RBC Global Asset Management

Office address: 155 Wellington Street West, Toronto ON M5V 3H6 
Website: www.rbcgam.com  
Year established: 1933 
Company type: investment and wealth management 
Employees: 1,500 
Expertise: finance, investment management 
Parent company: Royal Bank of Canada 
CEO and key people: Damon Williams, CEO 
Financing status:

RBC Global Asset Management (RBC GAM) is a prominent figure in Canada's financial industry, known for its comprehensive range of investment solutions and services. It is a subsidiary of the Royal Bank of Canada (RBC), the country’s largest bank. As of April 2023, RBC Global Asset Management has over $564 billion in assets under management worldwide. 

History of RBC Global Asset Management 

RBC Global Asset Management’s origins date back to 1933; since then, the company has expanded into a global entity with a diversified portfolio. Key milestones include the acquisition of Phillips, Hager & North Investment Management in 2008, widening its investment capabilities.  

The firm's growth continued with the purchase of UK-based BlueBay Asset Management in 2010, enhancing its fixed income and European market presence. Today, RBC GAM manages over $564 billion in assets (as of April 2023) and operates in Canada, the United States, Europe, and Asia. 

Products and Services of RBC Global Asset Management 

RBC Global Asset Management offers a diverse suite of products and services which include: 

  • mutual funds: RBC Global Asset Management offers a wide range of domestic and global investment solutions across asset classes, sectors, and themes 
  • ETFs (Exchange-Traded Funds): RBC Global Asset Management partnered with BlackRock Asset Management to establish RBC iShares, the most comprehensive ETF offering in Canada  
  • alternative investments: to meet a growing demand for alternative investments, RBC Global Asset Management offers solutions tailored across major asset classes and geographies. 
  • equity investments: the firm’s equity teams employ rigorous research and a systematic approach to manage diverse equity portfolios globally 

Culture at RBC Global Asset Management 

RBC Global Asset Management fosters a culture of excellence, diversity, and innovation. The firm values diverse viewpoints and backgrounds, believing they lead to better investment decisions. It emphasizes a blend of human expertise and technological innovation, ensuring a dynamic and forward-thinking work environment.  

This culture is underpinned by a commitment to responsible investment, integrating ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) factors into investment decisions. 

About RBC Global Asset Management CEO Damon Williams 

Damon Williams was appointed CEO of RBC Global Asset Management in May 2017. He had taken on various leadership roles since joining the company in 2005. Before that, he was with financial services firm Aon for 13 years. 

An actuary by training, Williams' leadership has been instrumental in driving RBC Global Asset Management’s growth and innovation. Under his guidance, the firm has focused on integrating technology in investment strategies and exploring new markets, including sustainable and ESG-focused investments. 

Williams has a degree in Actuarial Science from the University of Waterloo and is a CFA holder. He is part of Wealth Professional’s Hot List 2021

Future at RBC Global Asset Management 

RBC Global Asset Management is expanding its global footprint, particularly in Europe, and is increasingly focusing on ESG and sustainable investment strategies. With a strong emphasis on technology and innovation, RBC GAM is prepared to adapt to the evolving financial landscape and meet the diverse needs of its clients. 

RBC iShares expands ETF offerings

New ETF Series launched, tapping bank's fixed income expertise

RBC GAM updates ETF names and risk rating

RBC updates ETF names for a Canadian focus and raises the risk rating of its Bank Yield Index ETF

Canadian investors falling to meet climate targets

I4PC review shows major investors often skip backing climate proposals, despite pledges

Can North American consumer resilience hold in Q1?

RBC GAM chief economist shares first insights from holiday season and outlines what pressures US and Canadian consumers might face now

RBC warns US recession risks remains high; equities vulnerable

RBC Global Asset Management economist says positive outcome relies on US soft landing

What a weak consumer means for investors this holiday season

Chief Economist at RBC GAM breaks down the impact of consumption in Q4 and highlights how investors & markets might react to a weakening consumer

Three Canadian ETF heavyweights join the board of CETFA

Representatives from three major Canadian investment managers join the 2023/24 governance for the industry body

RBC GAM infrastructure fund smashes fundraising targets

The new fund attracted a lot of attention from Canadian investors, raising over $600 million in commitments

U.S. debt ceiling talks: what are the investment implications?

Default would be 'catastrophic' and even a last-minute resolution will impact markets

Why Canada's recession may be no worse than in the U.S.

One of history's most anticipated slowdowns should have less impact on markets