OREANDA-NEWS. May 10, 2011. Citibank (China) Co., Ltd. (“Citibank”) opened a full-service consumer outlet at Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport. The outlet is located in Chongqing’s new airport terminal, T2A, which was opened in December 2010. Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport is one of the top ten international airports in China by passenger volume, handling more than 15 million passengers in 2010. A ceremony was held, attended by Jonathan Larsen, Head of Consumer Bank and Cards for Citi Asia Pacific; Andrew Au, Chief Executive Officer of Citi China; and Anand Selva, Country Business Manager for Consumer Bank of Citi China, reported the press-centre of Citibank.

The new outlet is Citibank’s first full service airport outlet anywhere in the world. It reflects Citibank’s approach to opening in high profile and high traffic locations in support of changing customer needs. The opening of Citibank’s Chongqing airport outlet follows the opening in Shanghai last year of a Citibank outlet in the People’s Square metro station, which sees more than 7 million people going through it daily. Citibank was the first bank in China to open full service consumer outlet in Metro System.

“This state-of-the-art smart banking outlet in Chongqing’s new airport terminal underscores Citibank’s drive in China to expand our presence and to do so in innovative ways that will best serve our growing customer base. We are going through a period of unparalleled investment in China, and today’s opening reflects our confidence in the ongoing economic advancement of Chongqing and western China,” said Jonathan Larsen.

“Chongqing is an important gateway into western China, and we are delighted to be expanding our presence in Chongqing in such a special location. Citi continues to extend and deepen our presence in cities around China in support of our vision of being the leading international bank in the world’s most dynamic economy,” said Andrew Au.

Smart Banking Features
Citibank’s Chongqing airport outlet contains a number of innovative and customized service offerings:

Fully “Wi-Fi enabled” allowing customers to go online while inside the outlet using their mobile devices.

The “Citi Explore”, which comprises of a number of interactive touch screens that enable customers to easily obtain information about Citibank as well as Citibank’s latest product and service offerings at their fingertips.

The “Citi Explore” also includes hand-held devices containing electronic brochures with detailed introduction to Citibank products and services, market outlook and commentaries, audio and video clips. These devices negate the need for print materials in the spirit of Citibank’s commitment to environmental sustainability.

The “Citi Connect” enables customers to browse the web and get access to Citibank China’s next-generation online banking services, which include enhanced online security features, more convenient online payments and transfers; “Global View of Accounts” allowing customers to access Citibank accounts in multiple countries, a comprehensive set of alerts / SMS-based banking services, all delivered with userfriendly interface and modern look-and-feel.

“Citi Assist” refers to interactive video conferencing services that provide customers with the opportunity to obtain additional expert opinion and consultation from Citibank specialists at another location on a real time basis via video phones.

Wireless “Soft Phones” are used by all staff while providing complimentary use of mobile phones for customers.

“Internet kiosk” is a complimentary feature with state-of-the-art computers to access external websites for the convenience of our customers.

“This smart banking outlet is a first for Citi globally and a first for China, given the technology it employs, its locations in the new Chongqing airport terminal, and the
customized services it offers to airport travelers. We are excited to be launching it, and we will continue to look for opportunities to expand the Citibank brand around China,”said Anand Selva.
Like all other Citibank retail outlets in China, the new airport outlet provides a full range of products and services under the Citigold and Citibanking platforms. These include deposits and investment products (including Premium Account, Structured Investment Accounts and QDII products); wide range of insurance products; ATM/debit cards and remittance services. Furthermore, the outlet will provide a number of services tailored to the needs of airport travelers:

Travel Insurance: free flight insurance will be provided for those customers that open an account, at a value of RMB 800, 000 for Citibanking and RMB 1.5 million for Citigold customers.

Preferential rates and privileges for Citibank debit cardholders at a selection of Chongqing Airport merchants.

Pending regulatory approval, Citibank will provide foreign exchange services (USD/HKD/JPY/EUR) to commuters, the only provider to do so at the airport

Extended opening hours from 8am to 8pm during the week and from 10am to 5pm on the weekends to better service the needs of commuters.

Concierge services, including free Wi-Fi / Internet kiosks, free printing and fax services, meeting rooms, a dedicated airport concierge hotline, and complimentary
wealth management magazines / reports.

The Chongqing Airport outlet houses 27 retail banking professionals. It is located at Terminal T2A (Departure Hall, beside Gate 4) of the Chongqing Jiangbei Airport.