Saturday, September 3, 2011

Citibank opens full-seLatest Citi “Fin-QSurvey Finds Strong Financial Optimism Among Chinese ConsumersCiti Expands Coverage Of The Asian Government Bond Marketrvice, smart banking consumer outlet at Chongqing Airport First Bank in China to Open a Full Service Outlet at an Airport

Chongqing, March 31, 2011 - Citibank (China) Co., Ltd. (“Citibank today opened a full-service consumer out

Shanghai Citibank (China) Co., Ltd. (“Citibank today released the results of a Financial Quotient (“Fin-Q survey conducted with residents in Shanghai and Beijing that indicates 87% of respondents feel optimistic about their financial futures.

Anand Selva, Country Business Manager of Consumer Banking, Citibank China, said, “The results from our most recent Fin-Q survey reflect the economic development that major cities in China continue to experience, and the wealth creation occurring in them. In 2011, we hope to witness ongoing progress when it comes to increasing numbers of Chinese consumer’s undertaking both financial education and wealth management with a view to ensuring their long-term prosperity.

The Fin-Q survey, carried out in December 2010, provides a snapshot of the preparedness of individuals to manage their short, medium and long-term financial goals. It is the third year that Citi has conducted the survey in China.

Quality of Life and Financial Outlook

The 2010 Fin-Q survey found that 87% of respondents were satisfied with their quality of life, in addition to expressing strong optimism about their financial futures. In addition, 78% of respondents reported they felt confident about their country’s economic future, and a majority (54%) said they were better off than one year ago. A strong majority (79%) expressed confidence that their retirement savings will lead to a comfortable life in retirement.

The survey also looked to capture insights into the ability and approach of Chinese individuals to financial planning. Key findings included:

  • The top three concerns facing respondents was building their savings back up, looking for a better paying job and doing a better job of saving for retirement.
  • 94% respondents made a monthly budget, with 67% always sticking to it, up 23% from the previous survey result
  • 64% of respondents set aside or save some money every time they get paid.
  • A majority of respondents (54%) feel they had a “goodor “very good understanding about money management and personal finances.
  • Almost three-in-five respondents (57%) said they’ve put the global financial crisis behind them and are focused on planning for retirement.
  • When asked about the current state of their retirement savings, 27% felt they knew how much they would need and were on track while another 59% were not sure how much they’d need but had started saving.
  • Asked about the role of financial information and advice in making their investment decisions, most respondents (60%) thought brokers/advisors are a good source of information but tend to make investment decisions by themselves.
  • Banking Experience

    The survey also asked respondents about their views of financial service providers in China. Key findings included:

  • Almost all respondents (95%) expressed a wish to see their bank make better use of technology to improve the in-branch experience.
  • A great majority (93%) believe that over the past few years new technology has made banking easier.
  • A high number of respondents (87%) agree they are comfortable and feel secure conducting banking through remote channels such as phone, Internet or mobile banking.
  • Agreement by 90% of respondents that the level of customer service by Financial Institutions in China has been improving.
  • “These results reflect the progress the entire banking sector has made in China towards improving customer service standards. Citibank welcomes increasing competition in this area, and we remain committed to introducing new innovations as a means of further improving the customer service experience we provide,Mr. Selva said.

    Perceived Investment Options

    The Fin-Q survey also examined respondent’s views towards investment. Key findings included:

  • 78% of respondents indicated an interest in global investment opportunities.
  • 56% of respondents are interested in being able to access investment products that invest overseas.
  • Asked where they would invest to maximize their return-on-investment over the next ten years, real estate was the option of first choice (36%) and shares in Chinese companies the investment of second choice (21%).
  • The Fin-Q survey reached out to 500 participants from Beijing and Shanghai. All respondents had to be over the age of 18 years. Respondents were asked to answer more than 40 questions covering a range of topics related to making smart financial decisions and having good financial habits. The combined Citi Fin-Q Score for respondents who took the survey in China in 2010 was 63.8 points out of a possible 100 points, up significantly from 56.6 in 2009.

    Hong Kong, New York Citi’s Fixed-Income Index Group announced expanded coverage of the Asian sovereign bond markets with the introduction of the Citigroup Chinese Government Bond Index and the Citigroup Sri Lankan Government Bond Index.

    In addition to being available as a stand-alone index, Sri Lanka will also enter the Citigroup Asian Government Bond Index (AGBI) effective with the April 2011 index profile, joining Indonesia, Korea, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, and Thailand. With the addition of the Citigroup Chinese Government Bond Index, Citi is launching the Citigroup Asian Government Extended Bond Index (AGBI-Extended) which includes China and the AGBI markets.

    As a broader regional index, Citi is also introducing the Citigroup Asia Pacific Government Bond Index (APGBI), which measures the performance of Australia, New Zealand and the AGBI markets. With these indexes, investors will be able to measure the performance of the Asia and Asia-Pacific regions on an aggregate basis.

