In October, Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) added to its set-up in the Caribbean. The number one Canadian bank announced a $2.2 billion acquisition of RBTT (Royal Bank of Trinidad and Tobago) Financial Group. RBTT had been in discussions with potential buyers since April and suitors included Canadian rivals Scotiabank and CIBC, through its FirstCaribbean unit. RBC is paying for the group with 60% cash in hand and a further 40% in RBC shares.
The combined entity will boast $13.7 billion in assets and 130 branches in 18 Caribbean countries and territories.