Mr. Vanessa Romano reports

RBC DIRECT INVESTING LAUNCHES GOSMART: EMPOWERING NEW AND ASPIRING INVESTORS TO BUILD WEALTH WITH CONFIDENCE

Royal Bank of Canada's RBC Direct Investing is changing the way Canadians invest with the launch of GoSmart, a new mobile-based solution designed to empower new and aspiring self-directed investors. GoSmart by RBC Direct Investing combines speed and convenience, commission-free trading, and the ability to invest on your terms. RBC clients can open an account in minutes, transfer funds from their RBC bank account and start enjoying commission-free trades right away -- it is that simple.

Key features of GoSmart

GoSmart has been designed specifically for new and aspiring self-directed investors to help them take the first step with confidence. Meeting investors where they are, GoSmart pairs commission-free trading with recurring investments and an easy-to-use mobile experience. For new investors who are unsure of where to start and are seeking a simple, cost-effective way to invest, GoSmart offers an automated investment solution to help them confidently build wealth on their terms. For those with more experience, GoSmart provides users the flexibility to actively select individual stocks and ETFs (exchange-traded funds).

When getting started with GoSmart, users will follow simple and intuitive steps to begin investing right away. GoSmart features include:

• Speed and convenience: Open an account in minutes, move funds from your RBC bank account and begin trading right away.
• Recurring ETF investments: Choose one of four commission-free all-in-one ETFs, then simply select the RBC bank account to finance your investment from and how you want to contribute (amount and frequency). Invest when you want -- you can pause or stop a contribution with one click.
• Trade commission-free: Buy or sell any Canadian- or United States-listed stock or ETF with 50 commission-free trades per year, plus a selection of 53 ETFs that are always commission-free (including crypto and gold ETFs).
• Account flexibility: Available for three of the most popular account types for new investors: Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA), Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) and First Home Savings Account (FHSA). Everything a new investor needs right inside the RBC mobile app.

Continuing commitment to low-cost investing solutions

Driven by innovation and trusted by millions of Canadians, RBC Direct Investing is committed to bringing low-cost investing within reach for new investors. In July, RBC Direct Investing announced that 53 ETFs could now be traded commission-free, and eliminated mutual fund commissions and account maintenance fees for all clients with no conditions. GoSmart builds on this commitment, eliminating additional cost barriers, and making investing simple and accessible for more Canadians.

"With GoSmart, we're demystifying investing and championing a new era of financial empowerment for new investors," said Dimitri Busevs, president and chief executive officer of RBC Direct Investing. "Developed from direct client insights and powered by RBC, GoSmart will help guide the next generation of self-directed investors every step of the way."

Campaign launch and live Reddit AMA (ask me anything)

Feb. 8 marked the unveiling of GoSmart with a bold, multichannel marketing campaign, starting with a breakthrough ad featured in the 2026 Super Bowl broadcast in Canada.

To further engage with investors, RBC Direct Investing is taking its mission directly to on-line communities. On Feb. 11, 2026, from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. ET, Dimitri Busevs, president and chief executive officer of RBC Direct Investing, will host a live AMA Reddit event on u/RBCDirectInvesting. This open Q&A (question and answer) will give new investors direct access to insights on building wealth, navigating markets and leveraging solutions like GoSmart.

Start investing today

Starting your investment journey is as simple as opening the RBC Mobile app and accessing the GoSmart platform from RBC Direct Investing through your mobile device. Visit RBC Direct Investing to learn more, or e-mail or call us at 1-800-769-2560, and speak to a representative at the bank's RBC Direct Investing contact centre to get started today.

RBC continues to offer clients multiple ways to trade and invest in addition to GoSmart by RBC Direct Investing:

• RBC Direct Investing provides advanced tools, research and a full suite of investment products with three free-to-use trading platforms to choose from.
• RBC InvestEase offers an advice-based professionally managed digital platform for clients seeking guidance.

About Royal Bank of Canada

Royal Bank is a global financial institution with a purpose-driven, principles-led approach to delivering leading performance. The bank's success comes from the 100,000-plus employees who leverage their imaginations and insights to bring its vision, values and strategy to life so RBC can help its clients thrive and communities prosper. As Canada's biggest bank and one of the largest in the world, based on market capitalization, it has a diversified business model with a focus on innovation and providing exceptional experiences to our more than 19 million clients in Canada, the United States and 27 other countries.