Investment Banking

A history of makeovers leaves Citigroup chasing growth

The US bank has a troubled past of reinventing itself and the latest attempt is based on shaky assumptions

After a decade of agony, Citi needs to demonstrate it is able to grow again
After a decade of agony, Citi needs to demonstrate it is able to grow again Photo: Illustration: Alex Williamson

The Economist recently observed that “Citigroup’s decade of agony is almost over,” and now all it needs to is be able to demonstrate that it can grow again. That will not be so easy. After a decade of focusing on just surviving, it now has to select a business model that can succeed in the decade to come.

Finding successful long-term business models is not something that Citi has been good at.

WSJ Logo