Citi strengthens partnership with Land Bank with cross border payment solutions

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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.

Citi Philippines CEO Aftab Ahmed (3rd from right) celebrates the partnership with a handshake with Land Bank of the Philippines president and CEO Alex Buenaventura (3rd from left). They are joined by (L-R): Treasury and Trade Solutions country head Arlene Nethercott, Land Bank Treasury and Investment Banking Sector head Carel Halog, Citi ASEAN Treasury and Trade Solutions head Debopama Sen and Corporate and Investment Banking head Vikram Singh.

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.

Citi gives back to community

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More than 5,000 Citi Philippines employees, with their families and friends, marked recently the bank’s annual Global Community Day (GCD) by doing various service activities in their local communities.

Citi Philippines CEO Aftab Ahmed (center) with Citi volunteers at the
Upper Bicutan Elementary School in Taguig

“Citi is committed to making a positive difference in the Philippines. Participation in our Global Community Day continues to grow every year and I’m proud to volunteer alongside more than 5,000 of my colleagues and members of their families,” said Citi Philippines chief executive officer Aftab Ahmed. 

This year, GCD volunteers took part in Brigada Eskwela, an annual project of the Department of Education to prepare public schools for a new school year. In five days, Citi volunteers painted classroom desks and chairs, cleaned schools, brought plants and refurbished textbooks. They also helped build and paint 10 homes and prepare for planting lots in Cavite; conducted workshops on career readiness, finance and legal matters; donated clothes and toys and showed a movie for street children; and took part in the Freedom Walk to raise awareness of and respect for people with disabilities.

Citi ASEAN & Philippines operations and technology head Abhijit Kumta (right) and Citi ASEAN & Japan finance and risk shared services head Jim McCue (left) at the Gawad Kalinga Bayanihan Village in Cavite

Citi Philippines chief finance officer Martin McLeod
at the Sto. Nino Elementary School in Marikina

Citi consumer business risk management head Erwin Wiriadi at the Ninoy Aquino Elementary School in Malabon

This year’s GCD partners were the Philippine Business for Social Progress, Gawad Kalinga, Bayan Academy, ChildHope Philippines, Habitat for Humanity, GMA Kapuso Foundation, World Vision Foundation and the Philippine Foundation for the Rehabilitation of the Disabled. 

(L-R) Pasig City vice mayor Iyo Bernardo, Philippine Federation for the Rehabilitation of the Disabled (PFRD) president Manuel Agcaoili and Citi Philippines CEO Aftab Ahmed

Globally, more than 100,000 Citi volunteers from over 450 cities across 90 countries and territories participated in 1,400 service projects helping to address a range of community needs. Citi has contributed nearly four million hours of service to GCD projects in hundreds of cities since the initiative was launched in 2006. 

(L-R) Citi talent and learning development head Agnes Mondonedo, Citi public affairs head Lisa Coory, and country human resources officer Sarab Singh at Bayan Academy

i country legal head Pia Lacson (left) and Atty. Riza Del Rosario at Bayan Academy

To learn more about Citi’s citizenship efforts across the globe and to review the 2017 Global Citizenship Report, visit http://citizenship.citigroup.com.

Next generation Citi mobile app for seamless digital banking experience

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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 continued growth opportunities in Asia

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Global fund managers turn to the region in the face of volatility and uncertainty

Citi remains bullish about the growth prospects in Asia, as global investors turn to the region in the face of volatility in Europe and North America and general uncertainty in the markets. 

Citi shared key investment trends and macroeconomic views during the Citi Investor Conference 2018 at the Citi Plaza building in Taguig.  

“Global fund managers are looking carefully at Asia, and China is a big part of that,” said Julia Raiskin, head of Investor Sales, Asia Pacific, at Citi. “Interest in the region is partly due to the inclusion of 200 large cap Chinese stocks in the MSCI, as well as the opening of the China Bond Connect.”

