CMA Launches Search for COVID-19 Resilient Microentrepreneurs

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), Citi Philippines, and the Microfinance Council of the Philippines, Inc. (MCPI) have launched its annual Citi Microentrepreneurship Awards (CMA), which aims to recognize the achievements and contributions of microentrepreneurs all over the country. Now on its 18th edition, this year’s CMA has been modified to respond to community needs resulting from the impact of the COVID-19 crisis.

Through a virtual launch held via Zoom, BSP governor Benjamin Diokno and Citi Philippines chief executive officer Aftab Ahmed revealed that the 18th CMA will have two components: the COVID-19 rehabilitation support package and the recognition of outstanding microentrepreneurs amid the crisis.

“More than ever, it is vital to sustain our microentrepreneurs, who provide essential products and services in the “last mile.” Predominant in low-income areas and serving as engines driving local economies, microentrepreneurs also nurture swathes of the Filipino population depending on them for post-pandemic recovery and rebuilding. Through CMA 2020, we highlight the creativity and internal fortitude of our microentrepreneurs to serve as a great inspiration,” said BSP governor Diokno.

"We are happy that through the CMA program, we are able to help microentrepreneurs overcome some of the financial challenges that they are facing and to improve their business proposition, their products and their services. It is essential for these businesses to learn to adapt as well as implement new strategies. This will be particularly important in the coming months as we start moving towards normalization," added Citi Philippines CEO Aftab Ahmed.

The first component focused on responding to the rehabilitation needs of previous CMA winners, with each winner getting a cash incentive of up to Php 50,000 each. Among the recipients of the COVID-19 rehabilitation support package are 2017 Youth Microentrepreneur of the Year Keith Gonzales Varias and 2018 CMA Regional Awardee for Visayas Rosario Amoroto.

On the other hand, the second component will highlight the important role of microentrepreneurs in rebuilding local economies during the COVID-19 crisis. The awards are open to microenterprises with assets less than P3 million. Three island group winners from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, as well as two other special awardees, namely the Youth Entrepreneurship awardee and the COVID-19 response champion, will be recognized.

All five awardees should have successfully rebuilt their enterprise to a level that is now contributing to local economies during the COVID-19 crisis, while maintaining a healthy repayment record on their loan even as they continue to rebuild their enterprise. Additionally, the COVID-19 response champion should have supported, innovated, or led pandemic response initiatives to help others.

The three island group winners, the Youth Microentreprenuer, and the COVID-19 response champion will get Php100,000 each, as well as one-year microinsurance coverage. From the five winners, a National Winner will be selected who will be receiving an additional Php100,000. All winners will be determined by the NSC and recognized in a simple awards ceremony in June 2021.

Through these efforts, the CMA will ultimately highlight role models for aspiring and hardworking entrepreneurs and generate greater awareness and appreciation of microfinance and microenterprise development as a tool for employment generation and poverty reduction.

Citi Philippines Supports the Philippine Paralympic Committee and Filipino Para-athletes in LAKAD PARA ATLETA

The spirit of diversity and inclusion brings together Citi Philippines and the Philippine Paralympic Committee (PPC) for the inaugural “LAKAD PARA ATLETA”, a walk to support the country’s Paralympic movement, held at the University of the Philippines College of Science Oval at UP Diliman, Quezon City.

This event aims to raise awareness and funds to benefit the country’s Para athletes, especially as they prepare to compete in the upcoming 10th ASEAN Para Games, to be held at the New Clark City Sports Complex in January 2020.  Citi formalized a partnership with the Philippine Paralympic Committee in December of last year, as part of a global agreement between Citi and the International Paralympic Committee (IPC). The international agreement supports 18 National Paralympic Committees (NPCs) in the lead up to the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games. Through the partnership, Citi will help generate excitement and national pride around the extraordinary accomplishments of the country’s para-athletes. In the Philippines, Citi is proudly sponsoring two of the country’s top Para athletes: Adeline Dumapong-Ancheta (power lifting) and Jerrold Mangliwan (wheelchair racing.)

The Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) is also supporting the PPC by holding a series of sports activities for an “Olympic Day” together with the country’s top athletes from the Philippine Olympians Association (POA).

PPC President Michael Barredo and Citi Philippines CEO Aftab Ahmed walked together during the last leg of an Olympic torch relay, which marked the opening of the Lakad Para Atleta walk. In a show of unity, both Para athletes from the PPC and athletes from the POA participated in both the relay and the walk together. More than 2,000 participants joined the walk, including over 800 employees from Citi Philippines.

“Citi Philippines is excited about the opportunity to partner with the PPC and to jointly work on the common goal of greater inclusion in sports. We are thrilled to sponsor the inaugural ‘Lakad Para Atleta’. Our 800 Citi volunteers present today feel honored to be participating side-by-side with the nation’s incredible para-athletes and their supporters,” declared Citi Philippines CEO Aftab Ahmed.
“We are overwhelmed by the support of our partners, especially Citi Philippines. ‘Lakad Para Atleta’ and our partnership with Citi will help increase awareness of Para sports in the country as we prepare for the upcoming ASEAN Para Games in January 2020, as well as the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics later on the same year. We hope to make our fellow Filipinos proud of our achievements both in the sporting arena as well as in our quest to promote equality for all,” said Philippine Paralympic Committee President Michael Barredo.

