Retail customers, business owners and SME businesses in Godollo and its surroundings now have access to an array of world-class banking services with the opening of Citibank's new branch. Located at one of the city's busiest roads, 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. Customers with expanded financial strength and demands will have access to Citigold exclusive services.

This new branch was created in line with the universal banking strategy announced in Hungary last year by enhancing the existing sales center. Shirish Apte, Chief Executive Officer of Citi in the Central and Eastern Europe Region traveled to Budapest to inaugurate the new branch in expression of Citibank's and his personal commitment to the customers, country and communities in Hungary. At the opening ceremony Mr. Apte said: "Our confidence in Hungary's growth potential remains unchanged and as a reflection of our commitment to the country we continue to build our local franchise, including the expansion of the distribution network, introduction of further innovations to offer the best financial solutions to our clients, help them operate efficiently and navigate them through these very challenging times."

Sanjeeb Chaudhuri, Chief Executive Officer for Citi's Global Consumer Group for CEE also participated in the event, noting: "It gives me pride and a great pleasure to participate in any milestone events of the Hungarian franchise, more specifically because 12 years ago, being the head of the consumer business in Hungary, I was personally involved in building the business and I still have close relationship to the people and the business here. Along with the branch expansion we are in the process of streamlining our organization, further develop our technology platforms and processes; continue with the training and mentoring of our professionals with the aim of providing the best value to our clients in a most efficient way under the current market conditions."

Batara Sianturi, Citi Country Officer for Citibank in Hungary added: "Today's branch inauguration marks another milestone in executing our universal banking strategy announced last year. In addition to our plan to open further new branches this year, we are upgrading our existing sales centers to branches where possible, just as in case of Godollo, in order to be able to offer the full array of our world-class banking products and services to our individual and corporate customers in one place. Besides the branch expansion, we continue to develop our remote distribution channels, such as the internet, telephone and sales agents, as our intention to serve our clients to meet their lifestyle, habits and financial needs remains unchanged."

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