RBC was an early adopter of AI with the 2016 launch of RBC Borealis, our research institute that develops novel AI solutions addressing some of the most fundamental challenges in financial services. As AI technology has evolved, Borealis has grown and our AI and data expertise has become a core strategic enabler for insights as to how we run our business. And, with our recently announced goal to achieve $700 million to $1 billion in enterprise value generated from AI-driven benefits by 2027, it’s more important than ever to prepare our workforce for a future where AI will play a bigger part of their roles.
As part of this, our Technology, HR and Learning teams have worked together to establish a framework to align our AI adoption with our organizational goals, help understand where it can add the most value and foster a culture of curiosity where change readiness is an everyday ability.
“As part of our bold ambitions, we see a world in which AI will inform many of our interactions, decisions, and analysis, enhancing our agility and innovation at scale” says Danielle Francis, SVP, Leadership & Learning, RBC. “To achieve this, AI fluency and learning across RBC is crucial to understanding, working with, and strategically integrating AI responsibly, efficiently, and ethically.”
Formal AI/genAI Training
RBC’s Executive Training Program
Leading in Artificial Intelligence – is a one-day course for senior executives and board members in Canada and the United States. The program is delivered by RBC AI leaders, including Foteini Agrafioti, Chief Science Officer; Bob Blainey, RBC Fellow; and Greg Mori, RBC Fellow.
AI Academy
Part of a suite of RBC Academies, our AI Academy is a central resource for employees including its flagship course, AI and Gen AI Fundamentals at RBC. The course covers the fundamentals of AI, the associated risks, and responsible use. Upon completion, employees understand the benefits and how to use AI within the Code of Conduct and the importance of responsible AI.
AI Champions Program
This 13-week instructor-led program brings together employees from across select development and risk governance groups for education on emerging AI technologies through technical lectures and workshops.
On-demand learning
All RBC employees have access to online courses through learning platforms Udemy, Precipio, SkillsSoft, and Axonify on a range of topics including data science, digital skills, AI for business and regulatory obligations.
Tools and Platform-based Training
RBC’s more than 10,000 technologists are using a variety of AI and genAI tools to help with their roles in tech infrastructure, cloud engineering, digital, cyber security and app development. As such, they regularly participate in training and upskilling to become proficient in these tools, including:
ATOM
RBC's proprieitary foundation model or financial services was trained using large-scale financial datasets, providing it with a breadth of knowledge in financial services.
Lumina
Our internal data and AI platform enables RBC to build cutting-edge AI in a safe and scalable way.
RBC Assist
We are rolling out RBC Assist – our in-house developed genAI tool – to employees across the organization. It can understand and respond to human inputs and can generate personalized outputs. It can help employees improve productivity and efficiency, enabling them to focus on their most meaningful work.
Interactive Learning Events
Catalyst
RBC’s annual technology conference brings together thousands of employees over two days for sharing insights on the evolving tech landscape, learning and inspiration with keynotes, workshops and booths.
UDay
Tech Infrastructure's annual learning event is delivered through a broad range of engaging and immersive experiences like expert talks, masterclasses, interactive workshops, and networking opportunities. With topics ranging from innovation and emerging tech to leadership and personal growth, UDay offers meaningful insights for every learner.
RBC’s Chief Science Officer, Dr. Foteini Agrafioti says the bank has been careful to blend the excitement of genAI tools with the need for employees to use it appropriately in a highly regulated sector:
“We are mindful of the risks and we have invested heavily in ensuring the responsible development of our AI tools, products and platforms” says Agrafioti. “Our training includes an overview of our Responsible Articial Intelligence (AI) Principles regulatory obligations and a primer on our to help ensure that that high standards of accountability, fairness, privacy and security, and transparency continue to be upheld in all the bank’s AI efforts.”