“LAKAD PARA ATLETA” is co-sponsored by the Philippine Paralympic Committee and Citi Philippines with support of the University of the Philippines, the Philippine Olympic Committee, the Philippine Olympians Association and other organizations.

The event is also the culminating activity of Citi’s annual Global Community Day tradition, which gives employees the opportunity to make a positive impact in their communities through volunteerism. In May and June 2019, over 7,000 Citi Philippines employees participated in 23 volunteer activities to help communities in need and raise awareness of important issues, such as inclusion and equality.

About Citi

Citi, the leading global bank, has approximately 200 million customer accounts and does business in more than 160 countries and jurisdictions. Citi provides consumers, corporations, governments and institutions with a broad range of financial products and services, including consumer banking and credit, corporate and investment banking, securities brokerage, transaction services, and wealth management.

Additional information may be found at www.citigroup.com | Twitter: @Citi | YouTube: www.youtube.com/citi | Blog: http://blog.citigroup.com | Facebook: www.facebook.com/citi | LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/citi

About IPC

The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) is the global governing body of the Paralympic Movement. It co-ordinates the organization of the Summer and Winter Paralympic Games, and serves as the International Federation for 10 sports, for which it supervises and co-ordinates the World Championships and other competitions. The IPC’s vision is to enable Para athletes to achieve sporting excellence and inspire and excite the world.

Citi Strengthens Partnership with Land Bank with Cross Border Payment Solutions

Citi, through Citibank Europe PLC, has signed an agreement with Land Bank of the Philippines to be the exclusive payment service provider for cross border solutions via Citi’s WorldLink® Payment Services. The partnership enables Land Bank to extend their payment service networks to include over 40 currencies, allowing the government-owned bank to deliver funds to beneficiaries around the globe in the currency that they need.

The partnership was commemorated last November 8 by representatives of Citi and Land Bank of the Philippines, led by Land Bank president and CEO Alex Buenaventura, Land Bank Treasury and Investment Banking Sector head Carel Halog, Citi Philippines.

CEO and country officer Aftab Ahmed, Citi ASEAN Treasury and Trade Solutions (TTS) head Debopama Sen, Treasury and Trade Solutions country head Arlene Nethercott, Corporate and Investment Banking (CIB) head Vikram Singh, and CIB Public Sector head Aesha Pabillon.

At the event, Citi and Land Bank recognized the importance of the partnership and potential for the platform to drive improved operational efficiency through cost savings for Land Bank and other government agencies.

“Through this partnership and with the use of WorldLink®, we hope our government agencies will be more efficient, transparent and provide better service to Filipinos here and overseas,” said Land Bank president and CEO Alex Buenaventura.

According to Citi’s ASEAN TTS head Debopama Sen, “We value this partnership with Land Bank and the opportunity to showcase Citi’s comprehensive range of digitally enabled treasury, trade and liquidity management solutions.”

WorldLink®, Citi’s leading cross-border payments solution is used by over 1,200 financial institutions globally, to efficiently make payments in more than 130 currencies and 195 countries. WorldLink® offers an unparalleled solution delivering cost efficiencies, automation, consistent reporting, robust security, and compliance with evolving and complex regulatory requirements.

SSI Offers 30th Anniversary Promo with Citi!

Leading specialty retailer SSI Group Inc. celebrates its 30th anniversary with an exclusive Lucky Holiday Promo in partnership with Citi, valid until January 31, 2019.

This exciting promo gives Citi credit cardholders a chance to win generous prizes with every straight retail transaction or 0% Citi PayLite purchase at any SSI Group stores.

Purchases made using Citi Visa credit card can win P30,000 SSI Purple eGifts. Moreover, purchases made using Citi Visa or Mastercard credit cards may win P300 or P3,000 SSI Purple eGifts. Winners with a qualified purchase will receive an instant notification and instructions on how to redeem the eGifts - valid for use in over 100 SSI Group stores/premium brands and other Giftaway merchants!

With the 30th anniversary theme The Curated Life, SSI moves forward and elevates the definition of enhancing lives, through its curated selection of brands and lifestyle concepts from all over the world.

SSI Group Inc. is a distributor of top international brands in fashion, cosmetics, home furniture and more. These brands include MAC, Zara, Calvin Klein Jeans, Givenchy, Gucci, Pottery Barn, Muji, SaladStop!, TWG Tea and many more.

To learn more about the premium brands under the SSI Group Inc., visit www.ssigroup.com.ph. For more information on the SSI Lucky Holiday Promo, visit http://www.citibank.com.ph/ssilucky.