    In the near future, Citi will be launching a Citigroup Dim Sum (Offshore CNY) Bond Index. This index will track the performance of the "dim sum" bonds issued and settled outside Mainland China. The Citigroup Dim Sum Bond Index includes offshore Chinese Yuan-denominated bonds with fixed rate coupon (excluding zeros) and a minimum maturity of one-year. The minimum size outstanding is CNY1 billion. The outstanding amount of the Index is approximately CNY30 billion (US$4.7 billion).

    The Citigroup Chinese and Sri Lankan Government Bond Indexes, AGBI-Extended, APGBI and other indexes, including the Citigroup World Government Bond Index (WGBI), can be found on the Citigroup Fixed-Income Index Website and can also be accessed from within The Yield Book®, Citi’s fixed-income analytical software (www.yieldbook.com). Index information is also available from several independent sources, such as data and analytic vendors. For more information, please contact fi.index@citi.com.

    let at Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport. The outlet is located in Chongqing’s new airport terminal, T2A, which was opened in December 2010. Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport is one of the top ten international airports in China by passenger volume, handling more than 15 million passengers in 2010. A ceremony was held, attended by Jonathan Larsen, Head of Consumer Bank and Cards for Citi Asia Pacific; Andrew Au, Chief Executive Officer of Citi China; and Anand Selva, Country Business Manager for Consumer Bank of Citi China.

    The new outlet is Citibank’s first full service airport outlet anywhere in the world. It reflects Citibank’s approach to opening in high profile and high traffic locations in support of changing customer needs. The opening of Citibank’s Chongqing airport outlet follows the opening in Shanghai last year of a Citibank outlet in the People’s Square metro station, which sees more than 7 million people going through it daily. Citibank was the first bank in China to open full service consumer outlet in Metro System.

    “This state-of-the-art smart banking outlet in Chongqing’s new airport terminal underscores Citibank’s drive in China to expand our presence and to do so in innovative ways that will best serve our growing customer base. We are going through a period of unparalleled investment in China, and today’s opening reflects our confidence in the ongoing economic advancement of Chongqing and western China,said Jonathan Larsen.

    “Chongqing is an important gateway into western China, and we are delighted to be expanding our presence in Chongqing in such a special location. Citi continues to extend and deepen our presence in cities around China in support of our vision of being the leading international bank in the world’s most dynamic economy,said Andrew Au.

    Smart Banking Features

    Citibank’s Chongqing airport outlet contains a number of innovative and customized service offerings:

  • Fully “Wi-Fi enabledallowing customers to go online while inside the outlet using their mobile devices.
  • The “Citi Explore which comprises of a number of interactive touch screens that enable customers to easily obtain information about Citibank as well as Citibank’s latest product and service offerings at their fingertips.
  • The “Citi Explorealso includes hand-held devices containing electronic brochures with detailed introduction to Citibank products and services, market outlook and commentaries, audio and video clips. These devices negate the need for print materials in the spirit of Citibank’s commitment to environmental sustainability.
  • The “Citi Connectenables customers to browse the web and get access to Citibank China’s next-generation online banking services, which include enhanced online security features, more convenient online payments and transfers; “Global View of Accountsallowing customers to access Citibank accounts in multiple countries, a comprehensive set of alerts / SMS-based banking services, all delivered with userfriendly interface and modern look-and-feel.
  • “Citi Assistrefers to interactive video conferencing services that provide customers with the opportunity to obtain additional expert opinion and consultation from Citibank specialists at another location on a real time basis via video phones.
  • Wireless “Soft Phonesare used by all staff while providing complimentary use of mobile phones for customers.
  • “Internet kioskis a complimentary feature with state-of-the-art computers to access external websites for the convenience of our customers.

    “This smart banking outlet is a first for Citi globally and a first for China, given the technology it employs, its locations in the new Chongqing airport terminal, and the
    customized services it offers to airport travelers. We are excited to be launching it, and we will continue to look for opportunities to expand the Citibank brand around China,”said Anand Selva.

    Like all other Citibank retail outlets in China, the new airport outlet provides a full range of products and services under the Citigold and Citibanking platforms. These include deposits and investment products (including Premium Account, Structured Investment Accounts and QDII products); wide range of insurance products; ATM/debit cards and remittance services. Furthermore, the outlet will provide a number of services tailored to the needs of airport travelers:

  • Travel Insurance: free flight insurance will be provided for those customers that open an account, at a value of RMB 800, 000 for Citibanking and RMB 1.5 million for Citigold customers.
  • Preferential rates and privileges for Citibank debit cardholders at a selection of Chongqing Airport merchants.
  • Pending regulatory approval, Citibank will provide foreign exchange services (USD/HKD/JPY/EUR) to commuters, the only provider to do so at the airport
  • Extended opening hours from 8am to 8pm during the week and from 10am to 5pm on the weekends to better service the needs of commuters.
  • Concierge services, including free Wi-Fi / Internet kiosks, free printing and fax services, meeting rooms, a dedicated airport concierge hotline, and complimentary
    wealth management magazines / reports.

    The Chongqing Airport outlet houses 27 retail banking professionals. It is located at Terminal T2A (Departure Hall, beside Gate 4) of the Chongqing Jiangbei Airport.

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