(L-R) Citi Investor Sales Asia Pacific head Julia Raiskin, Citi Philippines Country Treasurer and Global Markets and Securities Services head Paul Favila and Citi Asia Pacific Economic and Market Analysis head Johanna Chua

According to Raiskin, global fund managers are investing in equities and fixed income as top choices, with local currency bonds becoming increasingly attractive. “Investors are looking into more liquid markets – Hong Kong, Australia and, gradually, ASEAN,” she said. “Intra-Asia flows are also increasing with key corridors flowing from China, Japan and Korea to ASEAN.”

Citi notes that intra-Asia trade corridors have the potential to pick up slack from China and U.S. supply chains that may be threatened. 

“This region represents a much bigger opportunity as it is currently under-penetrated,” said Johanna Chua, head of Asia Pacific Economic Analysis at“Citi. Industries are well developed, but the long-term savings industry and asset management is not. So we’re seeing bigger allocations towards Asia from fund managers.” 

Philippine equities are underweight in Citi’s global equity allocation due to broad-based, cyclical upswings and the performance of other economies, explained Chua. But recent data has been good, given increased government spending and the peso stabilizing. “There’s a lot of traction growth,” Chua said. “The growth story is there.”

To spur further growth, Citi says the key is more foreign direct investments. “We need more FDI. The Philippines is still conservative with regards to foreign financing,” Chua said.

Infrastructure is seen as a key growth driver, especially the government’s ongoing ‘Build, Build, Build’ program. Additional growth drivers include services exports such as tourism, manufacturing with preferential tax treatments, and agricultural development and energy.

“As the contracts of the IPPs (Independent Power Producers) expire in 2020, power and energy will potentially be huge growth drivers for the Philippine economy,” said Paul A. Favila, head of Markets and Securities Services. 

Overall, Citi explained that last year was a good year for everybody and moving forward, 2018 is progressing well. “There are a lot of good things going for the Philippines,” said Chua. “It’s one of the only economies without any fuel subsidies and domestic demand story in the Philippines has traction, especially on the investment side.”

Citi’s GDP growth projection for the Philippine economy is 6.9% in 2018.

Cardless ATM withdrawals now possible with Citi

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Citibank, the country’s leading global bank, continues to pursue innovation in order to enhance the banking experience of their customers. Cardless ATM withdrawals from debit accounts are now possible in all Citibank ATMs.

You don’t have to visit a Citibank branch and do tedious over-the-counter withdrawals when you forget your Citibank Debit Card and are in immediate need of cash. With the cardless cash withdrawal facility, you may simply set up a cardless cash withdrawal in Citibank Online or your Citi Mobile App, with a One-Time PIN (OTP) sent via SMS. Then, proceed to the nearest Citibank ATM, where you will receive a second OTP which you need to input before you get your cash.  This new feature of Citibank ATMs is free of charge and can also minimize fraud and ATM skimming.

Experience secure cardless cash withdrawals with the latest ATM feature from Citi.

 For more information, log on to www.citibank.com.ph.

Citi joins Freedom Walk 2018

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More than 400 passionate volunteers from Citi Philippines led by country Chief Executive Officer Aftab Ahmed turned up in full force during the recently held Freedom Walk 2018, with the local government of Pasig as this year’s host city. 

With the theme “Every Rightful Step, All Barriers We Break”, the Freedom Walk is co-chaired by non-governmental organizations, Alyansa ng May Kapansanang Pinoy (AKAP-Pinoy) and Philippine Foundation for the Rehabilitation of the Disabled, Inc. (PFRD) as an expression of the desire of persons with disabilities (PWDs) to be free from discrimination and inequality. Shown in photo receiving Citi’s plaque of appreciation is Aftab Ahmed together with PFRD’s president Manuel V. Agcaoili.

Tens of thousands of Citi volunteers celebrate Global Community Day in the Philippines

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Citi recently celebrated its annual Global Community Day, as more than 5,000 Citi volunteers in the Philippines engage in service activities in their local communities. 