16th Citi Microentrepreneurship Awards Launched

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) governor Nestor A. Espenilla, Jr. and Citi Philippines CEO Aftab Ahmed jointly announced the launch of the 16th Citi Microentrepreneurship Awards (CMA) during the recently held annual conference of the Microfinance Council of the Philippines, Inc. (MCPI).

Since its inception in 2002, the CMA awards program, a partnership among BSP, Citi Philippines and MCPI, with funding support from Citi Foundation, has been steadfast in its commitment towards recognizing entrepreneurs who have beat the odds, lifting themselves and others out of poverty. The awards also recognize the strong support from microfinance institutions as key partners, underscoring the role these organizations play in financial inclusion and enterprise development.

In his keynote speech, governor Espenilla took note of how digital technology has made an impact in the development of microfinance in the country. “The digital revolution is fundamentally reshaping the financial inclusion landscape and traditional financial value chains,” he said. “Rapid digital innovations in financial technologies have led to the emergence of more dynamic business models.”

"Amidst all the talk of technology and disruption, it is only appropriate that we continue to showcase inspiring stories through the Citi Microentrepreneurship Awards, which has served as a vehicle for inspiring microentrepreneurs nationwide to achieve greater heights,” says Espenilla.

The event saw the introduction of the commemorative book “From Modest Dreams to Microentrepreneurial Triumphs,” which shares success stories of past CMA winners, inspiring tales of winning against adversity through hard work and perseverance.

In his remarks, Citi’s Ahmed said: “The Citi Microentrepreneurship Awards are about the passion, energy, and commitment of microentrepreneurs who want to do better for themselves and their families. At Citi, we are proud to help people pursue their dreams because we are committed to making a difference in the communities where we live and work.”

Governor Espenilla and Aftab Ahmed serve as co-chairpersons of the CMA National Selection Committee. Other members include industry and community leaders such as Ayala Corporation president Fernando Zobel de Ayala; RFM Corporation president and CEO Jose Ma. Concepcion III; GMA Network, Inc. chairman and CEO Atty. Felipe Gozon; former Philippine Daily Inquirer chairperson Marixi Rufino-Prieto; DTI secretary Ramon Lopez; SPARK! Philippines trustee Imelda Nicolas; SM Investments Corporation vice chair Teresita Sy-Coson; Voyager Innovations, Inc. president Orlando Vea; National MSME Development Council-Mindanao Private Sector representative Mary Ann Montemayor; and University of the Philippines Diliman chancellor Dr. Michael Tan.

The awards are open to microenterprises with business assets up to PhP3 million. The award categories are Microentrepreneur of the Year Award, regional awardees from the three major island groups (Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao), Youth Microentrepreneur of the Year, and special awards for agri micro-business, community leadership, and green/sustainable business.

The national winner of the Citi Microentrepreneurship Awards will receive PhP200,000 while the three regional awardees, the youth awardee, and special awardees will each get PhP100,000. The loan officers and MFI branches of each awardee are also given  a cash incentive of PhP10,000. Semi-finalists will receive a cash incentive of PhP10,000.

In addition to cash prizes, long-term sustainability of the winning microenterprises is of vital importance, thus, entrepreneurship training and mentoring is also provided at the Citi Microenterprise Development Center.

About Citi Foundation

The Citi Foundation works to promote economic progress and improve the lives of people in low-income communities around the world. We invest in efforts that increase financial inclusion, catalyze job opportunities for youth, and reimagine approaches to building economically vibrant cities. The Citi Foundation's "More than Philanthropy" approach leverages the enormous expertise of Citi and its people to fulfill our mission and drive thought leadership and innovation.

About Citi

Citi, the leading global bank, has approximately 200 million customer accounts and does business in more than 160 countries and jurisdictions. Citi provides consumers, corporations, governments and institutions with a broad range of financial products and services, including consumer banking and credit, corporate and investment banking, securities brokerage, transaction services, and wealth management.

Additional information may be found at www.citigroup.com | Twitter: @Citi | YouTube: www.youtube.com/citi | Blog: http://blog.citigroup.com | Facebook: www.facebook.com/citi | LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/citi

About Microfinance Council of the Philippines, Inc.

The Microfinance Council of the Philippines, Inc. (MCPI) is the national network of microfinance institutions (MFIs) and support organizations in the Philippines advocating sustainable, innovative, and client-responsive solutions to poverty in the country. MCPI is currently comprised of 61 members (48 MFIs, 2 regional networks, and 11 support organisations) which account for 80 percent of the microfinance sector in the Philippines. Its key programs include advocacy, capacity building for MFIs, social performance management and client protection in microfinance, knowledge management, and network development.

Better, More Convenient Digital Banking

Citi credit cardholders will have a better, easier, and more personalized digital banking experience with the new and improved Citi Mobile App. The next generation mobile app features groundbreaking capabilities and innovative functionalities that allow users to do more.

Manoj Varma, Citi Philippines consumer business head said, “We at Citi are highly committed to expanding and enhancing our digital capabilities for the ease and convenience of our customers. We are passionate about meeting and exceeding our customers’ expectations.”

