Core Viewpoint - The termination of Citibank China's membership with China UnionPay has raised market attention, but Citibank asserts that its corporate banking operations remain unaffected [2][3][4]. Group 1: Membership Termination - On August 27, China UnionPay announced the termination of Citibank China's membership [3]. - Citibank China stated that it is no longer a member of China UnionPay due to the closure of its personal banking operations, and its corporate banking services will not be impacted [4]. - The termination was reportedly initiated by Citibank China, which will cease payment operations through the UnionPay network [4]. Group 2: Business Strategy - Citibank Group announced a restructuring of its global personal banking operations in April 2021, planning to exit the personal banking market in 14 global markets, including mainland China [4]. - The CEO of Citibank China described the decision as a "difficult long-term choice" aimed at focusing resources on more efficient corporate banking and leveraging global network advantages [4]. - In October 2023, Citibank announced the sale of its personal wealth management business in mainland China to HSBC China, with the transaction completed by June 2024 [5]. Group 3: Workforce Adjustments - In June 2023, Citibank was reported to initiate a large-scale layoff, planning to reduce approximately 3,500 technical staff in its global technology centers in Shanghai and Dalian [6]. - This adjustment is part of Citibank's financial plan for 2025, expected to be completed by the fourth quarter of 2025 [6]. Group 4: Leadership Changes - On August 7, Citibank China announced the approval of new leadership appointments, including Aveline San as the new chairman [6]. - Aveline San emphasized the bank's commitment to leveraging its global network to provide international standard services to corporate clients in China [6].

Group 1 - The Reserve Bank of New Zealand plans to cut approximately 21% of its workforce, equating to 142 positions out of around 660 employees, in response to government funding restrictions [1] - The affected employees are expected to leave by October 13 [1] - The bank had previously indicated a review of its spending and staffing levels after reaching a funding agreement with the government that was below its original expectations [1] Group 2 - The former Governor, Adrian Orr, expressed concerns that the revised funding was insufficient for the bank to effectively fulfill all its responsibilities, which is seen as a reason for his unexpected resignation in March [1]

Group 1 - Citigroup announced a significant reduction of approximately 3,500 technology personnel at its global technology solution centers in Shanghai and Dalian as part of a global workforce simplification initiative [2][4] - Including around 500 affected third-party personnel, nearly 4,000 individuals lost their jobs overnight [3][4] - The layoffs are part of Citigroup's plan to cut about 20,000 jobs by the end of 2026, which will reduce its total workforce by approximately 10% [3][4] Group 2 - Employees affected by the layoffs have the option for severance packages, with the highest compensation being "N+6+3," which includes a three-month buffer period where salaries and benefits continue [5][6] - The company has been undergoing strategic adjustments, including the sale of its personal retail wealth management business in mainland China to HSBC, affecting over 300 employees [6][7] - Citigroup's financial performance showed a revenue increase of 3% year-over-year to $81.1 billion and a net profit increase of 37% to $12.7 billion for the year 2024 [6][8] Group 3 - Citigroup has a long history in China, being the first American bank to operate there since 1902, and has been adjusting its business focus towards corporate and institutional clients [6][8] - Recent leadership changes include the appointment of Zhang Wenjie as the new president of Citigroup China, following the resignation of the previous president [8][9] - Zhang brings 30 years of experience in corporate and institutional banking, having previously held senior positions at major financial institutions [9]

Group 1 - Hang Seng Bank has initiated a significant layoff process since late March, with reductions in some departments ranging from 10% to 50%, expected to be completed by the end of June [2] - The layoffs primarily affect support departments, strategy and corporate development, as well as IT, corporate communications, and the Hang Seng Index Company [2] - Employees in affected departments must reapply for their positions, competing with both internal and external candidates, with potential changes in job titles due to restructuring [2] Group 2 - Hang Seng Bank, established in 1933 and a core member of HSBC Group, reported a net operating income of HKD 41.537 billion for 2024, a year-on-year increase of 1.75% [3] - The bank's net profit attributable to shareholders was HKD 18.379 billion, up 2.98%, with earnings per share at HKD 9.33 and a dividend of HKD 6.80 per share, reflecting a 4.6% increase [3] - Despite a 4.68% decrease in net interest income to HKD 30.784 billion due to weak loan demand, non-interest income surged by 26% to HKD 10.753 billion, driven by significant contributions from wealth management [3] - As of the end of 2024, the bank's total assets reached HKD 1,795.196 billion, with a robust capital adequacy ratio and a common equity tier 1 capital ratio of 17.7% [3] - The bank's non-performing loan ratio rose to 6.12%, the highest since 2014, due to cash flow pressures on commercial real estate clients in Hong Kong [3]