In the days leading up to and including Global Community Day, more than 100,000 Citi colleagues, alumni, clients, family and friends in more than 450 cities across 90 countries and territories volunteer on 1,400 service projects that are helping address a range of community needs, from feeding the hungry to revitalizing schools for a better learning environment to preparing young people for jobs.

Annual event contributes nearly four million hours of service since launch

Citi Philippines CEO Aftab Ahmed is joined by more than 300 volunteers to paint chairs and cover books for “Brigada Eskwela” at the Upper Bicutan Elementary School in Taguig, as part of Citi’s worldwide Global Community Day celebration

On Global Community Day, Citi volunteers invest their time and efforts alongside community and nonprofit partners on service opportunities that help create thriving neighborhoods. Some of these volunteer efforts complement the year-round philanthropic and business-led initiatives, including the Citi Foundation’s Pathways to Progress, that help make our communities stronger. 

“Citi is committed to making a positive difference in the Philippines. Participation in our Global Community Day continues to grow every year and I’m proud to volunteer alongside more than 5,000 of my colleagues and their family members,” said Citi Philippines chief executive officer Aftab Ahmed.

Since the inaugural Global Community Day in 2006, Citi volunteers have contributed nearly four million hours of service to Global Community Day projects in hundreds of cities. 

For this year’s GCD, volunteers got to take part in the Brigada Eskwela where they painted classroom desks and chairs, cleaned classrooms, potted plants and refurbished textbooks for the new school year. They also helped build and paint 10 homes and clear and plough nearby plots in Cavite; conducted workshops on career readiness and finance and legal matters; donated and sorted clothing and toys and watched a movie in cinema with street children; and took part in the Freedom Walk to raise awareness and respect for people with disabilities.

This year’s GCD partners were the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP), Gawad Kalinga, Bayan Academy, ChildHope Philippines, Habitat for Humanity, GMA Kapuso Foundation, World Vision Foundation and the Philippine Foundation for the Rehabilitation of the Disabled (PFRD).

To learn more about Citi’s citizenship efforts across the globe and to review the 2017 Global Citizenship Report, visit http://citizenship.citigroup.com.

Swipe for summer treats with Citi

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Beat the summer heat with the refreshing and cool Swipe for a Treat promo from Citi, the country’s leading global bank. 

This latest offer from Citi, open to all principal and supplementary cardholders, lets you earn eGift vouchers that you can use in over 15 partner merchants across the country until July 15, 2018. 

“Summer in the Philippines is a very special time,” said Manoj Varma, Citi Philippines consumer business head. “To make the summer experience more enjoyable for our cardholders, Citi is offering exciting treats through our ‘Swipe for a Treat’ promo. We hope that our customers enjoy the selection of cool treats for their summer adventure.”

To avail of the promo, register an account with winwithciti.com with the unique password sent by Citi, and make a qualifying minimum single-receipt purchase of at least P3,000 using your Citi card. You can also earn the free treats by using the 0% Citi Paylite for purchases, payable for up to three months. 

Redeem your eGift vouchers on the promo website two days after the posted transaction. You can use the eGifts at merchants such as Krispy Kreme, Mrs. Fields, Foodee Global Concept restaurants, Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, ChaTime, Bruno’s Barbers, Happy Skin, Plains and Prints, Bioessence, Watch Republic, Planet Sports, Silicon Valley, Digital Walker, Ideal Vision and Lay Bare. Each cardholder can redeem up to 30 eGifts. 

Swipe now and get these summer treats from Citi. For more details on this promo, you may visit www.citibank.com.ph/treats.  

Citi Philippines appoints a 27 year veteran, Manoj Varma as new consumer business manager

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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 consumer business manager Manoj Varma

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).

Citibank Cash Deposit Machines now accepting USD cash deposits

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Deposit US dollar notes to your Citibank Philippines USD account real-time without standing in line and rushing to beat the bank’s cut-off time. Effective March, Citi offers a new dollar deposit functionality in its Cash Deposit machines with the service now available 24/7.

