Citi is further expanding its successful coverage of Asia's multinationals (MNCs)around the world by opening new coverage desks to support the growth of Asia's corporate champions. Citi recently opened a China desk in Sao Paolo to support Chinese clients operating in South America. This complemented the China desks already operating around the world in Singapore, Hong Kong, New York, Dubai, London and Johannesburg. A new China desk will also be opened in Kazakhstan later this year.

Citi also opened a Korea desk in Singapore this year to support Korean clients in the Asean region. There are plans to open a Korea desk in Western Europe later in 2014. These will complement the Korea desks already operating in New York, Moscow, Prague, Chennai, Shanghai and Beijing.

Also this year, Citi opened an India desk in New York to serve Indian clients in the US. "Our clients are increasingly going global and our priority is to make sure they are using Citi's global network and local knowledge as they transact across the world. We bank many of our Asian MNC clients across the world as they value our network in the 100 plus countries where we operate. By having a local team on the ground to support our clients we are increasing our business with these clients due to the deepening of the relationship with them and the quality of our coverage," said Agnes Liew, head of corporate banking for Citi in Asia.

These national desks include teams of bankers with the relevant language skill who support clients from areas ranging from corporate and investment banking, to FX services, treasury and trade services. The desks tap into Citi's global network to provide clients tailored product solutions and seamless coverage.