Phillips, Hager & North launches new direct-to-investor brand: PH&N
Investment Services

VANCOUVER , Feb. 11 /CNW/ - Phillips, Hager & North (PH&N) today announced the launch of its new brand "PH&N Investment Services" for its direct-to-investor business. PH&N Investment Services provides a unique service offering for Canadian investors, based on low-fee funds, personalized service and advice, and online tools that empower investors to build and manage a portfolio tailored to their needs.

"Canadian investors have typically chosen between a discount brokerage and a full service advice offering, but for some these options may not best suit their needs," said Mark Neill , head of PH&N Investment Services. "We bring something different to the marketplace - our service is ideally suited for fee-conscious investors who are looking to manage and maintain their own investments but also want the comfort of professional advice when they need it."

Investors can now choose amongst the full range of PH&N Funds and RBC Funds(R), in both cases accessing Series D units that offer direct-to-investor pricing, no loads and no transaction fees. Series D units of PH&N Funds and RBC Funds(R) have some of the lowest fees of all actively managed mutual funds in Canada . "We believe that investors who manage their own investment portfolios should pay lower fees as a result," said Neill.

To complement the advice provided by our Investment Funds Advisors, a suite of new online tools is available to help investors compare investment options and customize their portfolios to meet their needs. The new tools include an investor profiler, portfolio builder module and an MER comparison calculator. These tools are available to the public at www.phn.com.

"Investors have placed their trust in PH&N since 1964, recognizing our exceptional service, trusted advice and low fees to our clients - clients that have helped us grow through word-of-mouth recommendations and referrals," said Neill. "With the launch of the PH&N Investment Services brand and enhanced service offering, we will continue to provide the exemplary services our clients have come to expect and invite new investors to experience the same."

For more information, please contact us at 1-800-661-6141 or visit us at www.phn.com.

About PH&N Investment Services and RBC Global Asset Management

PH&N Investment Services (PH&N IS) provides investment solutions and advice to Canadian investors. PH&N IS is the branded entity representing Phillips, Hager & North Investment Funds, part of Phillips, Hager & North (PH&N). PH&N is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) and a part of RBC Global Asset Management (RBC GAM), which also comprises RBC Asset Management Inc. (RBC AM) and RBC Global Asset Management (U.S.) Inc. Combined, RBC GAM's component companies manage approximately $200 billion in assets in Canada and the United States , including nearly $100 billion in IFIC-reported mutual fund assets in Canada . RBC AM won the Lipper Awards for "Best Bond Fund Family" in 2009 and "Best Overall Fund Group" in 2007 and 2008; PH&N won for "Best Bond Fund Family" in 2007 and 2008. Website: www.rbcgam.com.

About RBC Wealth Management

RBC GAM is part of RBC Wealth Management, which directly serves affluent and high net worth clients in Canada , the United States , Latin America, Europe and Asia with a full suite of investment, trust and other wealth management solutions. The business also provides asset management products and services directly, through its RBC Global Asset Management division, and through RBC and third-party distributors to institutional and individual clients. RBC Wealth Management has more than C$500 billion of assets under administration, over C$245 billion of assets under management and more than 4,500 financial consultants, advisors, private bankers and trust officers. RBC Wealth Management was recognized as the Best North American based Wealth Manager by Private Banker International in October 2009 .

For further information: Yen To, RBC Global Asset Management Communications, [phone]; Matt Gierasimczuk, RBC Media Relations, [phone]