RBC expands Vancouver hub to add 1,000 jobs by 2029
Tue, 2nd Jun 2026 (Today)
RBC is expanding its Vancouver banking and innovation hub, a move that it says will support 1,000 jobs across British Columbia by 2029.
The expansion builds on the Vancouver site opened last year and broadens the bank's Borealis AI operation in the city. The hub will bring together work in artificial intelligence, cloud, cyber, digital and analytics, while also housing commercial banking teams.
The downtown Vancouver location is set to grow from 350 employees to 600 by the end of the year. More broadly, RBC aims to support 1,000 roles linked to the hub across the province by 2029, including 440 net new jobs.
The project is part of a wider effort to increase the financial return from artificial intelligence. RBC recently set a goal of generating between USD $700 million and USD $1 billion in AI-driven benefits by 2027, while maintaining that its work would meet regulatory requirements and protect employee and client data.
The bank ranked first in Canada and third among 50 global banks in the 2025 Evident AI Index for AI maturity. It said the Vancouver operation would help extend AI work across more of the organisation as it adds technology specialists and support staff.
Roles at the expanded hub include positions in AI and machine learning, cybersecurity, data science and technology support for business teams. RBC also plans to grow the Vancouver Borealis team, which focuses on machine learning research and products.
Alongside the technology push, the hub will support client-facing operations in commercial banking. RBC said the site would serve as a centre of expertise on North America's west coast and support clients in Canada and overseas.
Martin Thibodeau, RBC Regional President, British Columbia, linked the Vancouver expansion to the bank's broader international strategy and business flows through the Pacific region.
"RBC is building a more globally connected bank, and expanding our presence in British Columbia represents a tremendous opportunity for strategic growth and innovation," said Martin Thibodeau, Regional President, British Columbia, RBC. "The hub helps connect Canadian business to international markets and opportunities, including in the thriving Indo-Pacific region, while helping us better serve global clients looking to invest and grow in Canada. We're excited to continue bringing transformational technology, enhanced client capabilities, real-time support and expanded employment opportunities to the province."
Tech hiring
Executives said Vancouver was chosen for its supply of skilled workers, its west coast location and the presence of universities and a growing technology sector. In recent years, the city has become a larger base for technology employers, drawing investment from domestic and international groups seeking software, data and AI talent.
"Vancouver's rich talent base, west coast location, world-class academic institutions and the province's commitment to growing its emerging tech sector makes it the perfect choice for our innovation hub," said Naim Kazmi, Group Head, Technology and Operations, RBC. "By bringing new tech jobs in high-demand areas, we hope to play a strategic role in helping the city continue to build its thriving tech ecosystem."
RBC already runs technology hubs and innovation labs in Toronto, Calgary, Montreal, Halifax, Minneapolis, New York and London. The Vancouver expansion adds to that network as banks continue to invest in software engineering, cybersecurity and data teams while trying to automate more internal processes and improve customer service.
The bank's AI strategy has become more prominent as lenders seek practical uses for machine learning in areas such as fraud detection, customer support, risk management and employee productivity. RBC said its early investment in the field had positioned it to move ahead with broader deployment.
"AI is a generational change and due to our early investments in the space, RBC is well positioned to take advantage of its potential," said Bruce Ross, Group Head, AI, RBC. "Our Vancouver teams will play a big role in helping us prioritize and accelerate our strategic AI ambitions at scale and turn that potential into real value for our clients."