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

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