Royal Bank of Canada Global Private Banking announced the expansion of its team in Montreal. The group of 16 financial professionals will provide customized financial services for high-net-worth individuals and select institutions with international interests.

The introduction of a Global Private Banking team in Montreal meets the growing demand from internationally-based clients with family or business interests in Canada, or those who are drawn to Canada as a safe, secure and well-regulated financial jurisdiction.

“We are responding to our client needs by leveraging our roots in Montreal,” said Michael Lagopoulos, president & CEO, Global Private Banking, in a release. “We have provided domestic financial services here for more than a century. Now, with a growing number of our clients based in Europe, the Middle East, Asia and South America, we face a demand for greater access to our services through Montreal. Establishing an internationally focused team reflects the diversity and international sophistication of our client base in this city.”

Royal Bank of Canada Global Private Banking has been increasing its presence in Canada over the past year with the expansion of its international centres in Vancouver and Toronto. Around the world, Global Private Banking has 30 offices in 21 countries.

The Montreal international centre is managed by Scott MacKenzie, vp and branch manager. Originally from Montreal, MacKenzie has lived in Toronto and New York and has 15 years of experience in foreign exchange, equities, insurance, commercial banking and research. MacKenzie oversees a team of 15 investment professionals, which provides expertise in international trusts, wealth management solutions (including full-service brokerage), structured products, banking and credit facilities and facilitating international structures for corporate clients.