Tech in the Caribbean: A bank for all of you

­­The Caribbean Technology team is responsible for RBC’s banking technology in the 10 countries that we operate in across the Caribbean. The team works to ensure the technology solutions that RBC implements improve client experiences.

Meet Stephen Rambarran, Manager, Portfolio Financials & Reporting. He is based out of RBC’s offices in Trinidad and Tobago.

You’ve been a part of the RBC Caribbean team for almost seven years. Tell us about your current role and what you like most about it.

I’m responsible for managing the Caribbean Banking Project Portfolio for Technology to ensure accurate financial reporting which is critical for project funding and executive decision making. I monitor the portfolio performance by ensuring projects adhere to development budgets, providing accurate financials and reports on portfolio anomalies.

What I love about my job is participating in the intersection of strategy and execution. I get to see projects through from ideation to launch, and how all these projects are changing the bank and improving the client experience. It’s incredible being a part of that.

How do you feel RBC differentiates themselves from competitors in the Caribbean banking space?

I think what sets RBC apart is the care we have for our clients. RBC’s slogan in the Caribbean is, “A bank for all of you.” In the Caribbean, RBC serves 10 jurisdictions – which are naturally diverse with many different cultures – but we strive to be the bank for everyone. Regardless of where you’re from, you belong at RBC, and I think our clients really respond to that message. We also focus heavily on client centricity, innovation in technology, community engagement and responsible banking. Clients understand that we care about the client experience and the community they come from.

What career advice do you live by?

Keep expanding your toolkit! I complete a course every year because knowledge is ever changing and you need to stay agile and curious, especially in these changing times. Career success is a mix of formal learning and learning on the job. You can study all you want in school, but there eventually comes a time to apply it to real life scenarios. I believe growth happens in the stretch – put your hand up for things that scare you, take on a big project and go above and beyond. Each step adds value, even if it doesn't feel like it in the moment.