To slow the spread of COVID-19 RBC announces temporary branch closures

Top priority remains the health and well-being of employees, clients and communities

TORONTO, March 17, 2020 /CNW/ - In these extraordinary times RBC is following direction from the government and working to create solutions to protect the health and well-being of employees, clients and communities. In support of this, RBC announced it will be temporarily closing a number of branches, starting this week. This follows an announcement from the Canadian Bankers' Association earlier today on behalf of Canada's six largest banks.

"I am incredibly proud of how our employees have come together to support one another and our clients during these unprecedented times," said Katie Dudtschak, EVP, P&CB Regional Banking, RBC. "We are guided by federal, provincial and municipal governments, and public health authorities to ensure we do all we can to slow the spread of COVID-19. We remain committed to providing essential services to our clients throughout this situation."

RBC is making decisions on which branches will close in consultation with local RBC leaders to ensure Canadians have access to the trusted and essential services they need. Special consideration will be given to branches in rural communities. Many RBC expert advisors are able to work remotely and will be focused on serving clients over the phone. This includes helping clients who may be experiencing financial impacts from circumstances surrounding COVID-19. These temporary closures will not impact employee job security.

Available Banking Solutions
To limit the potential spread of COVID-19, RBC is asking clients to limit the use of branches for essential services only, and to respect health authority and government measures and guidance.

ATMs, the RBC Mobile App and online banking are safe, easy and available 24/7. Clients using the RBC mobile app or online banking can:

• View account balances, transaction history, and your RBC credit card account information
• Send money with Interac e-Transfer
• Make Canadian bill payments
• Manage other banking needs

Telephone banking is available for more complex needs.

"Limiting the number of branches we open will allow us to provide more of our employees with the option to work from home. We will also continue to take added precautions to keep our clients and employees safe, including disinfecting our retail branches and ATMs more frequently," added Dudtschak. "As this issue evolves, we remain committed to supporting our clients and employees, and providing Canadians with the services they need during these challenging times."

Another key strength that bears repeating is the fact that RBC is rooted in the strongest and most resilient banking sector in the world, giving us the capital strength and financial flexibility to do what's needed to respond to COVID-19.

Updated information on branch availability will be accessible on the RBC website or locator tool shortly. Branch signage will also reflect availability.

About RBC
Royal Bank of Canada is a global financial institution with a purpose-driven, principles-led approach to delivering leading performance. Our success comes from the 85,000+ employees who bring our vision, values and strategy to life so we can help our clients thrive and communities prosper. As Canada's biggest bank, and one of the largest in the world based on market capitalization, we have a diversified business model with a focus on innovation and providing exceptional experiences to our 17 million clients in Canada, the U.S. and 34 other countries. Learn more at rbc.com.

We are proud to support a broad range of community initiatives through donations, community investments and employee volunteer activities. See how at rbc.com/community-social-impact.

SOURCE RBC Royal Bank