Citigroup has applied for a securities licence in China, according to a person familiar with the matter, as the New York-based banking giant eyes a bigger presence in the world’s second-largest economy.

The bank recently submitted its application to the China Securities and Regulatory Commission, the person said. Citigroup is also planning to apply for a futures license in the coming months and intends to hire around 100 people in mainland China in the next two years to support its expansion onshore, the person added.