SKN | RBC Global Asset Management Expands U.S. Intermediary Sales Team as Expansion Accelerates

Takeaways:

• RBC Global Asset Management is strengthening its U.S. distribution capabilities with senior regional hires.

• The move highlights a continued push into the American intermediary and wealth advisory market.

• Expanding sales coverage supports long-term fee-based growth and geographic diversification.

Strengthening U.S. Distribution Strategy

RBC Global Asset Management is expanding its U.S. intermediary sales team, underscoring its commitment to growing its footprint in the American wealth management market. The latest hires reflect a deliberate strategy to deepen relationships with financial intermediaries at a time when distribution reach is increasingly critical to asset flows and brand visibility.

The expansion aligns with the broader international growth ambitions of its parent, Royal Bank of Canada, as the group continues to diversify earnings through asset management and advisory-led businesses.

Senior Regional Appointments

Denver-based Scott Martin has been appointed director of U.S. intermediary sales for the South-Central region. Martin joins from Thornburg Investment Management, where he served as a private wealth consultant. His career includes senior sales leadership roles at Lord, Abbett & Co., RidgeWorth Investments, and Pioneer Investments, giving him deep experience across intermediary and advisor channels. In addition to his financial services background, Martin is a former U.S. Army captain and was awarded both the Bronze Star Medal and an Army Commendation Medal for his service in Iraq.

In the Northeast, Boston-based Brad Havenga has joined RBC GAM as director of U.S. intermediary sales for the region. Havenga most recently served as director of investor relations at Pursuit Funds and previously held sales leadership roles at Embassy Asset Management, Amundi US, Realty Capital Securities, and Columbia Threadneedle. His experience spans the RIA, bank trust, and independent advisor markets, strengthening RBC GAM’s reach in one of the most competitive U.S. wealth hubs.

Both executives report to Dave Eikenberg, Head of U.S. Intermediary Sales, who emphasized that their experience and track records will support the firm’s efforts to expand distribution to financial intermediaries across the country.

Why It Matters

The hires signal more than incremental growth. They reflect RBC Global Asset Management’s intention to compete more effectively in the U.S. by investing in senior talent with established advisor relationships and regional expertise. As U.S. investors increasingly favor diversified, global strategies, distribution strength becomes a key driver of sustainable inflows and long-term profitability.

For Royal Bank of Canada, the continued build-out of its U.S. asset management presence supports strategic goals of revenue diversification and reduced reliance on traditional interest-rate-sensitive banking income.

Outlook

RBC Global Asset Management’s expanding intermediary sales platform suggests a long-term commitment to the U.S. wealth market rather than a short-term tactical push. Execution at the regional level will be critical, but the latest appointments position the firm to capture a greater share of intermediary-driven assets as competition among global managers intensifies.

For a confidential discussion on how global asset managers’ U.S. expansion strategies, intermediary distribution dynamics, and fee-based growth opportunities can be assessed within a diversified portfolio framework, contact our senior advisory team.