For the first time in the Philippines, Citi clients may now deposit dollar bills to their Citibank Philippines USD account in all three branches, Makati, Greenhills and Cebu; and ATM Centers in Binondo, Alabang and Libis. Citibank cash deposit machines will accept denominations from $1 to $100 and up to $9,000/day.

Commenting on the new service, Citi Philippines Retail Banking head Rene Aguirre said, “USD cash deposit via Citibank Cash Deposit machine is fast and is a more convenient option for our customers to make deposits to their Citibank Philippines accounts. This improved service reflects our commitment to stay relevant to our customers changing needs”.

Apart from cash deposit to credit or savings accounts and cash payment to credit card, ready credit, loans or bills, this machine can also accommodate other functionalities such as cash withdrawal, funds transfer, statement request or checkbook order to security pin change and viewing of account details.

By making it possible to make cash dollar deposits through its cash deposit machines, Citi has made basic banking transactions even easier and more convenient.

For more information, log on to www.citibank.com.ph. 

Forum highlights growth potential of microinsurance

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Despite the lack of financial literacy and lack of insurance penetration in the Philippines, more and more low-income Filipinos are leveraging microinsurance thanks to the collaboration between government and the private sector.

The Microinsurance MBA Association of the Philippines (RIMANSI) recently held the 2018 National Microinsurance Forum, in observance of National Microinsurance Month, at the grand ballroom of the Century Park Hotel in Manila.

(L-R) Citi Philippines CEO Aftab Ahmed, Rimansi president Pelagia Mendiones, Insurance Commissioner Dennis Funa, Canadian Ambassador John Holmes and CARD MRI founder and chairman Dr. Jaime Aristotle Alip

The event, which was supported by Global Affairs Canada, was attended by more than 200 of the country’s microinsurance stakeholders from microinsurance mutual benefit associations (Mi-MBAs) and microfinance institutions (MFIs), regulators, promoters and supporters of microinsurance.  This year, the gathering of key microinsurance players and stakeholders provided the venue for discussions on the gains, challenges and prospects of expanding the reach of microinsurance, which included presentations on developments in regulations, outreach, market penetration, non-traditional products and distribution. 

Citi Philippines chief executive officer Aftab Ahmed outlined the bank's initiatives in promoting greater financial inclusion in the Asia-Pacific region, especially in the Philippines. Ahmed said, “Financial inclusion is a subject which is very dear not only to the government in terms of wanting to enhance financial capability in the country but it’s one initiative that Citi too is highly committed to. Over the last 5 years, Citi Foundation has invested over $50 million in financial inclusion efforts across Asia Pacific, where in 2017 alone, we invested $6 million in 10 countries, which supported 65 financial inclusion programs and positively impacted close to half a million people. Last year, Citi committed around P25 million in the Philippines and we have been supporting RIMANSI’s capacity-building program for Mi-MBAs since 2016. Now on its second phase, Citi Foundation’s grant supports the growth strategy of Mi-MBAs with the aim of impacting 5,000 households through the development of new distribution channels.” 

Keynote speakers of the forum were Canadian Ambassador John Holmes and Insurance Commissioner Dennis Funa. They talked about Canada’s support for the rehabilitation and recovery of supertyphoon Yolanda-hit provinces through microenterprise and risk protection development initiatives; and on the positive growth of the insurance industry based on all indicators, including microinsurance coverage of now 32 million Filipinos and the issuance of an enhanced framework for insurance providers to use mobile applications in the distribution of insurance products.

The forum featured panel sessions on the future directions of MFIs, pilot initiatives of Mi-MBAs in reaching hard-to-reach areas, non-life calamity microinsurance and the government’s subsidized agricultural insurance program.  

The discussions highlighted the growth potential of MFIs. The more than 5 million unserved households were potential sources of the growth of microinsurance providers, especially Mi-MBAs. Partnership with non-traditional channels of microinsurance distribution was also promising but could face the challenge of operational systems and efficiency.  However, while a wide range of life, non-life, pre-need and agricultural microinsurance and risk protection products were available in the market, consumer education and literacy, efficient distribution, and connectivity, among others, remained as key challenges to be overcome by the microinsurance sector.

