Citi

Leading global bank, Citi, taps into the talent and supportive business ecosystem in Belfast to drive its global growth ambitions.

Citi’s operations in Belfast highlight the strengths of Northern Ireland as a location for international business expansion. What began as a modest operation with just 375 roles, has grown into a major global hub employing thousands of skilled professionals and contributing significantly to Citi’s global operations. Fuelled by the strength of the local workforce, Citi Belfast stands as proof that Northern Ireland offers a world-class environment in which companies can invest, grow, and thrive.

About Citi

Citi is a global bank, doing business in more than 180 countries and jurisdictions, providing corporations, governments, investors, institutions and individuals with a broad range of financial products and services, serving 200 million customers around the world.

The UK is Citi’s second biggest market, with many of its senior leadership based here. From here, Citi provides global financial services across all its products - Markets, Banking, Services and Wealth – to clients around the world. Citi employs around 14,000 people across the UK, with 10,000 in London, over 4,000 in Belfast, and hundreds more in Edinburgh.

In Northern Ireland, Citi Belfast has grown into a world-class centre of excellence, providing essential support across the organisation’s global operations. It brings together a diverse range of business functions - from operations and technology to legal, compliance, finance, HR, and markets. Over the past 20 years, Citi Belfast has become a critical part of Citi’s global operating model. The site delivers operational support, tech development, legal services, and global process execution. This volume of work underscores the strategic importance of Citi Belfast in supporting core global banking functions.

Why Citi chose Belfast?

When Citi first selected Belfast more than two decades ago, the decision was driven by the strength of the region’s local talent pool. Northern Ireland offered a highly educated and skilled workforce with expertise in key areas such as technology, finance, and business operations. The strong academic foundations provided by local universities, coupled with a commitment to continuous professional development, made Belfast an ideal location for a global financial institution.

Beyond talent, the city provided a compelling mix of advantages: cost-effectiveness compared with other major financial centres, strong transport and digital infrastructure, and a collaborative business environment supported by Invest NI, local government and world-class educational providers. Citi recognised that Belfast offered the perfect foundation to build a long-term, sustainable operation.

How has Citi grown since its original investment?

Since establishing operations in Northern Ireland in 2005, Citi has achieved remarkable growth. From its early beginnings as a small technology and operations centre, the Belfast office has evolved into a fully integrated part of Citi’s global network, employing more than 4,000 people across multiple disciplines.

The site now provides global services in operations, legal, compliance, human resources, and technology - all of which are critical to Citi’s worldwide success. Over the past 20 years, Citi’s continued investment reflects its confidence in Northern Ireland’s ability to deliver at the highest level. The expansion also underscores Citi’s long-term commitment to innovation, inclusion, and excellence, with Belfast representing one of the organisation’s most successful examples of global growth and partnership.

How does the Belfast operation contribute to Citi’s continued global growth and success?

Citi Belfast plays a vital role in driving Citi’s global strategy. It has become a key operational hub that supports a broad range of functions central to Citi’s worldwide business. The site’s multidisciplinary nature allows it to contribute to innovation and efficiency across the organisation, from pioneering technology solutions to providing robust compliance and legal support.

Equally important, Belfast’s workforce embodies Citi’s culture of collaboration and excellence. The local team delivers high-quality services that enhance Citi’s global reputation, while also helping to develop new ways of working that benefit teams across the world. The site’s scale and sophistication make it a key pillar in Citi’s global success - a reflection of the trust and confidence placed in Belfast as a world-class business location.

How has Invest NI supported Citi since setting up in Belfast?

Invest NI has been an essential partner in Citi’s journey in Northern Ireland. From the outset, Invest NI played a significant role in facilitating Citi’s growth and development in the region. Its understanding of the local business environment, combined with its ability to connect Citi with the right talent and partners, helped the company to establish deep roots and long-term sustainability. Citi’s continued success in Belfast stands as a testament to this strong partnership and the shared vision of growth, excellence, and opportunity.