At RBC, innovation is a cornerstone of how we create value for our clients, our communities, and the future of financial services. As part of this commitment, RBC and RBC Borealis are proud to announce their membership in FinTechAI@CSAIL — an initiative based at MIT’s Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (CSAIL), one of the world’s premier research institutions for computing and artificial intelligence (AI).

Home to more than 1,700 researchers and over 900 active projects, CSAIL has a rich history of groundbreaking innovation — from early advancements in computer networking and cryptography to today’s work in robotics, machine learning, cybersecurity, and more. FinTechAI@CSAIL brings together industry leaders, researchers, and regulators to develop AI-powered solutions, establish best practices for AI use, and explore emerging technologies with real-world impact.

To share more about the significance of this collaboration and what it means for RBC’s future, we spoke with Greg Mori, Vice President and RBC Fellow, Research and Innovation at RBC Borealis, and RBC’s lead in managing the FinTechAI@CSAIL relationship.

Connecting research and real-world innovation

Through this three-year membership, RBC will gain early access to cutting-edge research across areas critical to the future of financial services — including machine learning, predictive analytics, secure computation, cybersecurity, and data science. RBC representatives will participate in executive boards, research reviews, and innovation pilots, helping to inform the direction of emerging technologies while building stronger links between academia and industry.

“FinTechAI@CSAIL offers a unique opportunity for RBC and RBC Borealis to work alongside some of the best minds in AI research. Being embedded in this community allows us to help shape the future of technology while bringing fresh ideas and new capabilities back to RBC.”

At RBC Borealis, the bank’s dedicated AI research center, approximately 600 employees — including 50+ PhD-level researchers — work to revolutionize finance through world-class AI research, solutions and a resilient data platform. Joining FinTechAI@CSAIL strengthens RBC Borealis’ research and innovation mandate and deepens RBC’s ongoing commitment to advancing AI and digital transformation across the bank.

“At RBC Borealis, we are always exploring how to bridge fundamental research with real-world impact. Working with FinTechAI@CSAIL means tapping into early-stage innovations that can help us build better, smarter, and more secure financial solutions.” – Greg Mori.

Advancing AI with responsibility at the core

Advancing responsible AI is a core focus of our innovation strategy. This collaboration underscores our commitment to collaborating with top research institutions on technologies that drive real-world value while upholding our responsible AI principles. Together, we will conduct machine learning research in areas such as explainability, bias mitigation, and LLM safety – key pillars of responsible AI – as well as emerging applications in cyber security and financial crime prevention.

Strengthening RBC’s innovation ecosystem

Membership in FinTechAI@CSAIL provides RBC with more than research collaboration opportunities. It opens access to talent engagement, including connections with CSAIL’s graduate students, opportunities for recruitment, and participation in specialized technical briefings and educational workshops. RBC will also have the opportunity to access tools and technologies developed through the initiative.

This builds on the bank’s longstanding commitment to supporting the AI ecosystem. Through engagement with organizations like CIFAR, the Vector Institute, and academic institutions across North America, RBC continues to invest in research, talent development, and innovation that help position Canada, and RBC as leaders in this space.

By connecting breakthrough research with real-world application, RBC and RBC Borealis are helping define what the future of financial services can looks like.

Learn more about the FinTechAI@CSAIL program

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.