COMPANIES

RBC Capital Markets

Office address: 200 Vesey Street, 9th Floor, New York, NY 10281
Website: rbccm.com
Year established: 1909
Company type: investment bank
Employees: 7,600+
Expertise: global investment banking, global markets, corporate banking, sustainable finance, equity capital markets, leveraged finance, mergers and acquisitions, fixed income, foreign exchange, US municipal finance
Parent company: Royal Bank of Canada (RBC)
Key people: Derek Neldner (CEO); Allison Szmulewicz (COO); Manish Bhandari (CFO); Lindsay Patrick (chief strategy and innovation officer); Vito Sperduto, Trevor Gardner, and Lori Calvasina (RBC heads)
Financing status: corporate-backed or acquired

RBC Capital Markets (RBCCM) is the investment banking division of Royal Bank of Canada, based in New York. The firm specializes in capital markets, M&A advisory, and municipal finance for corporations and governments. It employs more than 7,600 staff across 55 offices in 15 countries as of Q4 2025.

History of RBC Capital Markets

RBCCM traces its roots to two separate ventures on different sides of the border. In 1901, Dominion Securities Corporation Limited launched in Canada to underwrite government and municipal bonds.

Eight years later, Oscar Kalman opened a small brokerage firm in St. Paul, Minnesota. These two paths would eventually merge to form one of North America’s largest investment banks.

From regional brokerages to national players

The American chapter of the story unfolded across multiple regions over several decades. Between 1909 and 1931, firms emerged in Denver, Dallas, Phoenix, and Minneapolis with a shared focus on client service.

After a series of mergers, two major players stood out: Dain Bosworth in the Midwest and Rauscher Pierce Refsnes in the Southwest. The two combined in 1997 to create Dain Rauscher, a company that quickly grew through strategic acquisitions.

Royal Bank of Canada enters the picture

RBC Capital Markets entered a new chapter in 2000 when Royal Bank of Canada acquired Dain Rauscher. It rebranded as RBC Capital Markets and quickly expanded its footprint across the country.

The company became the only Canadian dealer on Australia’s exchange in 2005 and earned US Treasury Primary Dealer status in 2009. It also expanded by acquiring firms like Tucker Anthony Sutro and Ferris, Baker Watts.

RBC Capital Markets’ growth

RBCCM continues to expand through bold moves and strategic investments. In 2015, Royal Bank of Canada acquired City National to strengthen its US commercial banking presence.

In 2025, RBC Capital Markets recruited BLS Financial Group, a six-person team from UBS, to its Michigan office. The firm made this move to deepen its presence in the Detroit market and serve high-net-worth clients.

The company also invested in Al Gore’s Just Climate venture, which focuses on restoring degraded farmland and forests. Today, RBCCM serves more than 22,900 clients across 100 countries.

RBC Capital Markets products and services

RBCCM combines cross-border capabilities with industry expertise to deliver capital markets and advisory services:

Corporate and investment banking

  • corporate banking: lending and financing strategies for corporate clients
  • equity capital markets: public and private equity offerings for corporations
  • leveraged finance: debt financing for acquisitions and buyouts
  • mergers and acquisitions: guidance on corporate deals and business combinations
  • US municipal finance: infrastructure financing for municipal issuers

Specialized solutions

  • RBC Clear: digital-first cash management for corporate treasurers
  • sustainable finance: integrates ESG factors into capital markets services
  • global research: data-driven insights and market intelligence

Global markets

  • commodities
  • debt origination
  • electronic trading
  • equities
  • equity linked products
  • foreign exchange
  • fixed income
  • prime brokerage

RBC Capital Markets also provides risk management through derivatives and structured products across multiple asset classes. The firm serves corporations, institutional investors, asset managers, and governments worldwide.

Culture and corporate values

RBC Capital Markets states that these core values define its culture:

  1. client first
  2. collaboration
  3. accountability
  4. diversity and inclusion
  5. integrity

RBCCM says that it fosters an inclusive growth environment; staff can develop professionally and personally. Employee benefits include:

  • compensation and rewards: bonuses, competitive pay, commissions, and stock options
  • health and wellness: mental health resources and modern flexible benefits
  • savings and retirement: employee savings plans and retirement programs available
  • growth and development: coaching from leaders and career advancement opportunities
  • perks and discounts: various employee discounts and additional workplace perks
  • work environment: collaborative teams, challenging work, and client relationship building

RBC also reports that it values diverse perspectives to promote workplace inclusion. The company’s policies and programs focus on respect, belonging, and opportunity for all.

About CEO Derek Neldner and key people

Derek Neldner leads as CEO and group head of RBC Capital Markets. He is also a board member of RBC US Group Holdings. Neldner joined the company in 1995 and previously served as global head of investment banking. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce in finance from the University of Alberta and is a CFA charter holder.

