Citigroup Inc.
American multinational investment bank and financial services holding company, the third-largest banking institution in the United States by assets.
Company Type
public
Founded
1998
Headquarters
New York City, New York, USA
Stock
NYSE: C
About Citigroup Inc.
Citigroup operates through two main business segments: Global Consumer Banking and Institutional Clients Group. The Global Consumer Banking segment provides traditional banking services, credit cards, mortgages, and wealth management services to individual consumers and small businesses.
The Institutional Clients Group serves corporations, governments, and institutions with investment banking, trading, and treasury services. This segment includes corporate banking, investment banking, markets and securities services, and private banking.
Citigroup has a significant global presence with operations in over 160 countries, making it one of the most geographically diversified banks in the world. The company serves millions of customers globally and maintains leading positions in credit cards, foreign exchange, and emerging markets banking.
Citigroup employs approximately 240,000 people worldwide and generates annual revenues exceeding $75 billion. The company maintains a strong focus on digital banking and has invested heavily in technology and innovation to enhance customer experience.
History of Citigroup Inc.
Citigroup was formed on October 8, 1998, through the merger of Citicorp and Travelers Group in a $140 billion deal, creating one of the largest financial services companies in the world. Citicorp traced its origins to 1812 with the founding of City Bank of New York, which later became Citibank.
Throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, Citibank grew from a New York City bank into a global banking powerhouse. The company pioneered many banking innovations, including ATM networks, credit cards, and international banking services. By the 1990s, Citibank had established a significant presence in over 90 countries.
Travelers Group was founded in 1987 by Sanford Weill through the acquisition of various insurance and financial services companies. The company grew rapidly through acquisitions, including Primerica and Shearson Lehman, becoming a major player in insurance and securities.
The 1998 merger combined Citibank's global banking franchise with Travelers' insurance and securities operations. In 2002, Citigroup spun off Travelers Property & Casualty, focusing on banking and financial services. The company faced significant challenges during the 2008 financial crisis and received government assistance before returning to profitability.
Brands Owned by Citigroup Inc.
Citigroup Inc. owns 2 brands in our database.
Citibank
Owned by Citigroup Inc.
American multinational banking brand providing consumer banking services, credit cards, mortgages, and financial products to individuals and businesses worldwide.
consumer-bankingcredit-cardsmortgages
Smith Barney
Owned by Citigroup Inc.
American wealth management and brokerage services brand providing investment advice, financial planning, and brokerage services to individual and institutional clients.
wealth-managementbrokerage-servicesinvestment-advisory
Stock Information
Citigroup Inc. Ownership: Pros & Cons
Advantages
- +Global scale and geographic diversification across emerging and developed markets
- +Market leadership position in credit cards and international banking
- +Strong brand recognition and extensive global network
- +Diversified revenue streams across multiple business segments
- +Significant expertise in emerging markets and cross-border banking
Considerations
- -Regulatory scrutiny and compliance requirements as a systemically important bank
- -Exposure to economic cycles and market volatility
- -Competition from other large banks and fintech companies
- -Complex regulatory environment affecting global operations
- -Balance between growth and risk management in banking operations
Frequently Asked Questions About Citigroup Inc.
Is Citi a subsidiary of another company?
Citigroup is an independent, publicly traded corporation with no parent company. The company operates independently with its own management structure and board of directors, though it was formed through the merger of Citicorp and Travelers Group in 1998.
Is Citi publicly traded?
Yes, Citigroup is publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol C. The company has been publicly traded since the merger in 1998, with predecessor companies having public trading histories dating back much earlier.
When was Citi founded?
Citigroup was formed on October 8, 1998, through the merger of Citicorp and Travelers Group. However, the company's origins trace back to 1812 with the founding of City Bank of New York, which later became Citibank.
Who founded Citi?
The modern Citigroup was created through the merger of Citicorp and Travelers Group. The merger was led by Travelers CEO Sanford Weill and Citicorp CEO John Reed, bringing together two major financial services companies.
What is Citi's market position?
Citigroup is the third-largest banking institution in the United States by assets and one of the largest banks globally by market capitalization. The company maintains leading positions in credit cards, international banking, and emerging markets, with a significant global presence in over 160 countries.
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