Citi today announces three leadership appointments within its Trade and Working Capital Solutions business, underscoring the firm's commitment to supporting clients across some of the world's most important and fastest-evolving trade corridors:

• Manish Bajaj has been appointed Head of Trade for Japan, Asia North and Australia (JANA)
• Shalin Shroff has been appointed Head of Trade for Asia South; and
• Amir Khan has been named Head of Trade for the Middle East and Africa (MEA).

In 2025, Citi's Trade business facilitated approximately $1 trillion in financing throughput and added more than 27,000 new buyer-supplier relationships in supply chain finance, bringing its network to approximately 440,000 relationships worldwide. The business is one of the largest trade franchises globally, supporting clients' working capital needs and helping finance the cross-border flow of goods that underpin international commerce. The transition of two of the three appointees from senior Corporate Banking leadership roles also reflects Citi's focus on bringing together product expertise and client coverage capabilities to deliver integrated solutions across the institutional wallet, including trade, treasury and working capital solutions.

The appointments come at a time when global trade flows are being reshaped by supply chain diversification, shifting manufacturing footprints and growing investment across Asia, the Middle East and Africa. As companies seek greater resilience, expand into new markets and strengthen supply chains, these regions are playing an increasingly important role in connecting global commerce and driving economic growth. Citi's research shows trade flows between North and East Asia and the Middle East and Africa have grown by more than 50% in recent years. We're also seeing heightened interdependency between Asian and Middle Eastern markets, particularly around energy flows through critical chokepoints such as the Strait of Hormuz. Geopolitical tensions and supply chain realignment are reshaping trade patterns and increasing demand for risk mitigation, working capital and trade finance solutions across the region, reflecting how companies are diversifying supply chains and investing in new markets. These shifts are creating significant opportunities for clients, and strengthening leadership across JANA, Asia South and MEA positions Citi to support them as these corridors continue to expand. • Adoniro Cestari, Global Head of Trade and Working Capital Solutions, Citi Services: "Manish, Amir and Shalin are highly respected leaders who bring deep market knowledge, strong client relationships and broad Citi experience to their roles. Their appointments position us well to support clients across these increasingly important trade corridors while continuing to grow our franchise in markets where we see significant long-term opportunity. Global trade is undergoing a significant transformation. Our clients need partners who can help them navigate complexity, unlock working capital and capitalize on new opportunities. As supply chains become more diversified and investment flows shift, markets across Asia, the Middle East and Africa are taking on an increasingly important role in connecting global commerce.” • Manish Bajaj, Head of Trade for Japan, Asia North and Australia (JANA): Manish is a career Citi banker with more than 20 years of experience. He most recently served as Head of Corporate Banking for the Philippines. Previously, he served as a senior banker in Mumbai and the Asia Pacific Energy Industry Champion. Since joining Citi as a Management Associate in 2005, Manish has held diverse leadership roles across multiple businesses and geographies in India. He is a qualified Chartered Accountant.

• Kanika Thakur, Head of Services for Japan, Asia North and Australia (JANA): "Clients across JANA are increasingly managing supply chains that span multiple markets and require greater agility than ever before. Whether they're expanding manufacturing footprints, supporting intra-Asia trade or investing in new growth opportunities outside of the region, they're looking for banking partners that can bring both local insight and global connectivity. Manish has spent his career building trusted relationships with clients and understanding what drives their businesses. That perspective will be invaluable as we continue helping clients navigate a rapidly evolving trade environment."

• Shalin Shroff, Head of Trade for Asia South: With nearly two decades at Citi, Shalin has deep expertise in Trade and Working Capital Solutions. Most recently, as Head of Trade and Working Capital Sales for Asia South, he successfully led the sales organization across ASEAN and the Indian Subcontinent, accelerating revenue growth and expanding client penetration. Throughout his career, Shalin has held various leadership roles in Sales and Product Management, with a strong track record of executing complex transactions and building high-performing teams. He holds an MBA from the University of Delhi. • Mridula Iyer, Head of Services for Asia South: "Few regions are seeing the scale of trade and supply chain activity that we see across Asia South today. Across India and Southeast Asia, companies are investing, diversifying sourcing and expanding manufacturing and distribution networks, creating new demands for working capital and trade solutions. Shalin has been at the center of many of these conversations with clients over the years. His deep understanding of the market, combined with his trade expertise and commercial leadership, makes him exceptionally well positioned to help our clients seize the opportunities ahead." • Amir Khan, Head of Trade for Middle East and Africa (MEA): Amir joins from his role as CCO and Banking Head for Qatar and Cluster Head for Corporate Banking across Qatar, Oman, Bahrain and Pakistan. He has extensive experience serving a diverse client base including Public Sector, Financial Institutions and Corporates, and possesses deep expertise across Citi's product platform. Starting his career at ABN AMRO in 2001, Amir joined Citi in 2007 in Pakistan. Throughout his nearly two-decade career at Citi, he has held a variety of leadership roles across multiple markets in the region. He holds an MBA from the Institute of Business Management, Karachi. • Rizwan Shaikh, Head of Services for Middle East and Africa (MEA): "The pace of change across the Middle East and Africa is remarkable. We are seeing stronger trade links between Asia, Africa, Europe and the Gulf, alongside significant investment in infrastructure, logistics and industrial development. These shifts are creating new opportunities for our clients and reinforcing the region's role in global commerce. Amir brings extensive banking and client leadership experience, deep knowledge of the region and strong expertise across Trade and Working Capital Solutions. We look forward to his leadership as we continue to grow our franchise, deepen client relationships and advance our strategy across the Middle East and Africa.”

Re-disseminated by The Asian Banker