MiMAP (RIMANSI), a microinsurance resource center, is an association of 19 Mi-MBAs regulated by the Insurance Commission of the Philippines. MiMAP members have a combined coverage of 5.34 million households nationwide, insuring 17.92 million people through its basic family life insurance program that covers at least four members of each family, which pays only a single premium. 

In 2017, Mi-MBAs’ contributions and premiums reached P3.68 billion; reserves, P1.52 billion in equity value, and paid claims benefits totaled P908 million.  The Mi-MBAs have a shared mission of reaching 12 million members and insuring 48 million people by 2024.

For more information, log on to www.citibank.com.ph. 

New year, new car with GoWithCiti

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Make your dream of acquiring a brand new car come true at the start of 2018 by joining Citi’s GoWithCiti promo. Drive home one of three BMW 2 Series Gran Tourer MPVs or be one of the ten winners of a luxury watch worth P250,000 from Lucerne!

“We always want to make it more fun and exciting for our clients. With the GoWithCiti campaign, we look forward to seeing our clients enjoy our products and services, as well as the perks and amazing prizes that we prepared for them,” said Vishal Kadian, Acting Head of Cards and Loans, Citibank, N.A Philippines.

Simply use your Citi credit card until January 31, 2018 to earn raffle entries. Each swipe earns you one raffle entry so the more you swipe, the more chances you have of winning. There’s no minimum spend required!

Winners will be drawn on February 14, 2018, and will be notified via phone or email. They can claim their prizes at Citibank Square by presenting the official notification letter from Citi, card used for the winning transaction, two valid IDs and valid TIN ID. 

Plus, register at www.winwithciti.com to earn even more raffle entries and win over 100,000 instant prizes. Simply create an account using any active email address and your unique log-in password and earn play codes every time you swipe your Citi credit card. Each play code can win you Nike Park, Vikings, Bistro Group, Bruno’s Barbers or Mrs. Fields eGIFTs, an e-voucher from ZALORA, UBER credits for P50 off on your next 2 rides, and a 3-month subscription at IFlix. If no instant prize is won, you will get ten additional raffle entries for the raffle.

To redeem your instant prizes, just go to the My Rewards page on your www.winwithciti.com account for detailed instructions. 

Start the year right and win amazing prizes. GoWithCiti now!

For more information, log on to www.citibank.com.ph/bmw.

Citi sees positive economic outlook in the face of global challenges, market headwinds

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Citi, the country’s leading foreign bank, remained positive on the Philippines while sharing its mid-year economic outlook for 2017at an event exclusively held for Citigold clients.

Citi Philippines CEO Aftab Ahmed welcomed clients to the event, and thanked them for their unwavering support and continued confidence in the bank. “Your presence here means that we have your trust. Without your trust, we would not have your business,” he said. “Thank you for giving us the opportunity to be your financial partner, providing financial solutions that meet your needs.”

Citi Philippines CEO Aftab Ahmed (center) flanked by (L-R) Citicorp Financial Services and Insurance Brokerage Philippines, Inc. President Lester Cruz; J.P. Morgan Asset Management’s Supreet Bhan; Citi Philippines Retail Banking Head Rene Aguirre; and BlackRock’s Eric Mueller.

Ramon Tejero, Investment Product Head of Citicorp Financial Services and Insurance Brokerage Philippines, Inc., provided an insightful overview of the Philippine economy in the 1st half.

According to Tejero, the tax reform agenda presently being pushed by the administration should help prop up the economy to a higher level. While the economy is still very much driven by OFW remittances, he said the tax reform with its aim to reduce income tax payments, can play a big role in boosting local consumption.

In the same event, J.P. Morgan Asset Management Executive Director and Southeast Asia Funds Head Supreet Bhan gave an outlook on Asia, while Eric Muller of BlackRock’s Multi-Asset Strategies Group gave an update on global markets.

