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December 2022 MSELN-527-EEM Registration Statement No. 333-259205 Preliminary Pricing Supplement Dated November 30, 2022 Filed Pursuant to Rule 433

Dual Directional Trigger PLUS Based on the Performance of the iShares^® MSCI Emerging Markets ETF

due December 12, 2025

Trigger Performance Leveraged Upside Securities^SM

Principal at Risk Securities

The Dual Directional Trigger PLUS, or “Trigger PLUS,” are senior unsecured obligations of Royal Bank of Canada, do not pay interest, do not guarantee any return of principal at maturity and have the terms described in the accompanying prospectus supplement and prospectus, as supplemented or modified by this document. At maturity, if the price of the underlying shares has increased, investors will receive the stated principal amount of their investment plus a return reflecting the leveraged upside performance of the underlying shares, subject to the maximum upside payment. If the price of the underlying shares has decreased by no more than 20%, investors will receive the stated principal amount plus an unleveraged positive return equal to the absolute value of the percentage decline, which will effectively be limited to a positive return of 20%. However, if the price of the underlying shares has decreased by more than 20%, investors will lose 1% of the stated principal amount for every 1% decline in the final share price from the initial share price. The Trigger PLUS are for investors who seek an equity-based return and who are willing to risk their principal and forgo current income and upside above the maximum upside payment in exchange for the leveraged return feature and the unleveraged absolute return feature, which apply to a limited range of positive and negative performance of the underlying shares. Investors may lose their entire initial investment in the Trigger PLUS. The Trigger PLUS are senior notes issued as part of Royal Bank of Canada’s Global Medium-Term Notes, Series I program. All payments on the Trigger PLUS are subject to the credit risk of Royal Bank of Canada.

(1) RBCCM, acting as agent for Royal Bank of Canada, will receive a fee of $0.30 per $10 stated principal amount and will pay to Morgan Stanley Wealth Management (“MSWM”) a fixed sales commission of $0.25 for each Trigger PLUS that MSWM sells. See “Supplemental Information Regarding Plan of Distribution; Conflicts of Interest.”

(2) Of the amount per $10 stated principal amount received by RBCCM, acting as agent for Royal Bank of Canada, RBCCM will pay MSWM a structuring fee of $0.05 for each Trigger PLUS.

The pricing date, the issue date and other dates set forth above are subject to change, and will be set forth in the pricing supplement relating to the Trigger PLUS. The initial estimated value of the Trigger PLUS as of the pricing date is expected to be between $9.06 and $9.56 per $10 in principal amount, and will be less than the price to public. The pricing supplement relating to the Trigger PLUS will set forth our estimate of the initial value of the Trigger PLUS as of the pricing date. The market value of the Trigger PLUS at any time will reflect many factors, cannot be predicted with accuracy, and may be less than this amount.

An investment in the Trigger PLUS involves certain risks. See “Risk Factors” beginning on page 5 of this document, page S-2 of the accompanying prospectus supplement, and page 1 of the prospectus.

You should read this document together with the related prospectus supplement and prospectus, each of which can be accessed via the hyperlinks below, before you decide to invest. Please also see “Additional Terms of the Trigger PLUS” in this document.

None of the Securities and Exchange Commission, any state securities commission or any other regulatory body has approved or disapproved of the Trigger PLUS or passed upon the adequacy or accuracy of this document. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense. The Trigger PLUS will not constitute deposits insured by the Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation, the U.S. Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other Canadian or U.S. government agency or instrumentality. The Trigger PLUS are not subject to conversion into our common shares under subsection 39.2(2.3) of the Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation Act.

Investment Summary

Trigger Performance Leveraged Upside Securities

Principal at Risk Securities

The Dual Directional Trigger PLUS Based on the Performance of the iShares^® MSCI Emerging Markets ETF due December 12, 2025 (the “Trigger PLUS”) can be used:

The Trigger PLUS are exposed on a 1:1 basis to the full negative performance of the underlying shares if the final share price is less than the trigger price.

Key Investment Rationale

The Trigger PLUS offer leveraged exposure to the positive performance of the underlying shares, subject to the maximum upside payment, and an unleveraged positive return based on the absolute value of a limited range of negative percentage changes of the underlying shares. At maturity, if the price of the underlying shares has increased, investors will receive the stated principal amount of their investment plus a return reflecting the leveraged upside performance of the underlying shares, subject to the maximum upside payment of $15.75 per Trigger PLUS. If the price of the underlying shares has decreased by no more than 20%, investors will receive the stated principal amount plus an unleveraged positive return equal to the absolute value of the percentage decline, which will effectively be limited to a positive return of 20%. However, if the price of the underlying shares has decreased by more than 20%, investors will lose 1% of the principal amount for every 1% decline in the final share price from the initial share price. Investors may lose their entire initial investment in the Trigger PLUS.

Additional Information

You should read this document together with the prospectus dated September 14, 2021, as supplemented by the prospectus supplement dated September 14, 2021, relating to our Senior Global Medium-Term Notes, Series I, of which the Trigger PLUS are a part. This document, together with these documents, contains the terms of the Trigger PLUS and supersedes all other prior or contemporaneous oral statements as well as any other written materials, including preliminary or indicative pricing terms, correspondence, trade ideas, structures for implementation, sample structures, brochures or other educational materials of ours.

You should rely only on the information provided or incorporated by reference in this document, the prospectus and the prospectus supplement. We have not authorized anyone else to provide you with different information, and we take no responsibility for any other information that others may give you. We and Morgan Stanley Wealth Management are offering to sell the Trigger PLUS and seeking offers to buy the Trigger PLUS only in jurisdictions where it is lawful to do so. The information contained in this document and the accompanying prospectus supplement and prospectus is current only as of their respective dates.

If the information in this document differs from the information contained in the prospectus supplement or the prospectus, you should rely on the information in this document.

You should carefully consider, among other things, the matters set forth in “Risk Factors” in this document and the accompanying prospectus supplement and prospectus, as the Trigger PLUS involve risks not associated with conventional debt securities. We urge you to consult your investment, legal, tax, accounting and other advisers before you invest in the Trigger PLUS.

You may access these documents on the SEC website at www.sec.gov as follows (or if such address has changed, by reviewing our filings for the relevant date on the SEC website):

Our Central Index Key, or CIK, on the SEC website is 1000275.

Please see the section “Documents Incorporated by Reference” on page i of the above prospectus for a description of our filings with the SEC that are incorporated by reference therein.