Citi’s next generation mobile app provides a comprehensive suite of features such as credit card locking and unlocking, a personalized dashboard, easy conversion of retail transactions to installments, and viewing and downloading of recent statements and utility bills with just a few taps.

The Citi Mobile App is aligned with Citi’s commitment to digital transformation with a goal of making banking as easy and convenient as possible. Citi continuously enhances its capabilities to make customers’ digital journey more seamless, whether on desktop, mobile app or phone browser.

More than 60 percent of Citi Philippines customers are already enrolled in digital channels, with even more customers subscribing to electronic statements. Today, the biggest growth in digital enrolment has been in mobile banking, which has grown 64 percent in the last 12 months.

The mobile app is just one of several innovations Citi has introduced in the country. In recent years, the bank launched new services including live chat, instant global fund transfers and a pioneering voice biometrics technology that allows customers to be identified through their unique voice prints.

For its contributions to the growth of mobile banking in the country, Citi has received several prestigious awards including Best Retail Mobile Experience – Philippines at the Asset Triple A Digital Awards 2017, Best Internet Banking Initiative at the Asian Banker Philippine Country Awards 2017 and Best Consumer Digital Bank – Philippines at the Global Finance Best Digital Bank Awards 2017.

To know more, visit www.citibank.com.ph.

Citi Welcomes New Credit Cardholders with Exciting Gifts

Getting a new Citi credit card online is not only fast and convenient, it is rewarding too. Citi welcomes new cardholders with a free P5,000 UNIQLO e-Gift!

Applicants for Citi credit cards can simply apply online for a Citi Rewards Card, Citi PremierMiles Card, Citi Cash Back Card, Shell Citi Card or Mercury Drug Citi Card at www.citibank.com.ph/apply. Use your new Citi credit card within 60 days for a one-time or accumulated purchase worth P20,000 to get the e-Gift.

Cardholders can then shop to their heart’s content at participating UNIQLO stores by presenting the e-Gift code. These e-Gifts can even be gifted to friends and family, and can be redeemed in increments of P1,000.

Apart from getting an exciting welcome gift, cardholders can also take advantage of Citi’s range of credit card benefits:

The Citi Rewards Card offers cardholders one point for every P30 spend and three times points when they shop, dine or book Cebu Pacific tickets. The points may be used to redeem flights, hotel stays or merchandise, as well as to pay for purchases at partner merchants.

The Citi PremierMiles Card offers one mile for every P30 spend. The miles never expire and are automatically redeemable for flights and hotel stays through Citi ThankYou Rewards.

Cardholders of Citi Cash Back Cards get up to 6 percent rebate on supermarket purchases, 2 percent rebate on Meralco bills done through Citibank Online and an automatic 0.20 percent rebate on all other purchases, saving as much as P12,000 a year.

Cardholders of Shell Citi Card get up to 5 percent rebate on Shell fuel purchases, SLEX and NLEX toll fees and auto repair services nationwide, saving as much as P10,000 a year.

Cardholders of Mercury Drug Citi Cards get up to 10 percent rebate on Mercury Drug purchases, participating hospital bills, and 0.25 percent rebate on all other purchases outside of Mercury Drug and participating hospitals, saving as much as P9,600 a year. Also, you can avail of free 24/7 ambulance service worth P10,000.

The promo does not cover new Citi Simplicity and Citi Prestige cardholders.

Apply for a new Citi credit card now until February 28, 2019 to get the UNIQLO eGift from Citi. To know more about this exciting offer, visit www.citibank.com.ph.

Enjoy up to 15% off with Citi and Greenwich!

Pinoy pizza and pasta lovers—unite!

If you’re a Citi cardholder, enjoy up to 15% off with the Citi Exclusive Greenwich Bundles! Take advantage of these irresistible deals from Greenwich Pizza, the Philippines’ largest pizza chain, until October 31, 2018.

With the Citi Exclusive Bundle for 3, have 1 Barkada Hawaiian Overload Crispy Thins, 3 Lasagna Supreme Snack Size, and 2 Dippers for only P609, with savings of as much as P85.

With the Citi Exclusive Bundle for 5, have 1 Double Hawaiian Overload Crispy Thins, 1 Double Pepperoni Crispy Thins, 1 Lasagna Supreme Regular Pan, and 3 Dippers for only P859 with savings of as much as P134.

With the Citi Exclusive Bundle for 6, have 1 Double Hawaiian Overload Crispy Thins, 1 Double Pepperoni Crispy Thins, 6 Lasagna Supreme Snack Size, 6 pcs. Jumbo Crunchy Chicken, and 4 dippers for only P1,349 with savings of as much as P155.

This great value promo in partnership with Greenwich is applicable for dine-in, take-out, and delivery. Cardholder must use his/her valid Citi credit card to pay for his/her single receipt bill at Greenwich. To order, call Greenwich Delivery by pressing # then 5-55-55.

For more #LovetoDine deals, visit www.citibank.com.ph/lovetodine.

