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KUALA LUMPUR: Citibank Bhd is exploring and evaluating opportunities to set up a stand-alone Islamic unit in the country after Bank Negara Malaysia allowed foreign banks to set up such units.
“We are obviously always open to new opportunities that come our way. If it is the right thing for us, then we will do it,” said its country business manager Michellina Triwardhany.
Speaking after the launch of its Citigold Global Access here yesterday, she said Citibank would consider working with a local bank to set up a stand-alone Islamic unit in the country if there were strategic opportunities.
“It is at a very early stage for us. We have an Islamic window and Islamic products. Recently, we launched a few Islamic products, and we will continue to offer our products,” Triwardhany said.
Vice president of marketing and head of global consumer group Timothy Johnson said the bank targeted to increase its current base of 30,000 Citigold customers by 20% over the next 12 months with the introduction of its latest value-added service Citigold Global Access.
“The offering is for individuals with a minimum portfolio value of RM200,000. Citigold customers are provided with wealth management products to preserve and potentially grow their wealth,” he said.
Johnson said Citiglobal Access would allow these customers to carry out their business and personal transactions as easily and cost-effectively when overseas as in Malaysia.
Citigold customers would have free access to Citigold Centers around the world including lounges and meeting rooms, a single toll-free number to call home, preferential foreign exchange rates and an emergency cash withdrawal of up to US$2,000.
He said Citibank had seven Citigold Centers in the country, and would seek to open additional branches if given the go-ahead by the central bank.
Johnson said Citibank now has 500 Citigold Centers in 34 countries in Asia and other regions and wanted to extend the service to more countries by year-end. |