The issuer has filed a registration statement (including a prospectus) with the SEC for the offering to which this communication relates. Before you invest, you should read the prospectus in that registration statement and other documents the issuer has filed with the SEC for more complete information about the issuer and this offering. You may get these documents for free by visiting EDGAR on the SEC website at www.sec.gov. Alternatively, the issuer, any underwriter or any dealer participating in this offering will arrange to send you the prospectus if you request it by calling toll-free 1-877-688-2301.

How the Trigger PLUS Work

Payoff Diagram

The payoff diagram below illustrates the payment at maturity on the Trigger PLUS for a range of hypothetical percentage changes in the closing price of the underlying shares. The graph is based on the following terms:

How it works

Risk Factors

An investment in the Trigger PLUS is subject to the risks described below, as well as the risks described under “Risk Factors” in the accompanying prospectus supplement and prospectus. Investors in the Trigger PLUS are also exposed to further risks related to the issuer of the Trigger PLUS, Royal Bank of Canada, which are described in Royal Bank of Canada’s annual report on Form 40-F for its most recently completed fiscal year, filed with the SEC and incorporated by reference herein. See the categories of risks, identified and disclosed in the management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations included in the annual report on Form 40-F. This section (and the management’s discussion and analysis section of the annual report on Form 40-F) describes the most significant risks relating to the Trigger PLUS. You should carefully consider whether the Trigger PLUS are appropriate for you in light of your particular circumstances.

Risks Related to the Terms and Structure of the Trigger PLUS

In addition, because investors will receive the stated principal amount plus an unleveraged positive return equal to the absolute value of the percentage decline in the price of the underlying shares only if the final share price is greater than or equal to the trigger price, the maximum return you may receive in this scenario is a positive 20% return at maturity.

The IRS has issued a notice indicating that it and the U.S. Treasury Department are actively considering whether, among other issues, a holder should be required to accrue interest over the term of an instrument such as the Trigger PLUS even though that holder will not receive any payments with respect to the Trigger PLUS until maturity and whether all or part of the gain a holder may recognize upon sale, exchange or maturity of an instrument such as the Trigger PLUS should be treated as ordinary income. The outcome of this process is uncertain and could apply on a retroactive basis.

Please read carefully the sections entitled “Canadian Federal Income Tax Consequences” and “Supplemental Discussion of U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences” in this document, the section entitled “Tax Consequences” in the accompanying prospectus and the section entitled “Certain Income Tax Consequences” in the accompanying prospectus supplement. You should consult your tax advisor about your own tax situation.

Risks Related to the Initial Estimated Value of the Trigger PLUS

The value of the Trigger PLUS at any time after the pricing date will vary based on many factors, including changes in market conditions, and cannot be predicted with accuracy. As a result, the actual value you would receive if you sold the Trigger PLUS in any secondary market, if any, should be expected to differ materially from the initial estimated value of your Trigger PLUS.

Risks Related to the Secondary Market for the Trigger PLUS

The price of the underlying shares may be volatile, and you should not take the historical prices of the underlying shares as an indication of future performance. See “Information About the iShares^® MSCI Emerging Markets ETF” below. You may receive less, and possibly significantly less, than the stated principal amount per security if you sell your Trigger PLUS prior to maturity.

Risks Relating to the Fund

shareholdings in foreign companies, may affect trading prices and volumes in these markets. Foreign companies are subject to accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards and requirements that differ from those applicable to U.S. reporting companies.

Prices of securities in foreign countries are subject to political, economic, financial and social factors that apply in those geographical regions. These factors, which could negatively affect those securities markets, include the possibility of recent or future changes in a foreign government’s economic and fiscal policies, the possible imposition of, or changes in, currency exchange laws or other laws or restrictions applicable to foreign companies or investments in foreign equity securities and the possibility of fluctuations in the rate of exchange between currencies, the possibility of outbreaks of hostility and political instability and the possibility of natural disaster or adverse public health developments in the region. Moreover, foreign economies may differ favorably or unfavorably from the U.S. economy in important respects such as growth of gross national product, rate of inflation, capital reinvestment, resources and self-sufficiency.

Countries with emerging markets may have relatively unstable governments, may present the risks of nationalization of businesses, restrictions on foreign ownership and prohibitions on the repatriation of assets, and may have less protection of property rights than more developed countries. The economies of countries with emerging markets may be based on only a few industries, may be highly vulnerable to changes in local or global trade conditions (due to economic dependence upon commodity prices and international trade), and may suffer from extreme and volatile debt burdens, currency devaluations or inflation rates. Local securities markets may trade a small number of securities and may be unable to respond effectively to increases in trading volume, potentially making prompt liquidation of holdings difficult or impossible at times. Any of these factors could have an adverse impact on the performance of the Fund and the return on the Trigger PLUS.

During periods of market volatility, securities held by the Fund may be unavailable in the secondary market, market participants may be unable to calculate accurately the net asset value per share of the Fund and the liquidity of the Fund may be adversely affected. This kind of market volatility may also disrupt the ability of market participants to create and redeem shares of the Fund. Further, market volatility may adversely affect, sometimes materially, the prices at which market participants are willing to buy and sell shares of the Fund. As a result, under these circumstances, the market value of shares of the Fund may vary substantially from the net asset value per share of the Fund.

Risks Related to Conflicts of Interest

We and our affiliates may presently or from time to time engage in business with one or more of the issuers of the securities held by the Fund. This business may include extending loans to, or making equity investments in, such companies or providing advisory services to such companies, including merger and acquisition advisory services. In the course of business, we and our affiliates may acquire non-public information relating to these companies, which we have no obligation to disclose to you, and, in addition, one or more of our affiliates may publish research reports about these companies. Neither we nor the agent have made any independent investigation regarding any matters whatsoever relating to the issuers of the securities held by the Fund.

Moreover, we and our affiliates may have published, and in the future expect to publish, research reports with respect to the underlying shares or the securities held by the Fund. This research is modified from time to time without notice and may express opinions or provide recommendations that are inconsistent with purchasing or holding the Trigger PLUS. Any of these activities by us or one or more of our affiliates may affect the price of the underlying shares and, therefore, the market value of the Trigger PLUS.