Next Generation Citi Mobile App for Seamless Digital Banking Experience

Mobile banking is now better, faster and more convenient with the next generation Citi Mobile App. Loaded with new features and a fully redesigned cards dashboard for a more personal and seamless customer experience, the app lets Citi credit cardholders lock and unlock their credit card, download and view their statements electronically, convert retail transactions to installments, get a snapshot view of their accounts and pay their bills, in a few simple clicks. The next generation app was launched by (L-R): Citi Philippines consumer customer franchise head Roy Villareal, CEO Aftab Ahmed and consumer business head Manoj Varma. For more features and info, visit www.citibank.com.ph.

Citi Sees Sustained Economic Growth and Investment Opportunities Despite Global Market Volatility

Citi, the country’s leading foreign bank, remains positive about economic growth in the Philippines despite current global market volatility. At a series of mid-year outlook events, Citigold clients heard expert views on the current market environment and implications for investment strategy shared by Citi and guest speakers.

Citi’s consumer banking head Manoj Varma opened the sessions and explained the importance of understanding risks and opportunities when investing. Varma said, “Citigold clients look for trusted advice and up-to-date information, especially during times of market volatility.”

According to Ramon Tejero, Citicorp Financial Services and Insurance Brokerage Inc. (CFSI) investment product head, market data shows that we are in the midst of the second longest and third strongest equity bull market since 1970. Recent market volatility has been primarily caused by rising interest rates, potential trade wars, and geo-political tensions.

“Despite market concerns, there appears to be opportunities in technology, financials, healthcare, and industrials due to continued earnings growth in these sectors,” said Tejero.

In the Philippines, Citi believes the country’s economic growth momentum will be sustained in the coming years. Citi forecasts GDP will grow by 6.8% in 2018 and 6.7% in 2019. A primary source of growth will be the government’s infrastructure program.

However, businesses and consumers are showing cautious optimism on the back of ongoing inflation concerns. Citi expects inflation to top 5.3% in the third quarter of 2018 before declining to below 5.0% in the following quarter.

“Investors can focus on diversification across asset classes and geographies and income themes, while watching out for tactical opportunities,” concluded Tejero.

“The world is indeed shrinking and when, where, and how we invest is largely influenced not only by domestic factors but also by global market events,” said Rene Aguirre, Citi Retail Bank head. “As trusted advisors, we help our clients grow and protect their wealth. In recent months, 10 new investment products have been launched and digital innovations continue to be developed, such as the recently unveiled next generation Citi mobile app.”

For more information, visit www.citibank.com.ph.

Citi Philippines Appoints a 27 Year Veteran, Manoj Varma as New Consumer Business Manager

Citi, the leading global bank, announced the appointment of Manoj Varma as consumer business manager for the Philippines. A 27 year Citi veteran, Varma will be responsible for managing the company’s consumer franchise in the Philippines. Citi has been in the Philippines since 1902 and provides a full suite of consumer banking products and solutions including credit cards and wealth management.

Citi Philippines chief executive officer Aftab Ahmed said, “Manoj is a great addition to the Citi Philippines team. His wealth of experience at Citi in different regions will further strengthen our ability to being the best through the eyes of our clients.”

Prior to his new appointment, Manoj served as managing director and general manager of the Specialty Partners Group within the Citi Retail Services Business in the U.S. The seasoned retail banking executive has an extensive international experience having worked with Citi in the United States and the Asia Pacific region.

Manoj started as a design engineer, manufacturing computers for HCL India. He joined Citibank India as a management associate in 1990. In New Delhi, he handled Marketing and Product Development for the Auto Loan business and then led Citi’s Customer Services unit for Retail Loans in North India.

In 1993, after a brief stint in Auto Sales, he was appointed head of Retail Banking Operations in Chennai. He moved back to Delhi in 1995 as regional head of the Indian Cards business.

Manoj was named in 1999 product director for the cards business in Citibank Taiwan. Three years later he was transferred to Korea to lead the Cards business in the country.

In August 2006, Manoj became initiatives director for the Partnership Business of Citi USA’s Retail Partner Cards. He was named in early 2010 general manager for the Specialty Partners Group, with overall responsibility for majority of the partnerships within the Citi Retail Services business.

Manoj has a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Delhi University (1987) and a Master’s degree in Business Administration from Georgetown University (1990).

*This is Press Release

Dive 2018 Investment Opportunities Amid Market Volatility

The Philippines’ inflation rate has risen to 4% year on year in February, a three-year high, from an average of 2.9% in 2017 (using the new 2012 Consumer Price Index base year). While bond yields have risen in 2017, policy rates have yet to increase.

This was among the topics discussed in the recent Citigold 2018 Annual Market Outlook Briefing, “Navigating A Maturing Bull Market” attended by more than 600 Citi customers in the cities of Taguig, Mandaluyong and Cebu.

Also on the agenda was the United States economy. The briefing heard that the United States is showing early signs of inflation that may have implications to both Asia and Europe. However, the good news from the speakers was that they expect no serious financial consequences and remained bullish on Philippine and select global financial markets as these continue to present potential investment opportunities.

