Citigroup lays off more bosses as CEO Fraser addresses managing directors: Sources

NEW YORK — Citigroup CEO Jane Fraser held a conference call on Thursday (Jan 18) with managing directors to discuss the bank's sweeping overhaul, according to two sources familiar with the situation, as it eliminated more leadership roles this week.

In separate conversations, managers in markets, risk and investment banking were informed they were being let go as part of the reorganisation, according to the sources and two others familiar with the process who declined to be identified discussing personnel matters.

Some managers were told their positions would no longer exist as of Feb 1, two of the four sources said. More details about the layoffs and severance payments will be announced next week, they added.

Citigroup declined to comment.

The bank last week said it would cut 20,000 jobs over the next two years, after a fourth quarter marred by one-off charges that resulted in a US$1.8 billion (S$2.4 billion) loss.

While Citi has provided periodic updates on the cuts, investors and workers are closely watching the timing and details around the organisational changes. Fraser's call on Thursday has not previously been reported.

During the call with managing directors, Fraser discussed different topics of the reorganisation and addressed the broader plan for 20,000 job cuts over the next two years, according to one of the sources, who was briefed on the call.

Headcount will be cut by 5,000 people in the current reorganisation, while another 5,000 employees will be culled from selling businesses, the source cited Fraser as saying.

A further 10,000 staff will be laid off from support functions like technology and operations, the source added.

Citi's planned cut of roughly eight per cent of its staff is among the biggest layoffs on Wall Street in recent years. The overhaul is central to Fraser's effort to streamline the bank and boost its returns and share price.

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