Additional Terms of the Trigger PLUS

Please read this information in conjunction with the summary terms on the front cover of this document.

		or its respective hedge counterparties have effected or may effect as described below under “Use of Proceeds and Hedging.” The following events will not be market disruption events: •          a limitation on the hours or number of days of trading in the underlying shares on their primary market, but only if the limitation results from an announced change in the regular business hours of the relevant market; and •          a decision to permanently discontinue trading in the option or futures contracts relating to the underlying shares. For this purpose, a “suspension, absence or material limitation of trading” in the primary securities market on which option or futures contracts relating to the underlying shares, if available, are traded will not include any time when that market is itself closed for trading under ordinary circumstances. In contrast, a suspension or limitation of trading in option or futures contracts relating to the underlying shares, if available, in the primary market for those contracts, by reason of any of: •          a price change exceeding limits set by that market; •          an imbalance of orders relating to those contracts; or •          a disparity in bid and asked quotes relating to those contracts; will constitute a suspension or material limitation of trading in option or futures contracts, as the case may be, relating to the underlying shares in the primary market for those contracts.
	Discontinuation of the Fund:	If the Fund's sponsor discontinues operation of the Fund (including, for purposes of this section, a delisting of the Fund from a national securities exchange) and that sponsor or another entity establishes or designates a successor or substitute fund that the calculation agent determines, in its sole discretion, to be comparable to the Fund (the successor fund), then the calculation agent will substitute the successor fund for the Fund and determine the closing price of the underlying shares on the valuation date as described above under “—Closing price of the underlying shares.” If the Fund's sponsor discontinues operation of the Fund as contemplated by this section and: •          the calculation agent does not select a successor fund, or •          the successor fund is no longer traded or listed on any of the relevant trading days, the calculation agent may compute a substitute price for the underlying shares in accordance with the procedures last used to calculate the price of the underlying shares before any discontinuation but using only those securities that were held by the applicable fund prior to such discontinuation. If a successor fund is selected or the calculation agent calculates a price as a substitute for the underlying shares as described below, the successor fund or price will be used as a substitute for the underlying shares for all purposes going forward, including for purposes of determining whether a market disruption event exists, even if the Fund's sponsor elects to re-establish the Fund, unless the calculation agent in its sole discretion decides to use the re-established Fund. If the Fund's sponsor discontinues operation of the Fund before the valuation date and the calculation agent determines that no successor fund is available at that time, then on each trading day until the earlier to occur of: •          the determination of the final share price, or •          a determination by the calculation agent that a successor fund is available, the calculation agent may determine the price that would be used in computing the closing price of the underlying shares as described in the preceding paragraph as if that day were a trading day. The calculation agent will cause notice of each price to be published not less often than once each month in The Wall Street Journal, another newspaper of general circulation or a website or webpage available to holders of the Trigger PLUS, and arrange for information with respect to these prices to be made available by telephone. Notwithstanding these alternative arrangements, discontinuation of the operation of the Fund would be expected to adversely affect the value of, liquidity of and trading in the Trigger PLUS. In lieu of the forgoing, if the underlying shares cease to trade on a national securities exchange, on the OTC Bulletin Board or in the over-the-counter market, or if the operation of the Fund is discontinued, the calculation agent may elect to accelerate the Trigger PLUS to a payment date determined by the calculation agent (the "acceleration date"), and the payment to you on the acceleration date will be equal to the fair market value of the Trigger PLUS, as determined by the calculation agent in its sole discretion based on its internal models, which will take into account the reasonable costs incurred by us or any of our affiliates in unwinding any related hedging arrangements. In the event that any corporate or other event affecting the Fund other than a delisting or withdrawal from the relevant exchange occurs that is not described herein, the calculation agent will determine

		whether and to what extent the adjustment factor should be adjusted, or if the closing price of the Fund should be adjusted in any way.
	Business day:	A business day means a Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday or Friday that is not a day on which banking institutions in The City of New York generally are authorized or obligated by law, regulation or executive order to close.
	Trading day:	A trading day means any day on which the exchange and each related exchange are scheduled to be open for their respective regular trading sessions. The exchange means the primary organized exchange or quotation system for trading the underlying shares, any successor to such exchange or quotation system or any substitute exchange or quotation system to which trading in such shares has temporarily relocated (provided that the calculation agent has determined that there is comparable liquidity relative to such shares on such temporary substitute exchange or quotation system as on the original exchange). A related exchange means each exchange or quotation system on which futures or options contracts relating to the underlying shares are traded, any successor to such exchange or quotation system or any substitute exchange or quotation system to which trading in the futures or options contracts relating to the underlying shares has temporarily relocated (provided that the calculation agent has determined that there is comparable liquidity relative to the futures or options contracts relating to the underlying shares on that temporary substitute exchange or quotation system as on the original related exchange).
	Events of default and acceleration:	If the maturity of the Trigger PLUS is accelerated upon an event of default under the Indenture, the amount payable upon acceleration will be determined by the calculation agent. Such amount will be calculated as if the date of declaration of acceleration were the valuation date.
	Minimum ticketing size:	$1,000 / 100 Trigger PLUS
	Additional amounts:	We will pay any amounts to be paid by us on the Trigger PLUS without deduction or withholding for, or on account of, any and all present or future income, stamp and other taxes, levies, imposts, duties, charges, fees, deductions or withholdings (“taxes”) now or hereafter imposed, levied, collected, withheld or assessed by or on behalf of Canada or any Canadian political subdivision or authority that has the power to tax, unless the deduction or withholding is required by law or by the interpretation or administration thereof by the relevant governmental authority. At any time a Canadian taxing jurisdiction requires us to deduct or withhold for or on account of taxes from any payment made under or in respect of the Trigger PLUS, we will pay such additional amounts (“Additional Amounts”) as may be necessary so that the net amounts received by each holder (including Additional Amounts), after such deduction or withholding, shall not be less than the amount the holder would have received had no such deduction or withholding been required. However, no Additional Amounts will be payable with respect to a payment made to a holder of a Trigger PLUS or of a right to receive payments in respect thereto (a “Payment Recipient”), which we refer to as an “Excluded Holder,” in respect of any taxes imposed because the beneficial owner or Payment Recipient: (i)                   with whom we do not deal at arm’s length (within the meaning of the Income Tax Act (Canada)) at the time of making such payment; (ii)                 who is subject to such taxes by reason of its being connected presently or formerly with Canada or any province or territory thereof otherwise than by reason of the holder’s activity in connection with purchasing the Trigger PLUS, the holding of Trigger PLUS or the receipt of payments thereunder; (iii)                who is, or who does not deal at arm’s length with a person who is, a “specified shareholder” (within the meaning of subsection 18(5) of the Income Tax Act (Canada)) of Royal Bank of Canada (generally a person will be a “specified shareholder” for this purpose if that person, either alone or together with persons with whom the person does not deal at arm’s length, owns 25% or more of (a) our voting shares, or (b) the fair market value of all of our issued and outstanding shares) or is a "specified entity" (as defined in proposed subsection 18.4(1) of the Income Tax Act (Canada) contained in proposals to amend such Act released on April 29, 2022 (the "April 2022 Proposal")) in respect of Royal Bank of Canada; (iv)                who presents such security for payment (where presentation is required) more than 30 days after the relevant date (except to the extent that the holder thereof would have been entitled to such Additional Amounts on presenting a security for payment on the last day of such 30 day period); for this purpose, the “relevant date” in relation to any payments on any security means: a.       the due date for payment thereof, or

