Singapore/ Manila/ Kuala Lumpur, January 23rd 2013 - Citi introduced a next-generation banking channel today in Asia – Citibank Express. Citibank Express, a “Smart Banking” machine, allows customers to do almost all of their banking without visiting a branch, including opening accounts and applying for loans, cards and cashier’s checks.

Citibank Express is equipped with an online banking connection, video-conferencing, and biometric capabilities for customer identity authentication. A customer can start a transaction on a computer or mobile device and complete it on Citibank Express - and vice versa.

The first Citibank Express machines were unveiled today in Citibank branches in Singapore, Malaysia and the Philippines. The company plans to add in-branch and outof- branch locations across Asia and globally later this year. Citibank Express marks the first major redesign of the ATM since Citibank introduced unattended branches in the 1970s.

“Since Citi’s founding in 1812 we have applied our passion for innovation to connect clients to the world,” said Jonathan Larsen, Citi’s Global Head of Retail Banking and Head of Consumer Banking, Asia Pacific.

“Citibank Express is our most recent example of this innovative spirit and a big step towards our goal to be the world’s digital bank. We believe it can significantly impact the way people bank across the globe.”

Citibank Express is a new access option for the bank’s customers. The concept grew out of the award-winning Smart Banking project Citi started in 2008 with extensive research into consumer needs and behavior. Our leadership in Asia collaborated with Citi’s innovation team, Citi Ventures. Citi launched Smart Banking in Japan in 2010 and Citi now has more than 100 Smart Banking branches across Asia.

“Citibank Express is intuitive, intelligent, accessible and customizable,” said Chris Kay, Global Head of Ventures and Incubation for Citi Ventures. “The ability to rapidly set up the machines and to add features as we develop them is a key characteristic of Citibank Express. We don’t expect it to replace branches, but it will simplify our customers’ lives, generate new value for Citi and help to transform the financial services industry.”

Citibank Express’ “split screen” makes navigation intuitive. The screen can display personalized promotions and offers, and allows clients to see and speak with a customer service representative on one screen while conducting business on the other. The machines have Near Field Communication capabilities as well as scanning and embossing functions to allow for future roll-outs of functions such as instant printing of credit and ATM cards.

Re-disseminated by The Asian Banker