What RBC did
RBC told employees Tuesday that it is blocking outside personal AI agents such as Meta's Muse from direct access to its authenticated digital properties. The message was sent jointly by Naim Kazmi, who oversees technology and operations as group head, along with Erica Nielsen, the group head of personal banking.
Spokesperson Jeff Lanthier confirmed the message and noted the bank understands this may disappoint the "small portion of our clients who use these tools," but said the choice was driven by the "safety and security of our clients and systems."
Why the bank acted
In a memo reviewed by Bloomberg, leaders said the change came after a thorough, end-to-end evaluation of how the technology operates, and they said the action aligns with RBC's responsible AI guidelines. Their note stated: "After careful consideration and based on what we know today, RBC has made the decision to block third-party personal AI agents from direct access to authenticated RBC digital properties," warning that such agents "accessing banking systems can create unacceptable customer risk, including acting beyond customer expectations or creating liability exposure."
The wider picture and your portfolio
Banks are drawing firmer lines around account access by bots. Earlier this month, Charles Schwab CEO Rick Wurster said the firm is proactively stopping unauthorized AI agents that try to move clients' funds. RBC CEO Dave McKay said in a Bloomberg Television interview last week that the bank was weighing a move to keep Muse from accessing customer information.
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The bottom line: tighter controls on third-party AI could slow near-term convenience but lower operational and legal risk. For financials in your portfolio, that tradeoff can support trust and limit tail risks as AI tools proliferate.
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