In his closing remarks, Citi Philippines Retail Banking Head Rene Aguirre assured clients that Citi will continue to offer personalized services and deliver world-class investment capabilities through Citicorp Financial Services and Insurance Brokerage Philippines, Inc. (CFSI), Citi’s brokerage arm.

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. 

For more information about Citigold, visit www.citibank.com.ph, go to the Citi branch nearest you, or call (632) 995 9888 for more details.

From number one foreign bank, Citi now aims to be leading digital bank in the Philippines

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Citi Philippines, the country’s leading foreign bank continues its aggressive bid to be the number one digital bank in the country with the launch of new digital partnerships, products and services.

Citi Philippines latest digital innovation comes in the form of online credit card application and approval program, a first in the Philippines.

Recently, David Stoughton, Director for Credit Payment Products, briefed members of the media said their clients can expect to get credit approval online, after they complete the simplified application form and submit digitized copies of required documents.

“We were one of the first banks to launch an online presence and also one of the pioneers in attracting customers through our website,” recalled Stoughton. “At that time, we were only capturing the information online when they apply, but the processing still takes place offline including the credit review. With this latest service, we are excited to break new ground for the industry and deliver another innovation for the Filipino consumer.”

Apply online and get a digitized reward too!

With the digitized application and approval process, a client will know in minutes if he or she is qualified for a Citi credit card. 

 “This is a game changer as we continue to look at our products and services, and accelerate digitization to deliver remarkable client experiences,” said Stoughton.

Citi also digitized its rewards – clients who prefer to submit applications through promotion booths in shopping centers or travel exhibits because of attractive turn-in gifts will be pleased to discover they won’t be missing out just because they will do it online.

From now until April 30, complete an application online and receive an electronic voucher you can redeem for an Auntie Anne’s pretzel and iced tea. Upon approval, clients who are getting their first Citi credit card and make a purchase of P20,000 or more within 60 days are also eligible to get a Fitbit Charge 2 fitness wristband

Groundbreaking partnerships with leading digital retailers

Citi also recently unveiled another strategic digital partnership, this time with Amazon. The Philippines will come next after Thailand where credit card holders can now use their Rewards Points to pay for purchases at Amazon.com. 

On average, Citi announced a new digital innovation or partnership fortnightly in the last 12 months across Asia. During 2016, Citi announced strategic partnerships in leading digital ecosystems across the region. Some of these included Alipay and WeChat in China and Line in Thailand and Taiwan. The bank also formed digital credit card partnerships with the likes of Airbnb and Uber in various countries. The bank’s social media followers in Asia grew from 3million to over 10million during 2016.

In the Philippines, its regional digital partners include: Booky, an offline restaurant finder; Zennya, the world’s first spa on-demand app; Lazada, the leading online shopping mall in the country; and Grab, Southeast Asia’s leading ride-hailing platform, to name a few.

In the country, Citi’s ongoing promotions with leading travel sites including Asiatravel (grab 12% off on hotel bookings until June 30, 2017); Agoda (get 10% off on hotel accommodations year-long); Expedia (enjoy 8% off until October 2017); and Airbnb (on first stay, get P1,800 off until November 15, 2017).

Beyond travel, expect to also enjoy exclusive discounts when shopping online with Citi credit cards:

15% off at POBox.ph (until March 31, 2017) and Shipping Cart (for air and shipping fees until July 31) 

12% off at Zalora year long 

10% off at Galleon.ph until July 31 

Island Rose extends 10% off year long 

Banking on a Digital Future

“Our Consumer Bank business in Asia draws some 20 million visits to our online properties every month and between 90 to 95% of all transactions already happens outside a branch,” Stoughton said.

He added that regional figures show one out of every four new credit card accounts acquired comes from digital sources and over 50% of clients are actively using digital banking channels, up from 30% three years ago. 

