RBC Dominion Securities

RBC Dominion Securities Inc. is a Canadian investment brokerage that has been in operation since 1901. The brokerage was founded by George Albertus Cox and was part of a network of financial companies he controlled. In 1973, DS appointed Anthony S. Fell president. Fell set out on an acquisitions spree that saw DS buy eight other brokerages between 1973 and 1996. Following its takeover of A. E. Ames & Company in 1981, DS surpassed Wood Gundy to become Canada's largest brokerage.

Until 1987, Canadian banks were barred from participation in securities trading. That year, deregulation of Canadian securities law – known as the "Little Bang" (after the "Big Bang" of 1986) – allowed banks to enter the securities business. Consequently, on 31 March 1988, the Royal Bank of Canada acquired a 67 per cent stake in DS for $385 million. Upon the purchase, the company was renamed RBC Dominion Securities Inc. In 1996, the Royal Bank acquired outright control of the brokerage.

Today, Dominion Securities forms part of the RBC Wealth Management unit, along with the Royal Trust Company and Phillips Hager & North.