Michael Armstrong

Leadership

CEO
RBC Wealth Management–U.S.

By investing in people and technology together—rather than investing in one at the expense of the other—we’ve created a model for advice capable of pivoting quickly to meet new client demands and market challenges.

As CEO, Michael Armstrong leads RBC Wealth Management–U.S. with integrity and an eye toward innovation. A strong believer in collaboration and inclusivity, Michael empowers employees to think critically and creatively to solve business challenges and maximize opportunities. He brings together RBC’s world-class resources, talent and capabilities to provide trusted advice and wealth management solutions that help individuals, families and institutions achieve their financial goals.

Michael draws from years of experience in the financial services industry and is a highly sought-after thought leader. Before joining RBC, he spent 25 years at Morgan Stanley and held a succession of senior management positions.

As the global head of Wealth Management Capital Markets at Morgan Stanley, Michael was responsible for trading, content and risk management activities in the debt, equity and structured products markets for 17,000 financial advisors. Before that, he served as the global head of Morgan Stanley Private Wealth Management, a business dedicated to the private banking needs of ultra-high-net-worth families in the U.S., Europe, Asia, Latin America and the Middle East.

He served as COO of non-Japan Asia in Hong Kong, head of International Prime Brokerage in London and global head of Wealth Management at Jefferies & Co. in New York.

Michael earned his undergraduate degree from Duke University and his Master of Business Administration from Harvard Business School. He lives in the Twin Cities area and enjoys hiking, biking and skiing with his partner, Jill, and his two grown children.

Michael's insights

Wealth managers need to walk the ESG investing talk

Responsible investing

Investors’ desire to use their wealth to influence positive change in the world is growing and responsible investing can be an effective way to achieve that goal.

4 minute read

Cross-border wealth planning: How to manage your family’s global interests

As your wealth–and family members–become more global, we explore cross border banking, tax planning, and estate planning considerations.

6 minute read

Why we’re all in on responsible investing

Responsible investing is an effective way for investors to have an impact on things they care about.

4 minute read

Why fighting financial fraud isn’t just business for me, it’s personal

Financial advisors can hold a special place in a family’s life. They’re also in a unique position to identify a cause for concern.

3 minute read