U.S. RBC businesses recognized as a 'Best Place to Work for LGBT Equality' by the Human Rights Campaign

Sixth year the company achieved 100 per cent on Corporate Equality Index

TORONTO, Nov. 19, 2015 /CNW/ - The Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) announced that RBC Wealth Management-U.S. and RBC Capital Markets-U.S. each received a perfect score of 100 per cent on the 2016 Corporate Equality Index (CEI). This rating individually recognizes both RBC businesses as one of the "Best Places to Work for LGBT Equality." The Human Rights Campaign administers this benchmarking survey and report that studies corporate policies and practices related to LGBT workplace equality. RBC joins the ranks of 407 major U.S. businesses that also received top marks this year.

"This perfect 100 per cent rating from the Human Rights Campaign for the sixth year reflects how strongly RBC values the diversity of its workforce," said John Taft, CEO, RBC Wealth Management - U.S. and executive sponsor of the RBC PRIDE U.S. LGBT employee resource group (ERG). "We don't just say we value diversity; we take significant steps to incorporate diversity and inclusion into our corporate culture and the way we do business. This award is proof of that commitment."

"RBC is honored to receive the highest rating for the sixth year, underscoring our ongoing commitment to diversity and inclusion," said Blair Fleming, head of RBC Capital Markets, U.S., and head of U.S. Investment Banking. "We remain deeply committed to standing by our LGBT employees and their families for equality in the workplace."

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

LGBT ERGs within RBC globally, include: RBC PRIDE U.S. (established in 1999), RBC PRIDE Canada (2006), RBC PRIDE Capital Markets (2011), and RBC PRIDE UK (2011). All groups have a mission to create a welcoming and open working environment that allows LGBT employees to achieve their full potential.

"In this 2016 Corporate Equality Index, hundreds of major businesses responded to our new standards for workplace equality with exceptional leadership. RBC not only meets these standards, it goes above and beyond the call of duty, making commitment to equality a fundamental aspect of its corporate values," said Deena Fidas, HRC Foundation Workplace Equality Program Director.

The 2016 CEI rated 1,027 businesses in the report, which evaluates LGBT-related policies and practices including non-discrimination workplace protections, domestic partner benefits, transgender-inclusive health care benefits, competency programs, and public engagement with the LGBT community. RBC's efforts in satisfying all of the CEI's criteria results in a 100 per cent ranking and the designation as a Best Place to Work for LGBT Equality.

For more information on the 2016 Corporate Equality Index, or to download a free copy of the report, visit www.hrc.org/cei.

About RBC
Royal Bank of Canada is Canada's largest bank, and one of 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, insurance, investor services and capital markets products and services on a global basis. We employ approximately 79,000 full- and part-time employees who serve more than 16 million personal, business, public sector and institutional clients through offices in Canada, the U.S. and 38 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 2014, we contributed more than $111 million to causes worldwide, including donations and community investments of more than $76 million and $35 million in sponsorships.

About the Human Rights Campaign
The Human Rights Campaign is America's largest civil rights organization working to achieve lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality. By inspiring and engaging all Americans, HRC strives to end discrimination against LGBT citizens and realize a nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all.

SOURCE RBC

Jonell Lundquist, RBC Wealth Management, 612-371-2239, [email protected]