		b.       if the full amount of the monies payable on such date has not been received by the trustee on or prior to such due date, the date on which the full amount of such monies has been received and notice to that effect is given to holders of the Trigger PLUS in accordance with the Indenture; (v)                 who could lawfully avoid (but has not so avoided) such withholding or deduction by complying, or requiring that any agent comply with, any statutory requirements necessary to establish qualification for an exemption from withholding or by making, or requiring that any agent make, a declaration of non-residence or other similar claim for exemption to any relevant tax authority; or (vi)                who is subject to deduction or withholding on account of any tax, assessment, or other governmental charge that is imposed or withheld by reason of the application of Section 1471 through 1474 of the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”) (or any successor provisions), any regulation, pronouncement, or agreement thereunder, official interpretations thereof, or any law implementing an intergovernmental approach thereto, whether currently in effect or as published and amended from time to time. For the avoidance of doubt, we will not have any obligation to pay any holders Additional Amounts on any tax which is payable otherwise than by deduction or withholding from payments made under or in respect of the Trigger PLUS. We will also make such withholding or deduction and remit the full amount deducted or withheld to the relevant authority in accordance with applicable law. We will furnish to the trustee, within 30 days after the date the payment of any Canadian taxes is due pursuant to applicable law, certified copies of tax receipts evidencing that such payment has been made or other evidence of such payment satisfactory to the trustee. We will indemnify and hold harmless each holder of the Trigger PLUS (other than an Excluded Holder) and upon written request reimburse each such holder for the amount of (x) any Canadian taxes so levied or imposed and paid by such holder as a result of payments made under or with respect to the Trigger PLUS, and (y) any Canadian taxes levied or imposed and paid by such holder with respect to any reimbursement under (x) above, but excluding any such Canadian taxes on such holder’s net income or capital. For additional information, see the section entitled “Tax Consequences—Canadian Taxation” in the accompanying prospectus.
	Form of the Trigger PLUS:	Book-entry
	Trustee:	The Bank of New York Mellon
	Calculation agent:	RBCCM. The calculation agent will make all determinations regarding the Trigger PLUS. Absent manifest error, all determinations of the calculation agent will be final and binding on you and us, without any liability on the part of the calculation agent. You will not be entitled to any compensation from us for any loss suffered as a result of any of the above determinations or confirmations by the calculation agent.
	Employee Retirement Income Security Act:	If you are an insurance company or the fiduciary of a pension plan or an employee benefit plan (including a governmental plan, an IRA or a Keogh Plan) proposing to invest in the Trigger PLUS, please review the section of the accompanying prospectus “Benefit Plan Investor Considerations”. If you are an insurance company or the fiduciary of a pension plan or an employee benefit plan, and propose to invest in the Trigger PLUS, you should consult your legal counsel.

Information About the iShares^® MSCI Emerging Markets ETF

We have derived the following information from publicly available documents. We have not independently verified the accuracy or completeness of the following information. We are not affiliated with the Fund, and the Fund will have no obligations with respect to the Trigger PLUS.

The shares of the Fund are issued by iShares, Inc., a registered investment company. The Fund seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance, before fees and expenses, of the underlying index. The Fund trades on the NYSE Arca under the ticker symbol “EEM.”

Information provided to or filed with the SEC by the Fund under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, can be located through the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov. In addition, information may be obtained from other sources including, but not limited to, press releases, newspaper articles and other publicly disseminated documents. We have not participated in the preparation of, or verified, such publicly available information. None of the foregoing documents or filings are incorporated by reference in, and should not be considered part of, this document.

The iShares^® MSCI Emerging Markets ETF ("EEM")

The shares of the Fund are issued by iShares, Inc., a registered investment company. The Fund seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance, before fees and expenses, of the underlying index. The Fund trades on the NYSE Arca under the ticker symbol “EEM.” BlackRock Fund Advisors (“BFA”) serves as the investment advisor to the Underlying.

The iShares^® MSCI Emerging Markets ETF trades on the NYSE Arca under the ticker symbol “EEM.” The Advisor employs representative sampling to track the MSCI Emerging Markets Index. The EEM generally will invest at least 80% of its assets in the component securities of its underlying index and in investments that have economic characteristics that are substantially identical to the component securities of its underlying index (i.e., depositary receipts representing securities of the underlying index) and may invest up to 20% of its assets in certain futures, options and swap contracts, cash and cash equivalents, including shares of money market funds advised by the Advisor or its affiliates, as well as in securities not included in the underlying index, but which the Advisor believes will help the EEM track the underlying index. Cash and cash equivalent investments associated with a derivative position will be treated as part of that position for the purposes of calculating investments not included in the underlying index.

The MSCI Emerging Markets Index

The MSCI Emerging Markets Index ("MXEF") is intended to measure equity market performance in the global emerging markets. The index is a free float-adjusted market capitalization index with a base date of December 31, 1987 and an initial value of 100. The index is calculated daily in U.S. dollars and published in real time every 60 seconds during market trading hours. The MXEF currently consists of the following emerging market country indices: Brazil, Chile, China, Colombia, Czech Republic, Egypt, Greece, Hungary, India, Indonesia, South Korea, Kuwait, Malaysia, Mexico, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey and United Arab Emirates.

As of the close on May 31, 2018, MSCI began a multi-step process to include, in the MSCI Emerging Markets Index, large cap China A shares that are not in trading suspension. As part of the first step of the inclusion process, which resulted from the May 2018 quarterly review, MSCI added such large cap China A shares to the MSCI Emerging Markets Index at 2.5% of their foreign inclusion factor-adjusted market capitalization. In connection with the August 2018 quarterly index review, MSCI implemented the second step of the inclusion process by increasing the foreign inclusion factor-adjusted market capitalization of those existing China A share constituents from 2.5% to 5%. With the implementation of this second step, and the inclusion of additional China A shares in connection with the August 2018 quarterly index review, China A shares were initially expected to represent approximately 0.75% of the MSCI Emerging Markets Index. In February 2019, MSCI announced a three-step process between May 2019 and November 2019 that would increase the number of Chinese A shares in the Index. In January 2021, in response to an executive order from the U.S. government which prohibited investments in certain Chinese securities, MSCI removed 10 Chinese securities from the MSCI Emerging Markets Index, which accounted for less than 1% of the index weight. As of October 31, 2022, Chinese securities represented 26.89% of the MSCI Emerging Markets Index.

