Witad Awards 2025: Technology innovator of the year (end-user)—Ruchi Acharya Saraswat, RBC Capital Markets

What is your position within your firm?
Ruchi Acharya Saraswat: I serve as managing director, head of strategy and transformation, business and client services technology, at RBC Capital Markets.

How long have you worked in the financial services industry?
Saraswat: I’ve had an incredible journey spanning more than 15 years in the financial services industry.

How did you get into the industry? Was it a conscious decision or did you “fall” into it?
Saraswat: Stepping into the finance industry was a conscious decision, driven by curiosity and passion. My goal has always been to create, explore, and contribute meaningfully. Each step in the journey has been shaped by intentions, guiding my path with purpose.

What does your day-to-day role entail?
Saraswat: My day-to-day activities are aligned toward driving change amid a rapidly evolving technology and business environment. Collaborating with diverse teams is fascinating, as they often require us to understand a wide range of capital markets complexities, think creatively to present these concepts precisely, and advance innovative ideas. Our team consistently focuses on ensuring that our ideas are effectively implemented to align with our firm’s objectives and deliver tangible benefits to our clients.

What single project/piece of work are you most proud of during your career in the industry to date?
Saraswat: I’m proud of T+1 settlement project implementation across North America. We successfully developed innovative global solutions to address the complexities of T+1 settlement. Utilizing web technologies, we enhanced our operational efficiency and improved our user experience. Our process started with establishing a unified framework connecting internal and external systems, complemented by an advanced processing engine to efficiently manage transaction lifecycles. Through these efforts, we consolidated user experiences, ensuring transparency while adhering to stringent industry compliance demands.

What are you currently working on and what makes it significant in the context of your position?
Saraswat: Our team is on a mission to create a futuristic plan aimed at enhancing and equipping operations teams with forward-thinking solutions driven by cutting-edge technologies. Our objective is to develop adaptable technologies and platforms along with processes that not only address present-day needs but also expand our capacity to support evolving businesses and their diverse product requirements. Our strategic initiatives are carefully crafted to enhance customer experiences, broaden our operational capabilities, and effectively utilize AI-driven solutions and digital tools.

I would encourage women in technology and finance to pursue their ambitions with determination. Surround yourself with supportive teams where collaboration thrives, embracing diverse perspectives that challenge and inspire you

To what extent were you helped during your career by a mentor/role model within the business?
Saraswat: I am fortunate to collaborate with exceptional leaders who are open and willing to offer their valuable insights and knowledge. The mentors who have guided me throughout my professional journey have had a profound impact, offering invaluable advice and unwavering support. Their influence has inspired me to actively participate in initiatives like the RBC mentorship program, where I can now provide guidance and assistance to those seeking help.

To what extent does your firm have a formalized framework that seeks to identify and promote talented women and ensure they have every opportunity to realize their ambitions and contribute to the business?
Saraswat: Diversity and inclusion is one of the core values of our firm. Numerous programs are designed to promote talent development and growth. These include RWoman, a program focused on advancing women’s careers within RBC; Women in Tech, a specialized mentoring initiative aimed to empower women; and Ignite, a program designed to identify and nurture talented individuals who can accelerate towards senior management and executive roles. I am privileged to utilize and actively participate in these programs.

What was the greatest obstacle you had to overcome during your career in the industry to date?
Saraswat: It is more challenging than an obstacle to navigate the capital markets, especially within the business context in which we operate, marked by diverse geographies, varied products, and complex regulations. These factors require comprehensive research and continuous learning efforts. Our team successfully overcame these challenges through collaborative initiatives involving our business and technology units, enabling us to prioritize effective strategies that achieved significant advantages.

What is the most valuable lesson you’ve learned so far during your career?
Saraswat: Valuable lessons learned through my career are to continuously identify and leverage your unique strengths, as self-awareness drives confidence and efficiency. Staying updated with industry trends ensures relevance and innovation, keeping you ahead in a competitive landscape. Collaboration fosters creativity and strengthens relationships, making teams more effective when everyone contributes equally. Challenging yourself pushes boundaries, encouraging growth. Investing time into building and empowering your team creates a culture of trust and productivity, ultimately driving organizational success.

What would you advise women just entering the industry?
Saraswat: I would encourage women in technology and finance to pursue their ambitions with determination. Surround yourself with supportive teams where collaboration thrives, embracing diverse perspectives that challenge and inspire you. Seek mentors who invest in your journey, offering guidance far beyond surface-level conversations. Confidence is your ally; own your strengths and aspirations.

What does this award mean to you?
Saraswat: This award is a strong motivator that opens doors to new opportunities through dedication and hard work. It not only inspires individuals but also encourages them, particularly women in technology and finance, to pursue their passions with renewed vigor and seek recognition. Beyond personal achievement, this acknowledgment highlights collective efforts, reflecting the meaningful changes made by dedicated teams and numerous collaborations.