January 8, 2019 – RBC Global Asset Management and iShares (Blackrock Asset Management Canada) have announced, that together, they will deliver what is the most comprehensive suite of ETFs to Canada's ETF marketplace, via their new strategic alliance.
The new alliance, which combines the two companies' suites of ETFs, will feature the new branding – RBC iShares.
RBC iShares will now offer a suite including a total of 150 ETFs:
• 106 high quality, liquid, cost-competitive index solutions overseen by iShares, Blackrock Canada, and
• 44 index, smart beta, and actively managed solutions managed by RBC GAM.
This alliance is a win for Canadian investors and reflects our unwavering focus on the interests of clients," said Damon Williams, CEO, RBC Global Asset Management, Inc.
The names and tickers of the existing RBC GAM ETFs and iShares Canada ETFs will not be changing as a result of the alliance.
"Around the world, iShares is known for the breadth of its ETF offerings, technology operating expertise, and investor education, while RBC Global Asset Management is the leader in Canadian mutual funds and has built a leading franchise developing innovative solutions," said Martin Small, Managing Director, Blackrock.
Martin Small also added, "This transformational ETF alliance is dedicated to delivering to Canadian investors the ETF products they trust, the world class investment talent they want, and the service they deserve."
RBC GAM will leverage the strategic alliance to streamline some of its RBC Index ETFs and RBC Index Mutual Funds.
The two firms will work together under the alliance framework, over time, to seek opportunities to enhance the now $60-billion RBC iShares suite.