General – MSCI Indices

MSCI provides global equity indices intended to measure equity performance in international markets and the MSCI International Equity Indices are designed to serve as global equity performance benchmarks. In constructing these indices, MSCI applies its index construction and maintenance methodology across developed, emerging, and frontier markets.

Constructing the MSCI Global Investable Market Indices. MSCI undertakes an index construction process, which involves:

Defining the Equity Universe. The equity universe is defined by:

Effective with the November 2015 semi-annual index review, companies traded outside of their country of classification (i.e. “foreign listed companies”) became eligible for inclusion in the MSCI Country Investable Market Indexes along with the applicable MSCI Global Index. In order for a MSCI Country Investable Market Index to be eligible to include foreign listed companies, it must meet the Foreign Listing Materiality Requirement. To meet the Foreign Listing Materiality Requirement, the aggregate market capitalization of all securities represented by foreign listings should represent at least 5% of the free float-adjusted market capitalization of the relevant MSCI Country Investable Market Index.

Determining the Market Investable Equity Universes. A market investable equity universe for a market is derived by applying investability screens to individual companies and securities in the equity universe that are classified in that market. A market is equivalent to a single country, except in DM Europe, where all DM countries in Europe are aggregated into a single market for index construction purposes. Subsequently, individual DM Europe country indices within the MSCI Europe Index are derived from the constituents of the MSCI Europe Index under the global investable market indices methodology.

A security may be listed in the country where it is classified (i.e. local listing) and/or in a different country (i.e. “foreign listing”). Securities may be represented by either a local or foreign listing. A security may be represented by a foreign listing only if:

The investability screens used to determine the investable equity universe in each market are as follows:

Defining Market Capitalization Size Segments for Each Market. Once a market investable equity universe is defined, it is segmented into the following size−based indices:

Creating the size segment indices in each market involves the following steps:

Index Continuity Rules for the Standard Indices. In order to achieve index continuity, as well as to provide some basic level of diversification within a market index, and notwithstanding the effect of other index construction rules described in this section, a minimum number of five constituents will be maintained for a DM Standard Index and a minimum number of three constituents will be maintained for an EM Standard Index.

Creating Style Indices within Each Size Segment. All securities in the investable equity universe are classified into value or growth segments using the MSCI Global Value and Growth methodology.

Classifying Securities under the Global Industry Classification Standard. All securities in the global investable equity universe are assigned to the industry that best describes their business activities. To this end, MSCI has designed, in conjunction with S&P, the GICS. Under the GICS, each company is assigned to one sub−industry according to its principal business activity. Therefore, a company can belong to only one industry grouping at each of the four levels of the GICS.

Calculation Methodology for the MSCI Indices

The performance of each MSCI index is a free float weighted average of the U.S. dollar values of its component securities.

Prices used to calculate the component securities are the official exchange closing prices or prices accepted as such in the relevant market. In the case of a market closure, or if a security does not trade on a specific day or during a specific period, MSCI carries forward the previous day’s price (or latest available closing price). In the event of a market outage resulting in any component security price to be unavailable, MSCI will generally use the last reported price for such component security for the purpose of performance calculation unless MSCI determines that another price is more appropriate based on the circumstances. Closing prices are converted into U.S. dollars, as applicable, using the closing exchange rates calculated by WM/Reuters at 4:00 P.M. London time.

Index Maintenance

The MSCI Global Investable Market Indices are maintained with the objective of reflecting the evolution of the underlying equity markets and segments on a timely basis, while seeking to achieve index continuity, continuous investability of constituents and replicability of the indices, index stability and low index turnover. In particular, index maintenance involves:

Neither we nor RBC Capital Markets, LLC accepts any responsibility for the calculation, maintenance, or publication of, or for any error, omission, or disruption in, the MSCI Indices, or any successor to these indices.

Historical Information

The table below sets forth the published high and low closing prices of the underlying shares for each quarter in the period from January 1, 2017 through November 29, 2022. The graph below sets forth the daily closing prices of the underlying shares for that period. We obtained the information in the table and graph below from Bloomberg L.P., without independent verification. You should not take the historical performance of the underlying shares as an indication of its future performance, and no assurance can be given as to the price of the underlying shares on the valuation date.

iShares^® MSCI Emerging Markets ETF

Information as of market close on November 29, 2022:

Canadian Federal Income Tax Consequences

An investor should read carefully the description of material Canadian federal income tax considerations relevant to a Non-resident Holder owning debt securities under “Tax Consequences—Canadian Taxation” in the accompanying prospectus.

The Canadian tax disclosure in the prospectus also assumes that no amount paid or payable in respect of the Trigger PLUS will be the deduction component of a “hybrid mismatch arrangement” under which the payment arises within the meaning of proposed paragraph 18.4(3)(b) of the Tax Act contained in the April 2022 Proposal (as defined above) released on April 29, 2022.

Supplemental Discussion of U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences

The following, together with the discussion of U.S. federal income taxation in the accompanying prospectus and prospectus supplement, is a general description of the material U.S. tax considerations relating to the Trigger PLUS. It does not purport to be a complete analysis of all tax considerations relating to the Trigger PLUS. Prospective purchasers of the Trigger PLUS should consult their tax advisors as to the consequences under the tax laws of the country of which they are resident for tax purposes and the tax laws of Canada and the U.S. of acquiring, holding and disposing of the Trigger PLUS and receiving payments under the Trigger PLUS. This summary is based upon the law as in effect on the date of this document and is subject to any change in law that may take effect after such date.

Supplemental U.S. Tax Considerations

The following section supplements the discussion of U.S. federal income taxation in the accompanying prospectus and prospectus supplement. It applies only to those initial holders who are not excluded from the discussion of U.S. federal income taxation in the accompanying prospectus. It does not apply to holders subject to special rules including holders subject to Section 451(b) of the Code.

