RBC invests close to $10 million and creates jobs in Quartier DIX30, Brossard

The project includes a new RBC Retail Store, as well as the relocation of the South Shore/Montérégie Business Banking Centre, of Financial Planning services, and of RBC Private Banking services 

BROSSARD, QC, May 22, 2013 /CNW Telbec/ - RBC Royal Bank has installed its new Montreal South Shore offices in phase III of Quartier DIX30 in Brossard, at a cost of approximately $10 million. The offices house a new RBC Retail Store, the South Shore/Montérégie Business Banking Centre and RBC Private Banking services, while Dominion Securities' new offices are located nearby. Over the short-term, RBC Royal Bank will create 20 or so specialist jobs.

"We chose Quartier DIX30, because this sector is still in full expansion, both economically and demographically," explains Martin Thibodeau, President, Quebec Headquarters, RBC Royal Bank, who goes on to say "This is the largest Quebec-wide investment made by RBC in a single project over the last few years. Quebec represents a strategic choice for development and this investment, including the $30 million invested in our branches every year for renovations or construction, will help enhance our competitive position."

"We are very happy to be investing in Brossard," adds Danielle Demers, Regional Vice-President, RBC Royal Bank. "Since it's such a dynamic city, we are delighted to establish our RBC Retail Store there, with its leading-edge banking technology and financial advice services, which perfectly illustrates the direction RBC Royal Bank is taking in transforming its branches into specialized retail stores."

Located at 9090 Leduc Boulevard in Brossard, the new retail store focuses on engaging and interacting with clients, while offering a wide variety of technologies. The space reserved for services is primarily supported by specialized staff, who are always on hand to listen to clients' needs. There are nine different areas where, in addition to automated banking machines, a night depository unit and a teller's counter, you will find a Discovery Area where clients can retrieve information on ways to save money with a TFSA and learn more about financial  projections with the help of a touch-screen and an interactive personal savings program, an Event Area where a wall-mounted screen shows videos to clients who want information on financial products and budget tips, a Semi-Private Meeting Area with our specialists, which  includes meeting rooms equipped with the latest communications technology, and a Rewards Area for clients to discover the range of products available when they redeem points earned with an RBC credit card, for example.

"Our clients are delighted to discover the benefits of our new RBC Retail Store and, in particular, to find that a team member is immediately on hand to provide guidance on how to use the various sources of electronic information," explains Christine Pinet, Quartier DIX30 RBC Retail Store Manager. We are no longer tucked away in offices or behind a counter, and are now available to greet all our clients in a warm and professional manner."

In addition to the advice and services offered by a team of specialists in financial products, the RBC Retail Store is perfectly adapted to the clients' needs, with more space and service areas to ensure confidentiality. Here, the client will also be able to find account managers servicing business clients, as well as investment and mortgage specialists. The latter are mobile and can meet their clients at a place and time at their convenience.

RBC Royal Bank Commercial Financial Services' Business Banking Centre also occupies new offices at 9090 Leduc Boulevard in Quartier DIX30. "We will continue to serve South Shore/Montérégie's businesses and institutions with just as much efficiency, if not more, given that our services will still be easily accessible geographically," states Jean-François Prince, Vice-President, Commercial Financial Services, RBC Royal Bank. "We have a strong team of account managers, which also includes Franchise, Leasing, Commercial Mortgage, Group Financial Services and Commercial Agriculture specialists," adds Mr. Armand.

RBC Royal Bank already has more than 400 employees on the South Shore of Montreal and anticipates that this number will rise to 450 over the two years following its arrival in Quartier DIX30. Counting its new Retail Store, RBC will have 20 branches and 7 specialized establishments, including a securities brokerage office and two Business Banking Centres in the South Shore/Montérégie region.

ABOUT RBC

Royal Bank of Canada (RY on the TSX and NYSE) and its subsidiaries operate under the brand name of RBC. We are Canada's largest bank as measured by assets and market capitalization, and among the largest banks in the world, based on market capitalization. We are one of North America's leading diversified financial services companies, and provide personal and commercial banking, wealth management services, insurance, investor services and wholesale banking on a global basis. We employ approximately 80,000 full- and part-time employees who serve more than 15 million personal, business, public sector and institutional clients through offices in Canada, the U.S. and 49 other countries. For more information, visit www.rbc.com.

RBC supports a broad range of community initiatives through donations, sponsorships and employee volunteer activities. In 2012, we contributed more than $95 million to causes worldwide, through donations of more than $64 million, and an additional $31 million in sponsorship of community events.

SOURCE: RBC ROYAL BANK

Christine Pinet, Quartier DIX30 RBC Retail Store Manager, Brossard 450-656-3229

Raymond Chouinard, Media and Public Relations, RBC Royal Bank 514-874-6556