Over the past five years, traffic in Citi branches across Asia has declined 50% as digital transactions grew over 100%. While digital banking is not completely replacing the branch experience, the nature of branch interactions is changing, and Citi’s strategy is now aimed at a combination of bricks and clicks.

“In our drive to digital, we have also become the credit card brand that online and mobile retailers prefer. This initiative presents a bright outlook in a country which greatly embraces the growth of online shopping and lifestyle,” added Stoughton.

Over the last year, Citi launched the newly-refreshed Citi Mobile App in Asia featuring easy-to-use functionality and interfaces such as Snapshot and Touch ID which has seen over 2m million downloads to-date. The bank also was the first to launch Voice Biometrics across the region which has since received more than 700,000 sign-ups from customers with over 1m clients consenting.

“We are focused on becoming the world’s leading digital bank, and we will continue to leverage on our global network for strategic partnerships even as we develop and deliver digital products and services,” said Stoughton.

Citi’s My Unforgettable Story-Story of Romance winners revealed

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Credit card leader Citi has announced the first two (2) winners of Citi’s My Unforgettable Story raffle promotion. Of the various Story of Romance prize options, Angela Rosales from Cebu City (right) chose an island getaway for two at Koh Samui, Thailand that includes round trip airline tickets, four days/three nights hotel accommodation (with airport transfers) at the luxurious Anantara Lawana Koh Samui Resort & Spa, plus a romantic dinner and relaxing massage for two. 

 Meanwhile, lucky Citi cardholder Ma. Rosario Macagba from Quezon City (left) picked a thrilling hot air balloon date in Dubai including round trip airline tickets, four days/three nights hotel accommodation (with airport transfers), a 4x4 Dubai Dessert Safari experience, and a romantic dinner for two (2) at the prestigious Burj Al Arab. 

For more information about the complete list of winners for Citi’s My Unforgettable Story Raffle promotion, visit www.citibank.com.ph/mystory. 

Citi Philippines Celebrates 25 Years of Leadership in Credit Cards with the campaign ‘My Unforgettable Story'

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Everything in life revolves around money. And here's finding the simplest possible way of making payments, in many situations wherever we are. Also when abroad is safer on a card than by paying with cash. You don’t need to have the cash readily available if you have credit card.

Shopping or just buying whatever you need using a credit card is an easy and secure way to pay for goods - in many places around the globe and even online.

Credit cards provide a fast and efficient way of paying for goods and services, but they also allow us to build up our credit history.

Citi Philippines, the country’s largest foreign bank celebrates another milestone as it marks its 25th year of providing world class credit card products and services to the Filipino consumer.

Celebrity SocialiteTessa Prieto-Valdez hosting the Citi Philippines 25th Anniversary Celebrations held at the Fairmont Hotel, April 27, 2015.

It was in 1990 when Citi Philippines introduced the Citibank MasterCard, marking the global bank’s entry into the Philippine credit card market. Back then, Citi was also credited for changing the payment landscape, when it lowered the minimum income requirement to own a credit card, and turned what was once a financial tool only for the elite, into a payment product that empowered middle income Filipino cardholders.

“We are extremely proud of our legacy of success here in the Philippines, particularly in our consumer banking business led by our credit cards,” shared CEO Batara Sianturi in his speech at the celebratory event. “As the world’s largest issuer of credit cards, we bring our experience and expertise across the globe in providing and anticipating the credit payment needs of our clients here in the country with the help of our partners like MasterCard.”

Today, Citi remains the acknowledged industry leader, with an enviable track record of innovations and best-in-market offers and promotions, making many unforgettable stories possible for its Filipino customers. And what would be a better way to celebrate its 25th year than to reward its loyal clients with the campaign ‘My Unforgettable Story’?

Unforgettable Stories with Citi Cards

Launched in March and running until August 2015, the promotion presents Citi cardholders the chance to create new memories in some of the world’s most breathtaking places –by simply using their Citi credit card.