Ramon Melchor Tejero, Investment Product Head of Citicorp Financial Services and Insurance Brokerage Philippines Inc., said, “We believe that the recent decline in markets was caused by the sudden change in sentiment among investors related to inflation and rising interest rates.”

Aftab Ahmed, Citi Philippines Chief Executive Officer said, “This is Citi’s 116th year of serving the Philippines and we owe our continued leadership in the country’s banking sector, to the loyal support of our valued clients. Our wealth managers are committed to guiding our clients make sound investment decisions. We are also enhancing our digital capabilities to make our services more accessible to everyone who banks with us. Our priority remains being the best through the eyes of our clients. Our goal remains one of delivering a strong value proposition.”

Manoj Varma, Citibank Consumer Business Manager, shared Ahmed’s optimism “because of the opportunities and growth I see in the Philippines.” Varma said, “The Philippines remains as one of the fastest growing economies in the world. The demographics are supportive of growth. The population is young, productive, and growing. The financial industry still sees a lot of opportunities.”

The Philippine economy remains robust with a gross domestic product (GDP) growth of 6.7% in 2017. GDP growth is expected to accelerate to 6.9% this year because of the government’s infrastructure spending and higher private sector consumption both supported by the recent tax reform law. Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) revenues and Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) remittances are both expected to continue to grow steadily especially with the recent strengthening of the U.S. Dollar.

With the latest market forecasts, Tejero suggested that, overall, the current environment calls for staying diversified, riding the structural trends like Asian growth and the technology sector, positioning for higher interest rates, and coping with an eventual weaker U.S. Dollar.

Varma said Citigold is constantly innovating to serve clients better. “Citigold has and will continue to invest in digital and mobile capabilities that will allow our clients to manage all their investments in one place,” he said. “Citi has also partnered with the Wharton Business School to help train our people and make them even better in relationship management. The recent market leading product launches will continue and this is something that we are passionately pursuing for our clients.”

You can start your Citigold relationship today and get up to two roundtrip tickets to Japan plus up to PHP77,000 in cash credits. Visit www.citibank.com.ph for more details.

*This is Press Release

Exploring wealth management opportunities with Citi market outlook 2018

The country’s leading global bank recently held its annual Chinese New Year market outlook, focusing on wealth management opportunities in both local and global perspectives. Centering on the theme, “Navigating a Maturing Bull Market”, Citi’s financial analysts along with senior resource speakers presented investment opportunities and risks; global earnings growth and inflation rates; and effects of the ongoing administrative and economic developments on the financial markets, among others. These events held in the cities of Taguig, Mandaluyong and Cebu were attended by more than 600 Citigold clients. As the preferred wealth management partner in Asia and in the country, Citigold helps clients grow, manage and protect their wealth, and secure their financial future with its team of experts, unmatched research services, world-class products, global access, and exclusive privileges and rewards.   Welcoming guests were (left to right) Citi Philippines Consumer Business head Manoj Varma, Citi Philippines CEO Aftab Ahmed and Citi Philippines Retail Bank head Rene Aguirre.

*This is Press Release

UNDP and Citi Foundation Launch Regional Program to Accelerate Youth Entrepreneurship for Social ChangeUNDP and Citi Foundation Launch Regional Program to Accelerate Youth Entrepreneurship for Social Change

A regional program that targets social challenges and unemployment by harnessing youth leadership, entrepreneurship and innovation was launched by the United Nations

Development Programme (UNDP) in partnership with Citi Foundation.

The global youth unemployment rate is currently over 13 percent*, that is about 71 million young people, aged 15 to 24, are unemployed worldwide and about half of these live in Asia Pacific.

In addition, the Global Youth Survey 2017: Economic Prospects & Expectations study commissioned by Citi Foundation found that of the 7,000 respondents polled, 69% had dreams of starting their own business but only 44% were trying to do so, citing a lack of education and skills and concerns of failure.

The survey polled respondents across 45 cities worldwide. A majority of 78% also agreed that apprenticeships and internships were critical to future success but 60% did not feel that there were enough of such opportunities in their cities.

Targeted at helping young people overcome some of these challenges, the Youth Co:Lab program will convene a series of National Dialogues and Social Innovation Challenges across Asia-Pacific that will culminate in a Regional Summit to be held in Bangkok in March 2018.

The National Dialogues serve as platforms for young people to directly engage policy makers, private sector partners including incubators, youth-led organizations, NGOs and academia, on how to develop and accelerate youth-led entrepreneurship and social innovation.

Alongside the National Dialogues, the Social Innovation Challenges, akin to start-up

hackathons, enable participating youth to showcase their proposed ideas and solutions to tackle some of the world’s biggest social challenges.

Through these platforms, young entrepreneurs will connect with governments, mentors, incubators, and investors who will help equip them with entrepreneurial capabilities and skills. This includes mentoring and networking opportunities as well as support to start and accelerate their social enterprises.

