Citi APAC rolls out gender diversity program for investment, securities arm

The program’s 50 top candidates will have the chance to be recruited by the bank.

Citi has rolled out a new gender diversity program in Asia Pacific for its investment banking (IB) and securities businesses.

Under its new Early ID Women’s Leadership Program, Citi is targeting at least 50% female representation in its annual summer analyst intake for its IB and Markets and Securities Services (MSS) businesses, areas where female representation has reportedly been more challenging than in other banking areas.

Through the program, Citi said that it aims to invest and develop a pipeline of potential female bankers for these businesses.

“Early ID Candidates who are recruited for Citi’s Summer Analyst Program will later have the opportunity to join the bank as entry-level hires through our Full Time Analyst  Program, enabling us to build a stronger pipeline of female talent for our Investment Banking, and  Markets and Securities Services businesses,” said Ingrid D’Lima, head of campus recruitment and employer brand for Citi APAC. “Through these efforts, we hope to be able to advance  female representation not just for Citi, but the broader financial services industry.”

Citi’s Early ID program aims to identify, mentor, and hire diverse talent early. It was first rolled out in 2017 for the bank’s North American franchise, and is open to students prior to their penultimate year in college or university, candidates selected for the Early ID program can secure early spots in Citi’s Summer Analyst Program.

The 50 high achievers selected for the inaugural Early ID program in APAC will have a chance to be recruited for Citi’s 2022 IB and MSS Summer Analyst programs, the bank added. Those who are successfully selected will have the opportunity to work in Singapore, Hong Kong, India, China or Korea.