Alongside Neldner, several senior executives help lead RBCCM:

  • Vito Sperduto serves as head of RBC Capital Markets US, overseeing US investment banking and capital markets operations
  • Manish Bhandari is SVP and CFO, managing RBCCM’s financial planning and reporting strategy
  • Trevor Gardner is head of global investment banking coverage, directing client relationships and industry coverage teams globally
  • Lindsay Patrick is chief strategy and innovation officer, driving the company’s strategic direction and innovation initiatives
  • Allison Szmulewicz is COO of RBC Capital Markets, managing the firm’s daily operations and business processes
  • Lori Calvasina is head of US equity strategy, providing equity market research and strategic investment insights

The leadership team guides RBCCM as it serves clients across more than 100 countries. Their combined experience supports the firm’s position as a trusted global financial institution.

The future at RBC Capital Markets

RBC Capital Markets’ division, RBC Wealth Management, released its 2026 US market outlook. The company expects solid earnings growth and advises clients to focus on defensive sectors like healthcare and dividend-paying stocks. This type of forward-looking guidance helps RBC support investors as they navigate uncertain market conditions.

The firm is also growing its advisor network to strengthen client services. RBCCM added the Ellsworth Fair Wealth Management Group, a $670 million team from Robert W. Baird & Co., to its Houston office. RBC expands its retirement plan capabilities in Texas through this addition.

The latest RBC Capital Markets news

Displaying 58 results
Volatile Tuesday pushed stocks to correction before dip-buyers swooped in
EQUITIES MAR 11, 2025
Volatile Tuesday pushed stocks to correction before dip-buyers swooped in

A salvo of tariff headlines sent stocks spiraling Tuesday before bargain-hunters drove a recovery in the S&P 500.

Trump's evasiveness on recession sets off market bloodbath
EQUITIES MAR 10, 2025
Trump's evasiveness on recession sets off market bloodbath

Investor fears ruled Monday as the president's refusal to discount an economic downturn sparked panic, resulting in the weakest stock performance during an administration's first 50 days since 2009.

Wall Street strategists having second thoughts on lofty S&P 500 forecasts
EQUITIES MAR 10, 2025
Wall Street strategists having second thoughts on lofty S&P 500 forecasts

Not even three months into the year, stock market analysts at JPMorgan and other large banks are softening their convictions on the index hitting 6,500 before December.

RBC ordered to pay $9.7M in Finra discrimination case
RBC ordered to pay $9.7M in Finra discrimination case

Former RBC advisor claims firm discriminated against her, and the timing of her firing could let the firm take a large portion of her book without compensation.

Raymond James nabs $470M Merrill team
Raymond James nabs $470M Merrill team

The broker-dealer giant is extending its Midwestern presence as a veteran-led team joins its employee advisor channel.

Raymond James extends Nevada presence with $1.1B powerhouse team
Raymond James extends Nevada presence with $1.1B powerhouse team

The firm is enhancing its employee advisor channel as a quartet of experienced professionals from RBC join its Las Vegas branch.

Trump-led GOP sweep likely best case for US stocks, say RBC analysts
EQUITIES OCT 02, 2024
Trump-led GOP sweep likely best case for US stocks, say RBC analysts

Strategists see the most bullish outcome from a Republican victory, though election volatility would be the biggest X factor.

Why currency traders are holding back on the greenback
RIA NEWS SEP 30, 2024
Why currency traders are holding back on the greenback

US dollar on the sidelines ahead of the election.

Oil gains but remains weak so far this year
RIA NEWS SEP 30, 2024
Oil gains but remains weak so far this year

Geopolitics in focus despite expected increase in output.

Equity rally wobbles as risk-on sentiment eases
RIA NEWS SEP 09, 2024
Equity rally wobbles as risk-on sentiment eases

Are there too many headwinds to keep investors in the game?

Baird nabs $206M advisor from RBC
RIA NEWS AUG 26, 2024
Baird nabs $206M advisor from RBC

The employee-owned firm is building on its 50-year presence in Minnesota with its latest veteran addition.

Markets expect Fed chair to play it safe with Jackson Hole speech
RIA NEWS AUG 23, 2024
Markets expect Fed chair to play it safe with Jackson Hole speech

But there is always the potential for shocks.

SEC fines 26 firms a combined $390M for recordkeeping failures
RIA NEWS AUG 15, 2024
SEC fines 26 firms a combined $390M for recordkeeping failures

Firms that self-reported their violations will pay less than they would have done.

Bill Ackman's US fund set to debut at $2B following IPO delay
RIA NEWS JUL 30, 2024
Bill Ackman's US fund set to debut at $2B following IPO delay

The launch setback comes after SEC update indicating a sharp dropoff in expected proceeds from the deal.

Morgan Stanley says economy-tied stocks to weaken
RIA NEWS JUL 29, 2024
Morgan Stanley says economy-tied stocks to weaken

Corporate earnings outlook has dimmed.