UNDP and Citi Foundation launch their partnership during the Youth Co:Lab National

Dialogue: Inspiring Innovators, Leaders, Entrepreneurs and Actors for Development (i2 LEAD), held at Makati City. The two-day Dialogue brings together some 100 delegates including government officials, private sector participants, academia and youth representatives to identify challenges and solutions to improve the support and ecosystem for youth entrepreneurship in the Philippines.

Speaking at the launch, Jim McCue, Citi Shared Services Asia Pacific/Japan Head and Risk Shared Services Manila Head said, “We are proud to be partnering with UNDP to empower young people to take control of their future. Youth Co:Lab is part of Citi and the Citi Foundation’s Pathways to Progress** initiative to prepare urban youth to thrive in today's economy. We are doing our part by collaborating with municipal and community leaders in cities around the world to tackle youth unemployment. In addition, I firmly believe that empowering young people to lead through entrepreneurship and social innovation is a critical part of the solution.”

Statistics show many Asia Pacific countries are experiencing a “youth bulge” with adolescents and young adults making up a third of the population. In the Philippines, the median age of its population is 24.2 years and 32% of the 103.5 million population is under 15. It has the third youngest population in the ASEAN after Laos and Cambodia.

“The youth of the Philippines’ not only have a stake in the country’s development trajectory but can also play a critical role in shaping that trajectory. The challenge is to harness the creativity and dynamism of the young and align these to tackling some of the country’s most significant development challenges. UNDP is delighted to work with Citi Foundation in providing a platform to enable youth-led social enterprises to contribute to the achievement of the SDGs in the Philippines,” UNDP Philippines Country Director Titon Mitra said

“We hope to catalyse youth innovations, provide young entrepreneurs with better access to market information and business skills, and with government, provide a better enabling environment for youth-led enterprises. With Citi Foundation, we hope to inspire young innovators, leaders and entrepreneurs to become influential and successful actors for development.”

UNDP and Citi Foundation, alongside local network partners, are pioneering the National Dialogue & Social Innovation Challenge in various countries in Asia Pacific. In its inaugural year, key countries including Thailand, Philippines and China are being piloted and plans are already underway to scale up the Youth Co:Lab program across the region next year.

For updates, follow #YouthCoLab on social media, and visit the Youth Co:Lab Facebook.

Cardholders in the Philippines can now Shop with Points at Amazon.com

Starting this month, Citi credit cardholders in the Philippines who shop at Amazon.com will be able to use their Citi rewards points to pay for their entire purchase at checkout.
Not enough points? Cardholders can also redeem their points to pay for a portion of their purchase and charge the rest to their Citi credit card. With this new offering, Citi credit card customers in the Philippines can also enjoy a USD $15 rebate on the portion of their purchase charged to their card, that is a minimum of at least USD $100, until September 30, 2017. They just need to make sure they enter the promo code LOVE2CLICK in the Gift and Promotional Codes box upon checking out.

“At Citi we are focused on making banking easier for our customers by leveraging digitization, mobile technology and innovation which includes delivering a remarkable client experience in key digital ecosystems. We have seen that the rapid adoption of mobile and other digital channels has truly transformed how people shop and we are delighted to collaborate with Amazon,” said Anand Selva, Head of Asia Pacific Consumer Banking for Citi.
“We expect this partnership to be well-received by our clients, just as they have embraced our earlier digital initiatives,” said David Stoughton, Head of Credit Cards for Citi in the Philippines.  “Over the years, Citi rewards points have become a powerful currency.  Clients use it to shop at their favorite physical stores, or redeem anything from air miles to gasoline to rides around town.  We are excited that our loyalty points are now also available at Amazon.com.”
The announcement marks another key digital relationship that reinforces Citi’s objective to be increasingly relevant in key digital ecosystems where the banks’ clients are more active. In 2016, Citi announced partnerships in Asia including Grab, WeChat, Line, Lazada, AirAsia and Airbnb.

*This is Press Release

Citi ASEAN Head pays courtesy call to BSP Governor

Citi ASEAN Head Amol Gupte (right) and Citi Philippines CEO Aftab Ahmed (left) recently paid a courtesy call on Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Nestor Espenilla, Jr. Gupte congratulated Gov. Espenilla on his appointment last July and expressed Citi’s commitment to the country and to the Philippines banking system. The 115-year old Citi franchise in the Philippines is one of the oldest in Asia, and includes the full complement of corporate and investment banking, consumer banking, as well as a Citi Service Center. Ahmed also thanked BSP and Gov. Espenilla for another year of partnership for the Citi Microentrepreneurship Awards, where they will both serve as co-chairs in selecting outstanding entrepreneurs across the country come November.



