RBC’s Catalyst conference started in 2015 as a grassroots initiative to connect technologists across the organization. A decade later, Catalyst is the bank’s very own annual tech expo and the most anticipated technology event in the annual calendar.

In October 2025, thousands of RBC technologists and their business partners came together in Canada and globally to share ideas and drive innovation. More than 4,000 people attended the Toronto event alone with hundreds of others attending similar events across the globe.

The 2025 theme was “Banking Re-imagined with Technology” with a special focus on the transformative power of AI and emerging technologies.

External AI leader on stage

Cohere co-founder, Nick Frosst and Martin Wildberger, executive vice president of Innovation and Technology Cohere co-founder, Nick Frosst and Martin Wildberger, executive vice president of Innovation and Technology, talk about the latest advancements and possibilities in AI-powered banking.

In addition to showcasing RBC technology, the event is known for keynotes and panel discussions featuring some of the leading voices in technology and this year didn’t disappoint. Nick Frosst, co-founder of AI company Cohere kicked off the conference in a conversation with Martin Wildberger, executive vice president of Innovation and Technology for RBC. Nick talked about Cohere’s inception and rise throughout the past few years and shared his views on the latest advancements and possibilities in AI-powered banking.

Showcasing RBC’s AI solutions

Meanwhile on the expo floor in Toronto, and through various hybrid workshops, demonstrations and talks, attendees learned how RBC is leveraging AI innovation to reimagine products, operations and client experiences. A highlight for attendees was seeing some of the solutions that will help RBC to drive its bold ambition to achieve $700 million to $1 billion in enterprise value generated from AI-driven benefits by 2027. These solutions are in part why RBC continues to demonstrate global leadership in AI. RBC ranked #1 in Canada and #3 globally for AI maturity in financial services for fourth straight year in the 2025 Evident AI Index.

Catalyst continues to showcase RBC’s innovation and technical excellence while reinforcing its commitment to continuous learning, collaboration and responsible innovation. It inspires RBC technologists to think differently, build boldly and reimagine the future of banking through technology.

Catalyst is a great expression of what the bank can look like in the future. It offers technologists at RBC the opportunity to share their latest innovations and gives attendees an opportunity to explore and learn about new technologies that are shaping the future of banking.– Bruce Ross, Group Head of RBC Technology and Innovation

This article offers general information only and is not intended as legal, financial or other professional advice. A professional advisor should be consulted regarding your specific situation. While information presented is believed to be factual and current, its accuracy is not guaranteed and it should not be regarded as a complete analysis of the subject matter discussed. All expressions of opinion reflect the judgment of the author(s) as of the date of publication and are subject to change. No endorsement of any third parties or their advice, opinions, information, products or services is expressly given or implied by Royal Bank of Canada or its affiliates.