Citigroup Inc. is gearing up for another series of staff reductions beginning in March 2024, expanding upon an initial wave that saw about 1,000 positions eliminated earlier this month. A Citigroup spokesperson confirmed via email that workforce downsizing will persist through 2026, attributing these moves to evolving operational demands, advances in technology, and the concluding phases of the bank’s institutional restructuring.
Under the leadership of CEO Jane Fraser, Citigroup has embarked on a comprehensive, multi-year restructuring strategy designed to streamline its extensive global operations and boost competitive strength. Reports indicate that the upcoming layoffs will predominantly target managing directors and other senior personnel across multiple business units.
These layoffs are anticipated to be announced soon after distribution of annual bonuses, according to sources familiar with the bank’s internal plan, as reported by Reuters. CFO Mark Mason highlighted the continuing downward trend in employee numbers, noting a reduction from 240,000 in 2022 to 226,000 at the end of last year. Mason emphasized the bank's intent to continue shrinking its workforce as part of efforts to reassess expense trajectories.
While this round of staff cuts may be less conspicuous compared to previous publicized reductions, they remain a critical aspect of CEO Fraser’s approach to strengthening profitability and navigating regulatory challenges. There have been reports of senior managers seeking reassignment within other divisions as a strategy to maintain employment through upcoming reductions.
As Citigroup edges toward its target organizational structure, attention is being directed at aligning staff expertise and locations with the demands of a more digitally-focused infrastructure. The bank’s spokesperson reiterated that these measures are intended to ensure that workforce levels and competencies correspond with present business requirements.
In reaction to the announcement, Citigroup’s stock price dipped 1.3% during Friday trading, reflecting market apprehension despite the bank’s restructuring initiatives. Although workforce pruning and cost reductions generally enhance financial results, concerns about the magnitude of severance expenses appear to be influencing investor sentiment negatively.