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

Fifth year the company achieved 100 percent on Corporate Equality Index

TORONTO, Dec. 1, 2014 /PRNewswire/ - 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 2015 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 366 major U.S. businesses that also received top marks this year.

"We are honored to receive a perfect score on the Human Rights Campaign's Corporate Equality Index for the fifth year," said John Taft, CEO, RBC Wealth Management – U.S. and executive sponsor of the RBC PRIDE U.S. LGBT employee resource group (ERG). "RBC is committed to creating an inclusive environment for employees; recruiting and retaining top talent that mirrors the communities we serve; and delivering unparalleled client satisfaction by understanding our clients' unique needs. By fostering a culture that embraces the values of diversity and inclusion, we will strengthen our position as a global leader."

"We are thrilled to receive this esteemed rating alongside several of our clients and business partners who value diversity and inclusion," said Blair Fleming, Head of RBC Capital Markets, U.S., and Head of U.S. Investment Banking. "We are 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, including: RBC PRIDE U.S. (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 order to achieve a perfect score, a company has to show a deep and serious commitment to treating their LGBT employees fairly and equally on the job," said HRC President Chad Griffin. "We also look at whether a company is speaking out in the public square to advocate for LGBT equality here in this country and around the world. 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."

The 2015 CEI rated 972 businesses in the report, which evaluates LGBT-related policies and practices including non-discrimination workplace protections, domestic partner benefits, transgender-inclusive healthcare 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 2015 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 services, 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 40 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 2013, we contributed more than $104 million to causes worldwide, including donations and community investments of more than $69 million and $35 million in sponsorships. Learn more at www.rbc.com/community-sustainability.

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