*This is Press Release

30% off at FOO’D by Davide Oldani with Citi Cards

Relish the taste of Milan and the world-renowned Cucina Pop dining concept as created by Michelin-starred Chef Davide Oldani, right here in Manila. Use your Citi Credit Cards or Citi Debit MasterCard and indulge in the Citi Exclusive Degustation 4-Course Menu of FOO’D by Davide Oldani, which serves a fine dining, grande cuisine experience that caters to all tastes. Enjoy a delectable appetizer of Cipolla Caramellata, a sumptuous first course of Faux Egg, a decadent second course of Chicken and Prawn, and a rich Tiramisu for dessert all to your heart’s content for only P1,200 (valued at P1,800). Offer is valid from Mondays through Fridays until September 30, 2017. 

FOO’D by Davide Oldani is a restaurant under FOODEE Global Concepts, and is located at Shangri-la at the Fort, 30th St. cor. 5th ave, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. Truly, la vita è bella – life is good – with Citi. Buon Appetito! For more information, log on to www.citibank.com.ph/lovetodine.

Win instant prizes with Citi Credit Cards

Win instantly with your Citi credit card!  Just register at www.winwithciti.com and earn a play code for every swipe. This code can be viewed on your winwithciti account two (2) business days after your transaction.

Get a chance to take home gift certificates from The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf, Family Mart, Sunnies, Tim Ho Wan, Pound by Todd English, Mesa, and Planet Sports. You can also win weekday buffet lunch for two at Vikings or a Total Effects Day Cream from Olay.

Dining and shopping not your thing? Bigger prizes await in the grand raffle draw. You might be one of 3 lucky winners of Php1,000,000 in cash credits, 10 winners of Php50,000 worth of Shell vouchers,or 10 winners of a Php10,000 gift pack from P&G.

So swipe, play, and win from now until August 15, 2017.

To learn more about this draw, visit www.citibank.com.ph.

Take home Php10,000 worth of P&G products from Citi Credit Cards

Here’s a prize that’s sure to come in handy. Citi credit card holders now have a chance to take home one of 10 gift packs worth Php10,000 each from Procter and Gamble with Citi’s Swipe for a Million raffle promotion. Simply use your Citi credit card to earn one raffle entry, no minimum spend required. You can also take home Php50,000 worth of Shell fuel vouchers, or better yet, Php1,000,000 cash credits! Plus, get a chance to win other lifestyle prizes instantly at www.winwithciti.com. Swipe now until August 15, 2017 and be an instant winner! To learn more about this draw and other special promotions exclusive to Citi cardholders, log on to www.citibank.com.ph.

*This is Press Release

Build Your Wealth with Citi Priority

Building one’s wealth doesn’t come by accident.  It takes years of planning, commitment and discipline – and no other financial institution understands this more than the country’s largest foreign bank.

Citi, the pioneer and leader in wealth management in the Philippines, recently introduced a new banking service targeted for the emerging affluent dubbed Citi Priority.

This latest innovation from Citi provides clients an entrée to global banking services. With Citi Priority, you can enjoy personalized service and access to a menu of relevant products for your growing portfolio.

Build Your Wealth with Citi Priority

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According to Aftab Ahmed, CEO for Citi in the Philippines, Citi Priority is designed to support the financial needs and banking preferences of the region’s emerging affluent — one of the fastest growing customer segments in Asia. “With Citi Priority, we are leveraging the experience and expertise we have built as the region’s leading wealth manager.  We are making available a suite of personalized services on a digital platform to assist the emerging affluent in their journey of wealth accumulation.”

To start a Citi Priority relationship, clients will need P1 million in total relationship balance, which can be parked across savings and checking accounts and time deposits with the bank.

Why say yes?  As a Citi Priority member, you will have a dedicated team of personal bankers to attend to your financial needs.  If you travel frequently, you can enjoy free international withdrawals from any Citi ATM abroad and with access to the currency of the country you are in.  You can also transfer funds for free to any Citi account worldwide, as much a $25,000 daily.

You could also apply for a Citi Rewards Card and when approved, get 25,000 bonus Rewards Points and waived annual fees.  Should you need a Citi Personal Loan, you can count on lower and preferential rates.

You will also gain access to a complete suite of investment and insurance products through Citi affiliate and brokerage arm, Citicorp Financial Services and Insurance Brokerage Philippines, Inc. (CFSI).  You can take advantage of a convenient feature to automatically transfer a portion of your savings to your chosen investment fund product through CFSI and start growing your investment portfolio.

Rene Aguirre, Retail Bank Head for Citi consumer bank, invites the public to sample Citi Priority now and take advantage of welcome gifts from its ongoing promotion.

“New Citi Priority clients can receive as much as P6,000 worth of gift certificates at Beyond the Box if they open on or before June 30, 2017.  This is just the cherry on top of the basket of benefits and services that await them as Citi Priority clients,” said Aguirre.

Upon opening a relationship with Citi, clients with funds of 1 to 3 million pesoswill receive P3,000 worth of gift certificates from Beyond the Box, while P6,000 worth of the same goes to clients with funds of 3 million pesos and more!

Learn more about Citi Priority by pointing your browser at www.citibank.com.ph, or calling the Citi Phone Hotline at 995 9999.  You may also visit the Citibank branch nearest you.

*This is Press Release