RBS Citizens’ strategic referral agreement with Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. has been recognized as the Most Innovative Product of 2013 by Barlow Research Associates in its 2013 Monarch Innovation Awards. The award highlights RBS Citizens’ commitment to making it easier for middle market companies to develop financial strategies that encompass both commercial banking and investment banking products and services.

 Under the agreement, RBS Citizens clients requiring financial advisory and equity capital markets services can be introduced to Oppenheimer, and Oppenheimer clients in need of traditional banking products and services such as debt syndications and extensions of credit can be introduced to RBS Citizens.

 According to the 2013 M&A Outlook Survey published recently by RBS Citizens, more than 80 percent of middle market companies active in corporate development are pursuing acquisitions now or are open to making acquisitions in 2013.