Citibank Vietnam extends retail banking presence to Hanoi

CPV: Citibank N.A. Vietnam expanded its retail bank operations in the country by opening a new branch and launching Citigold - its wealth Tourism offering – in Hanoi today (October 15).

The new outlet, equipped with innovative Smart Banking technology, enables Citibank to serve individual customers in Hanoi.

The launch complements Citibank’s first retail branch in Ho Chi Minh City, opened last year, and represents a significant milestone as Citi Vietnam celebrates its 15^th anniversary in the country.

With this new facility, Citibank is also introducing its wealth management offering – Citigold – to customers in the Capital. The Citigold offering is characterized by a higher level of service and offers unique products and benefits. This prestigious service targets affluent customers and provides them with an unparalleled level of priority treatment.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Mr Shirish Apte, Chief Executive Officer of Citi Asia Pacific said: “We are pleased to be able to extend our world-class retail banking services to customers in Vietnam with the launch of this Smart Banking branch and the introduction of Citigold in Hanoi. Vietnam represents a promising market in what is an exceptionally important region for Citi, and we are committed to growing our franchise here”.

Citibank’s retail banking network in Asia Pacific serves over 32 million customer accounts. This new branch in Hanoi is among the first few Smart Banking branches in Asia and demonstrates Citibank’s commitment to bringing world-class products and services to Vietnam.

Mr Brett Krause, Citi Country Officer for Vietnam, stressed: “This innovative new concept of banking leverages technology to redefine customers’ banking experience. The Hanoi branch really speaks to our commitment to create new and innovative products, and deliver world-class service to our customers”.

The branch comes equipped with media walls, interactive kiosks and work benches to enable customers to surf though information, learn about financial products and services, and conduct transactions. The branch will provide customers and the local community with up-to-date global and local news, including weather, business, sports and market updates.

Some of the other unique features include:

• Three “Citi Browsers”: Interactive touch screens that enable customers to easily obtain information about Citibank as well as Citibank’s latest product and service offerings. These negate the need for printed materials in Citibank’s environmentally friendly branch environment

• Four “Citi Work-Benches”: Allows customers to complete their daily banking needs at their own pace in a secured and convenient manner

• Two “Citi Assist” interactive video-conferencing private briefing rooms: Provides customers with the opportunity to obtain additional expert opinion and consultation from Citibank specialists throughout the region via video conferencing

• Citigold centre for High Net Worth customers with private briefing rooms and personalized relationship management services

“This launch is just the start of Citi’s expansion plans in Vietnam. Over the next few months, Citi will progressively add more best-in-class products and services, increase the number of touch points for our customers, and with regulatory approval, cement its commitment to Vietnam by locally incorporating a banking subsidiary,” Mr. Krause added.

Citi has been in Vietnam for 15 years and provides a full range of financial services, including corporate and investment banking. The Bank is a pioneer in the country and was the first to launch Internet banking, an internet payment gateway and an online internet platform.