NO STATUTORY, JUDICIAL OR ADMINISTRATIVE AUTHORITY DIRECTLY DISCUSSES HOW THE TRIGGER PLUS SHOULD BE TREATED FOR U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX PURPOSES. AS A RESULT, THE U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES OF AN INVESTMENT IN THE TRIGGER PLUS ARE UNCERTAIN. BECAUSE OF THE UNCERTAINTY, YOU SHOULD CONSULT YOUR TAX ADVISOR IN DETERMINING THE U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX AND OTHER TAX CONSEQUENCES OF YOUR INVESTMENT IN THE TRIGGER PLUS, INCLUDING THE APPLICATION OF STATE, LOCAL OR OTHER TAX LAWS AND THE POSSIBLE EFFECTS OF CHANGES IN FEDERAL OR OTHER TAX LAWS.

We will not attempt to ascertain whether the Fund or any of the entities whose stock is held by the Fund would be treated as a “passive foreign investment company” within the meaning of Section 1297 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), or a “U.S. real property holding corporation” within the meaning of Section 897 of the Code. If the Fund or any of the entities whose stock is included in the Fund were so treated, certain adverse U.S. federal income tax consequences could possibly apply to U.S. and non-U.S. holders, respectively. You should refer to any available information filed with the SEC and other authorities by the Fund or the entities whose stock is held by the Fund and consult your tax advisor regarding the possible consequences to you in this regard.

In the opinion of our counsel, Ashurst LLP, it would generally be reasonable to treat a Trigger PLUS as a pre-paid cash-settled derivative contract in respect of the Fund for U.S. federal income tax purposes, and the terms of the Trigger PLUS require a holder (in the absence of a change in law or an administrative or judicial ruling to the contrary) to treat the Trigger PLUS for all tax purposes in accordance with such characterization. If the Trigger PLUS are so treated, subject to the potential application of the “constructive ownership” rules under Section 1260 of the Code, a U.S. holder should generally recognize capital gain or loss upon the sale, exchange or maturity of the Trigger PLUS in an amount equal to the difference between the amount a holder receives at such time and the holder’s tax basis in the Trigger PLUS. In general, a U.S. holder’s tax basis in the Trigger PLUS will be equal to the price the holder paid for the Trigger PLUS. Capital gain recognized by an individual U.S. holder is generally taxed at preferential rates where the property is held for more than one year and is generally taxed at ordinary income rates where the property is held for one year or less. The deductibility of capital losses is subject to limitations.

While the matter is not entirely clear, there exists a substantial risk that an investment in the Trigger PLUS is a “constructive ownership transaction” to which Section 1260 of the Code applies. If Section 1260 of the Code applies, all or a portion of any long-term capital gain recognized by a U.S. holder in respect of the Trigger PLUS will be recharacterized as ordinary income (the “Excess Gain”). In addition, an interest charge will also apply to any deemed underpayment of tax in respect of any Excess Gain to the extent such gain would have resulted in gross income inclusion for the U.S. holder in taxable years prior to the taxable year of the sale, exchange or maturity (assuming such income accrued at a constant rate equal to the applicable federal rate as of the date of sale, exchange or maturity). If an investment in the Trigger PLUS is treated as a constructive ownership transaction, it is not clear to what extent any long-term capital gain of a U.S. holder in respect of the Trigger PLUS will be recharacterized as ordinary income. It is possible, for example, that the amount of the Excess Gain (if any) that would be recharacterized as ordinary income in respect of the Trigger PLUS will equal the excess of (i) any long-term capital gain recognized by the U.S. holder in respect of the Trigger PLUS, over (ii) the “net underlying long-term capital gain” (as defined in Section 1260 of the Code) such U.S. holder would have had if such

U.S. holder had acquired shares of the Fund at fair market value on the original issue date of the Trigger PLUS for an amount equal to the issue price of the Trigger PLUS and sold such shares of the Fund on the date of sale, exchange or maturity of the Trigger PLUS at fair market value (appropriately taking into account the leveraged upside exposure). To the extent any gain is treated as long-term capital gain after application of the recharacterization rules of Section 1260 of the Code, such gain would be subject to U.S. federal income tax at the rates that would have been applicable to the net underlying long-term capital gain. Unless otherwise established by clear and convincing evidence, the net underlying long term capital gain is treated as zero. U.S. holders should consult their tax advisors regarding the potential application of Section 1260 of the Code to an investment in the Trigger PLUS.

Alternative Treatments. Alternative tax treatments of the Trigger PLUS are also possible and the Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) might assert that a treatment other than that described above is more appropriate. For example, it is possible to treat the Trigger PLUS, and the IRS might assert that a Trigger PLUS should be treated, as a single debt instrument. Pursuant to such characterization, since the Trigger PLUS have a term that exceeds one year, such a debt instrument would be subject to the special tax rules governing contingent payment debt instruments. If the Trigger PLUS are so treated, a holder would generally be required to accrue interest income over the term of the Trigger PLUS based upon the yield at which we would issue a non-contingent fixed-rate debt instrument with other terms and conditions similar to the Trigger PLUS. In addition, any gain a holder might recognize upon the sale, exchange or maturity of the Trigger PLUS would generally be ordinary income and any loss recognized by a holder at such time would generally be ordinary loss to the extent of interest that same holder included in income in the current or previous taxable years in respect of the Trigger PLUS, and thereafter, would be capital loss.

Because of the absence of authority regarding the appropriate tax characterization of the Trigger PLUS, it is also possible that the IRS could seek to characterize the Trigger PLUS in a manner that results in tax consequences that are different from those described above. For example, the IRS could possibly assert that any gain or loss that a holder may recognize upon the sale, exchange or maturity of the Trigger PLUS should be treated as ordinary gain or loss.

The IRS has released a notice that may affect the taxation of holders of the Trigger PLUS. According to the notice, the IRS and the U.S. Treasury Department are actively considering whether the holder of an instrument such as the Trigger PLUS should be required to accrue ordinary income on a current basis. It is not possible to determine what guidance will ultimately be issued, if any. It is possible, however, that under such guidance, holders of the Trigger PLUS will ultimately be required to accrue income currently and this could be applied on a retroactive basis. The IRS and the U.S. Treasury Department are also considering other relevant issues, including whether additional gain or loss from such instruments should be treated as ordinary or capital and whether the constructive ownership rules of Section 1260 of the Code (as discussed above) might be applied to such instruments. Holders are urged to consult their tax advisors concerning the significance, and the potential impact, of the above considerations. We intend to treat the Trigger PLUS for U.S. federal income tax purposes in accordance with the treatment described in this document unless and until such time as the U.S. Treasury Department and IRS determine that some other treatment is more appropriate.

