RBC Capital Markets today announced the expansion of its bullion trading and marketing team in London, England. The team includes spot, forward and options traders, marketers, structurers and analysts.

“The investment in seven experienced professionals reflects RBC’s commitment to provide our clients with world class global bullion derivative products and services,” said John Aloisio, head of derivatives and commodities at RBC Capital Markets, in a release. “This new team will immediately add value to the existing services that our Global Equities and Investment Banking divisions provide to clients and is an important addition to the services we offer to central banks, institutional investors, mining companies and hedge funds.”

The London-based team will formally commence operations on October 4.

The trading team comprises Gerry Robinson and Clare Cork, who will trade gold and silver on the inter-bank spot market, both as a market maker and servicing client needs. Shane Chenery and Lee Drage will trade options as a market maker, and provide quantitative support respectively. Allen McAfee, who is currently responsible for RBC’s gold trading in Toronto, will relocate to London in October to trade forwards.

In addition to the traders, RBC has added two members to its corporate marketing team: David Holmes and Paul Merrick. They are senior sales people, specialising in commodities, in particular bullion, working with mining, central bank and investor clients.

“RBC is in a strong position to thrive in the current bullion environment despite the cost and revenue pressures experienced by some market participants,” added Aloisio. “We have the infrastructure and expertise to provide our clients with integrated services and multi-product solutions in a cost effective manner.”