Bea Tan, who heads Citi’s consumer banking business in the country related: “In designing this promotion, we wanted to break the mold and ensure that our clients are truly engaged from day one. We wanted to reward our loyal cardholders with delightful and unique experiences, and empower them with making the best choice from a list of impossible to resist selections according to their lifestyle and preferences.”

And ‘My Unforgettable Story’ certainly delivers all that and more. A total of fifteen lucky cardholders will be chosen in three raffle draws, with five winners to be awarded in each set. The first set of winners can choose one of the Stories of Discovery prizes, including a gourmet food tour in Japan, journey to self-discovery in Bali, scuba diving in Palau, and China or Egypt exploration.

Meanwhile, 2nd raffle draw winners can have a spectacular celebration of love as they can choose one of the Stories of Romance prizes such as a honeymoon in Maldives, island escapade in Thailand and hot air balloon date in Dubai. Winners can also have their dream wedding gown designed by a top couturier, or make their most romantic proposal happen.

Things get more exciting as the third set of winners can revel in one of the Stories of Adventure prizes like a family ski adventure in Korea, US theme park getaway, Mediterranean cruise, African safari and the magical Aurora Borealis experience. 

“It’s so easy to win – just use your card for any purchase, regardless of amount, and you will earn raffle entries. And because we want all our cardholders to have a chance to win, we are awarding raffle entries for nearly every use of a Citi card: from using Citibank Online to charging with Citi PayLite, and even when you apply for a Personal Loan,” explained David Stoughton, Credit Payments Head of Citi Philippines.

To see the complete list of prizes and ways on how to qualify for the promotion, visit www.citibank.com.ph/mystory.

25 Years of Making Fantastic Plastics

“Beyond putting a Citi Card into Filipinos’ wallets, we also opened up a host of world class services and set new benchmarks for the industry,” recalled Tan. “Those were very exciting first years as we unveiled one product or service after the other, and saw not just our market share grow by leaps and bounds, but also competitors sit up and take notice. What was most satisfying is that the Filipino consumer is the real winner here.”

One of Citi’s game changing programs was the launch of Citi Rewards; Citi was the first credit card to introduce a loyalty program – offering rewards points to fuel rebates to air miles to shopping credits – for every spend made on the card. “It begs to be said that when we launched the program, it was so well designed that it set the bar, and we have not needed to make any changes to it since,” narrates Tan.

Indeed, Citi’s Rewards Program has become so successful that today, clients think of three options when they pay: credit card, points or cash? 

“In this day and age when consumer trends and preferences change as fast as news travels, it’s a real challenge to keep track of what customers want and to make sure these are met – and at Citi, we strive to meet this challenge each day,” said Tan.

The Road ahead…is Digital

Looking ahead to the future, its loyal cardholders can expect Citi and MasterCard to continue to invest in the digital payments space and leverage on technology to transform the way in which it serves clients. 

“At Citi, we strongly believe the future is digital. Around the world, we actively promote the transition to digital money. We are a global company doing business in 160 countries and jurisdictions, deeply embedded in over 700 cities and serving about 200 million customer accounts with hundreds of products and services,” declared Sianturi. 

In Asia, Citi has over 7 million digital banking registered users. Nearly 98% of all transactions in this region now take place outside the branch, or via non-branch channels. That’s roughly 20 million digital banking transactions a month in Asia – and the trend is expected to double in five years.

Closer to home, 47% of its customers in the Philippines are registered users of digital banking. Over the last decade, Citi has seen consistent growth in terms of the number of users of both the Citibank Online and Citibank Mobile Banking platforms year on year. 

“Indeed, we have seen an increasing shift to mobile usage, with customers using our Mobile App and mobile browsers to make Funds Transfers and Bills Payment on their mobile devices,” says Tan. “At Citi, we want our clients to have a remarkable experience each and every time they choose to pay with our credit cards. Our investments in the digital space, and partnership with trusted payment solutions provider MasterCard, afford us the opportunity to deliver again and again on this promise.”

About Citi

Citi, the leadng 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 : 

Website:  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

Story and Photo by Janet Marie Caducio (Arts Travel Magazine)