Backup Withholding and Information Reporting. Please see the discussion under “Tax Consequences—United States Taxation—Information Reporting and Backup Withholding” in the accompanying prospectus for a description of the applicability of the backup withholding and information reporting rules to payments made on the Trigger PLUS.

Non-U.S. Holders. The following discussion applies to non-U.S. holders of the Trigger PLUS. A non-U.S. holder is a beneficial owner of a Trigger PLUS that, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, is a non-resident alien individual, a foreign corporation, or a foreign estate or trust.

Except as described below, a non-U.S. holder will generally not be subject to U.S. federal income or withholding tax for amounts paid in respect of the Trigger PLUS, provided that (i) the holder complies with any applicable certification requirements, (ii) the payment is not effectively connected with the conduct by the holder of a U.S. trade or business, and (iii) if the holder is a non-resident alien individual, such holder is not present in the U.S. for 183 days or more during the taxable year of the sale, exchange or maturity of the Trigger PLUS. In the case of (ii) above, the holder generally would be subject to U.S. federal income tax with respect to any income or gain in the same manner as if the holder were a U.S. holder and, in the case of a holder that is a corporation, the holder may also be subject to a branch profits tax equal to 30% (or such lower rate provided by an applicable U.S. income tax treaty) of a portion of its earnings and profits for the taxable year that are effectively connected with its conduct of a U.S. trade or business, subject to certain adjustments. Payments made to a non-U.S. holder may be subject to information reporting and to backup withholding unless the holder complies with applicable certification and identification requirements as to its foreign status.

Under Section 871(m) of the Code, a “dividend equivalent” payment is treated as a dividend from sources within the United States. Such payments generally would be subject to a 30% U.S. withholding tax if paid to a non-U.S. holder. Under U.S. Treasury Department regulations, payments (including deemed payments) with respect to equity-linked instruments (“ELIs”) that are “specified ELIs” may be treated as dividend equivalents if such specified ELIs reference an interest in an “underlying security,” which is generally any interest in an entity taxable as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes if a payment with respect to such interest could give rise to a U.S. source dividend. However, the IRS has issued guidance that states that the U.S. Treasury Department and the IRS intend to amend the effective dates of the U.S. Treasury Department regulations to provide that withholding on dividend equivalent payments will not apply to specified ELIs that are not delta-one instruments and that are issued before January 1, 2025. Based on our determination that the Trigger PLUS are not delta-one instruments, non-U.S. holders should not be

subject to withholding on dividend equivalent payments, if any, under the Trigger PLUS. However, it is possible that the Trigger PLUS could be treated as deemed reissued for U.S. federal income tax purposes upon the occurrence of certain events affecting the Fund or the Trigger PLUS (for example, upon a rebalancing of the Fund), and following such occurrence the Trigger PLUS could be treated as subject to withholding on dividend equivalent payments. Non-U.S. holders that enter, or have entered, into other transactions in respect of the Fund or the Trigger PLUS should consult their tax advisors as to the application of the dividend equivalent withholding tax in the context of the Trigger PLUS and their other transactions. If any payments are treated as dividend equivalents subject to withholding, we (or the applicable withholding agent) would be entitled to withhold taxes without being required to pay any additional amounts with respect to amounts so withheld.

As discussed above, alternative characterizations of the Trigger PLUS for U.S. federal income tax purposes are possible. Should an alternative characterization, by reason of change or clarification of the law, by regulation or otherwise, cause payments as to the Trigger PLUS to become subject to withholding tax, we will withhold tax at the applicable statutory rate. The IRS has also indicated that it is considering whether income in respect of instruments such as the Trigger PLUS should be subject to withholding tax. We will not be required to pay any additional amounts in respect of such withholding. Prospective investors should consult their own tax advisors in this regard.

Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act. The Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (“FATCA”) imposes a 30% U.S. withholding tax on certain U.S. source payments, including interest (and OID), dividends, other fixed or determinable annual or periodical gains, profits and income (“Withholdable Payments”), if paid to a foreign financial institution (including amounts paid to a foreign financial institution on behalf of a holder), unless such institution enters into an agreement with the U.S. Treasury Department to collect and provide to the U.S. Treasury Department certain information regarding U.S. financial account holders, including certain account holders that are foreign entities with U.S. owners, with such institution or otherwise complies with FATCA. In addition, the Trigger PLUS may constitute a “financial account” for these purposes and, thus, may be subject to information reporting requirements pursuant to FATCA. FATCA also generally imposes a withholding tax of 30% on Withholdable Payments made to a non-financial foreign entity unless such entity provides the withholding agent with a certification that it does not have any substantial U.S. owners or a certification identifying the direct and indirect substantial U.S. owners of the entity. Under certain circumstances, a holder may be eligible for refunds or credits of such taxes.

The U.S. Treasury Department has proposed regulations that eliminate the requirement of FATCA withholding on payments of gross proceeds upon the sale or disposition of financial instruments. The U.S. Treasury Department has indicated that taxpayers may rely on these proposed regulations pending their finalization.

If we determine withholding is appropriate with respect to the Trigger PLUS, we will withhold tax at the applicable statutory rate, and we will not pay any additional amounts in respect of such withholding. Therefore, if such withholding applies, any payments on the Trigger PLUS will be significantly less than what you would have otherwise received. Depending on your circumstances, these amounts withheld may be creditable or refundable to you. Foreign financial institutions and non-financial foreign entities located in jurisdictions that have an intergovernmental agreement with the United States governing FATCA may be subject to different rules. Prospective investors are urged to consult with their own tax advisors regarding the possible implications of FATCA on their investment in the Trigger PLUS.

Use of Proceeds and Hedging

The net proceeds from the sale of the Trigger PLUS will be used as described under “Use of Proceeds” in the accompanying prospectus supplement and prospectus and to hedge market risks of Royal Bank of Canada associated with its obligation to make the payment at maturity on the Trigger PLUS. The initial public offering price of the Trigger PLUS includes the underwriting discount and commission and the estimated cost of hedging our obligations under the Trigger PLUS.

Supplemental Information Regarding Plan of Distribution; Conflicts of Interest

Pursuant to the terms of a distribution agreement, RBCCM, an affiliate of Royal Bank of Canada, will purchase the Trigger PLUS from Royal Bank of Canada for distribution to Morgan Stanley Wealth Management. RBCCM will act as agent for the Trigger PLUS and will receive a fee of $0.30 per $10 stated principal amount and will pay to Morgan Stanley Wealth Management a fixed sales commission of $0.25 for each of the Trigger PLUS they sell. Of the amount per $10 stated principal amount received by RBCCM, RBCCM will pay Morgan Stanley Wealth Management a structuring fee of $0.05 for each Trigger PLUS. The costs included in the original issue price of the Trigger PLUS will include a fee paid by RBCCM to LFT Securities, LLC, an entity in which an affiliate of Morgan Stanley Wealth Management has an ownership interest, for providing certain electronic platform services with respect to this offering.

