RBC Capital Markets has expanded its metals business with the creation of a base metals desk in New York to complement the metals team established in London a year ago.

“Given our tradition of strength globally in metals and mining, we’re very focused on providing value to clients in this important sector,” says Harry Samuel, head of global treasury services. “In addition to establishing and growing our base metals team, RBC has over the past two years joined the London Metal Exchange, continued to build our sector investment banking team globally, became a nominated advisor on the London Alternative Investment Market, and built a complete mining & metals franchise in Australia.”

Janet Mirasola, who joins RBC as vice-president of execution and sales, will head the new base metals desk. Mirasola joins RBC Capital Markets from Mirasola Metals, her own metals broking firm that she ran for six years. Previously, she was at Birch Brokerage, Merrill Lynch and at Lehman Brothers, where she established and led base metals sales and marketing teams.

In her new role, Mirasola will be responsible for managing and developing the bank’s client activities in the base metals markets in America and Canada. She will report to Alex Heath, head of RBC Capital Markets “base metals services team.

“We are delighted that someone of Janet’s skill and reputation in the industry has joined us,” says Heath. “Her strong relationships in the metals marketplace and deep knowledge of the North American market will be invaluable to our ongoing expansion plans for the base metals business – a natural fit with RBC Capital Markets “top-tier global commodities franchise.”