nation’s foremost benchmarking survey and report measuring corporate policies and practices related to LGBTQ workplace equality. These RBC divisions join the ranks of 767 major U.S. businesses that also earned top marks this year.

“Coming out of an especially challenging year, one where we witnessed injustices play out in real time and where we reckoned with longstanding systemic racism and discrimination, this recognition by the HRC illustrates RBC’s commitment and dedication to advancing Diversity and Inclusion – for LGBTQ communities and for all of our colleagues, communities, clients and the industry at large,” said Michael Armstrong, CEO of RBC Wealth Management – U.S. “This ranking continually reflects how strongly we value diversity in the workplace, but also underscores the need for more work to build on those commitments for a more just and more equal society, inside and outside our own walls.”

“RBC is proud that our longstanding support of the LGBTQ community has again been recognized with the highest rating from the Human Rights Campaign for the 12th year. We continue to make headway in fostering a culture that embraces Diversity and Inclusion to empower our employees across all facets of our business. We have made progress around our policy, advocacy and allyship, allowing us to create a workplace where equality is a priority,” said John Thurlow, U.S. Chief Operating Officer of RBC Capital Markets. “While we are proud of this acknowledgment, we understand much remains to be done, and we are committed to making further strides in Diversity and Inclusion to drive lasting change.”

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-inclusive benefits. RBC also supports national and local organizations that serve the LGBTQ community through sponsorships, grants and its employee gift matching program.

LGBTQ Employee Resource Groups within RBC globally include: RBC PRIDE U.S. WM (established in 1999), RBC PRIDE Canada (2006), RBC PRIDE U.S. CM (2011), and RBC PRIDE UK CM (2011). All groups have a mission to create a welcoming and open working environment that allows LGBTQ employees to achieve their full potential.

The results of the 2021 CEI showcase how 1,142 U.S.-based companies are not only promoting LGBTQ-friendly workplace policies in the U.S., but also for the 57% of CEI-rated companies with global operations who are helping advance the cause of LGBTQ inclusion in workplaces abroad. RBC’s efforts in satisfying all of the CEI’s criteria earned a 100 percent ranking and the designation as one of the Best Places to Work for LGBTQ Equality.

The CEI rates companies on detailed criteria falling under four central pillars:

  • Non-discrimination policies across business entities
  • Equitable benefits for LGBTQ workers and their families
  • Supporting an inclusive culture
  • Corporate social responsibility

The full report is available online at www.hrc.org/cei.

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.

About RBC Wealth Management – U.S.

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 $416 billion in total client assets with more than 2,000 financial advisors operating in 179 locations in 42 states.

About RBC Capital Markets

RBC Capital Markets is recognized by the most significant corporations, institutional investors, asset managers, private equity firms, and governments around the globe as an innovative, trusted partner with an in-depth expertise in capital markets, banking, and finance.

We are well-established in the largest, most mature capital markets with over 7,300 employees across North America, Europe, and the Asia-Pacific region in 70 offices and 15 countries, collectively encompassing more than 80% of global investment banking activity each year.

Media Contact:

Tim Nelson, RBC Wealth Management, 612-371-2239, or tim.nelson@rbc.com