Morgan Stanley Wealth Management may reclaim selling concessions allowed to individual brokers within Morgan Stanley Wealth Management in connection with the offering if, within 30 days of the offering, Royal Bank of Canada repurchases the Trigger PLUS distributed by such brokers.

We expect that delivery of the Trigger PLUS will be made against payment on or about December 14, 2022, which is the third business day following the pricing date (this settlement cycle being referred to as “T+3”). Under Rule 15c6-1 of the Exchange Act, trades in the secondary market generally are required to settle in two business days, unless the parties to any such trade expressly agree otherwise. Accordingly, purchasers who wish to trade the Trigger PLUS more than two business days prior to the original issue date will be required to specify alternative settlement arrangements to prevent a failed settlement.

In addition, RBCCM or another of its affiliates or agents may use this document in market-making transactions after the initial sale of the Trigger PLUS, but is under no obligation to do so and may discontinue any market-making activities at any time without notice.

For additional information as to the relationship between us and RBCCM, please see the section “Plan of Distribution—Conflicts of Interest” in the accompanying prospectus.

The value of the Trigger PLUS shown on your account statement may be based on RBCCM’s estimate of the value of the Trigger PLUS if RBCCM or another of our affiliates were to make a market in the Trigger PLUS (which it is not obligated to do). That estimate will be based on the price that RBCCM may pay for the Trigger PLUS in light of then prevailing market conditions, our creditworthiness and transaction costs. For an initial period of approximately 18 months, the value of the Trigger PLUS that may be shown on your account statement is expected to be higher than RBCCM’s estimated value of the Trigger PLUS at that time. This is because the estimated value of the Trigger PLUS will not include the agent’s commission and our hedging costs and profits; however, the value of the Trigger PLUS shown on your account statement during that period is initially expected to be a higher amount, reflecting the addition of the agent’s commission and our estimated costs and profits from hedging the Trigger PLUS. This excess is expected to decrease over time until the end of this period, and we reserve the right to shorten this period. After this period, if RBCCM repurchases your Trigger PLUS, it expects to do so at prices that reflect its estimated value.

Each of MSWM and any other broker-dealer offering the Trigger PLUS have not offered, sold or otherwise made available and will not offer, sell or otherwise make available any of the Trigger PLUS to any retail investor in the European Economic Area (“EEA”). For these purposes, the expression “offer” includes the communication in any form and by any means of sufficient information on the terms of the offer and the Trigger PLUS to be offered so as to enable an investor to decide to purchase or subscribe the Trigger PLUS, and a “retail investor” means a person who is one (or more) of: (a) a retail client, as defined in point (11) of Article 4(1) of Directive 2014/65/EU (as amended, “MiFID II”); or (b) a customer, within the meaning of Directive (EU) 2016/97, as amended, where that customer would not qualify as a professional client as defined in point (10) of Article 4(1) of MiFID II; or (c) not a qualified investor as defined in Regulation (EU) (No 2017/1129) (the “Prospectus Regulation”). Consequently, no key information document required by Regulation (EU) No 1286/2014 (as amended, the “PRIIPs Regulation”) for offering or selling the Trigger PLUS or otherwise making them available to retail investors in the EEA has been prepared, and therefore, offering or selling the Trigger PLUS or otherwise making them available to any retail investor in the EEA may be unlawful under the PRIIPs Regulation.

Each of MSWM and any other broker-dealer offering the Trigger PLUS have not offered, sold or otherwise made available and will not offer, sell or otherwise make available any of the Trigger PLUS to any retail investor in the United Kingdom. For these purposes, a retail investor means a person who is one (or more) of: (i) a retail client, as defined in point (8) of Article 2 of Regulation (EU) No 2017/565 as it forms part of domestic law by virtue of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018; or (ii) a customer within the meaning of the provisions of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (the “FSMA”) and any rules or regulations made under the FSMA to implement Directive (EU) 2016/97, where that customer would not qualify as a professional client, as defined in point (8) of

Article 2(1) of Regulation (EU) No 600/2014 as it forms part of domestic law by virtue of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018. Consequently no key information document required by Regulation (EU) No 1286/2014 as it forms part of domestic law by virtue of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018 (the “UK PRIIPs Regulation”) for offering or selling the Trigger PLUS or otherwise making them available to retail investors in the UK has been prepared and therefore offering or selling the Trigger PLUS or otherwise making them available to any retail investor in the UK may be unlawful under the UK PRIIPs Regulation.

Structuring the Trigger PLUS

The Trigger PLUS are our debt securities, the return on which is linked to the performance of the underlying shares. As is the case for all of our debt securities, including our structured notes, the economic terms of the Trigger PLUS reflect our actual or perceived creditworthiness at the time of pricing. In addition, because structured notes result in increased operational, funding and liability management costs to us, we typically borrow the funds under the Trigger PLUS at a rate that is more favorable to us than the rate that we might pay for a conventional fixed or floating rate debt security of comparable maturity. Using this relatively lower implied borrowing rate, rather than the secondary market rate, along with the fees and expenses associated with structured notes, typically reduces the initial estimated value of the Trigger PLUS at the time their terms are set. Unlike the estimated value that will be included in the final pricing supplement, the value of the Trigger PLUS determined for purposes of a secondary market transaction may be based on a different funding rate, which may result in a lower value for the Trigger PLUS than if our initial internal funding rate were used.

In order to satisfy our payment obligations under the Trigger PLUS, we may choose to enter into certain hedging arrangements (which may include call options, put options or other derivatives) on the issue date with RBCCM or one of our other subsidiaries. The terms of these hedging arrangements take into account a number of factors, including our creditworthiness, interest rate movements, the volatility of the underlying shares, and the tenor of the Trigger PLUS. The economic terms of the Trigger PLUS and their initial estimated value depend in part on the terms of these hedging arrangements.

The lower implied borrowing rate, the underwriting commission and the hedging-related costs relating to the Trigger PLUS reduce the economic terms of the Trigger PLUS to you and result in the initial estimated value for the Trigger PLUS on the pricing date being less than their public offering price. See “Risk Factors—The initial estimated value of the Trigger PLUS will be less than the price to the public” above.