Retail customers, business owners and SME businesses in the 6th district Oktogon area in Budapest now have access to an array of world-class banking services with the opening of Citibank's latest branch in the capital. Located at one of the city's busiest intersection at Oktogon that is part of UNESCO's World Heritage landmark locations, both individual and SME customers will have access to the entire range of Citibank's products and services - savings accounts, time deposits, loans, cards, wealth management, cash management and treasury services, among others. The branch comprises a special Citigold Center that will offer an ideal banking relationship that is expected by customers with expanded financial strength and demands.

This branch opening is an expression of Citibank's commitment to the customers and communities in Hungary. This commitment has been reinforced also by Shirish Apte, Chief Executive Officer for Citi in the Central and Eastern Europe Region inaugurating the branch today. At the opening ceremony Mr. Apte said: "Hungary represents a very exciting opportunity for us in the CEE region and globally. This new branch is Citi's universal banking strategy in its most tangible form. One of my key goals is making all our core businesses work even better together to ensure we bring the firm and all our capabilities together to the ultimate benefit of our clients."

Sanjeeb Chaudhuri, Chief Executive Officer for Citi's Global Consumer Group in Europe, Middle East and Africa also participated in the event, noting: "I have been involved with the Hungary Consumer business for over 11 years including being the Country Business Manager in the '90s. Having been personally involved in the growth of our Consumer franchise in this country including the launch of Citi Cards in Hungary, it gives me great satisfaction and pride to be present today at the inauguration ceremony of another Citi franchise location - the Oktogon Branch that provides our retail and commercial customers more access to our wide range of products and services in another beautiful location in Budapest. We have plans to open more new branches in Hungary that, in addition to our terrific array of alternate distribution channels of the internet, mobile telephony and Citiphone will significantly complement Citi's presence in this very important market."

Batara Sianturi, Citi Country Officer for Citibank in Hungary added: "We are committed to providing world-class financial products and services that help people improve their lives, businesses grow and communities prosper. Based on their lifestyle, habits and financial needs our customers can do business with us at any of our diversified distribution channels including branches, sales centers, internet banking, telephone customer service and sales agents. Today's branch opening is another important milestone in implementing our distribution strategy, which aims to make it as convenient as possible for our customers to do business with us. In addition to our ongoing expansion plans, we are also committed to consistently introducing industry-leading technology and services at our branches and our remote channels."

The latest launch continues Citibank's near term goal to open more branches in Hungary. Overall, there are now 39 Citibank branches and sales centers in 19 major cities in the country.

To read more about the Citibank's products and services please visit Citibank Zrt.'s website at www.citibank.hu.