RBC recognized as a leader in retail banking

Industry-leading innovation, service and performance earn two international awards for RBC employees

TORONTO, May 10, 2013 /CNW/ - The employees of RBC's Personal and Commercial Banking division in Canada were recognized today with two international awards for their exceptional innovation, service, and performance in the 2013 Retail Banker International (RBI) awards. RBC beat out more than 300 banks from around the world to win the awards in this global competition lead by RBI, the London-based banking publication that analyzes and reports on the retail banking sector.

RBC Royal Bank won the top prize in the categories of Innovation in Customer Service, and Best Retail Bank in North America.

"We're honoured to have been recognized by RBI and I'm very proud of all our employees," said Dave McKay, Group Head of Personal and Commercial Banking at RBC. "These awards are a testament to their incredible dedication and commitment, as they work day in and day out to help our clients succeed."

In commenting on RBC Royal Bank's impressive performance, Douglas Blakey, Group Editor Consumer Finance for Timetric Financial Services noted the bank had generated outstanding financial performance. "In fiscal 2012, the Canadian Banking unit of RBC excelled in developing new and better ways to serve their clients," said Mr. Blakey. "They also set records for financial performance and outperformed its Canadian peer group in a variety of metrics."

This year's RBI Awards programme marks the second year in a row that RBC Royal Bank has been among the most recognized banks. Last year the bank won for Best Retail Bank in North America, and Retail Banker of the Year.

RBI is one of the world's leading sources of retail banking news and information from around the world. It is part of Timetric, a leading provider of online data, analysis and advisory services on key financial and industry sectors.

ABOUT RBC

Royal Bank of Canada (RY on TSX and NYSE) and its subsidiaries operate under the master brand name RBC. We are Canada's largest bank as measured by assets and market capitalization, and are 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, and 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, please visit 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, including donations and community investments of more than $64 million and $31 million in sponsorships.

SOURCE: RBC

Jacqui van der Jagt, 416 974-1756