In continuation with its strategy to trim the Global Consumer Bank (‘GCB’) operations, Citigroup Inc. (C) is shrinking its Japanese footprint. The Wall Street banking giant is set to vend its retail banking operations in Japan to Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group, Inc. (SMFG). The deal is expected to close in Oct 2015.
The deal comprises transfer of the retail banking operations of Citibank Japan Ltd. including its retail branches network and ATMs across Japan to a trust bank subsidiary of Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (‘SMBC’) – SMBC Trust Bank Limited. It also includes around 740,000 customer accounts and around ¥2.5 trillion ($21.0 billion) of yen and foreign currency deposits as of Nov 30, 2014. Also, about 1,600 Citi Japan employees will be shifted. Citigroup stated that the financial terms of the transaction are immaterial to the company.
However, upon closure of the deal, Citigroup, which has presence in Japan for over a century, will continue to serve Japanese and non-Japanese corporate, institutional and governmental clients in Japan through its corporate and investment banking, markets and transaction services businesses that are operated from Citibank Japan Ltd. and Citigroup Global Markets Japan Inc.
In connection with this deal, Citibank Japan CEO Peter B. Eliot said, “This is a positive outcome for Citi, as well as for the employees and customers of our retail banking business in Japan. This decision furthers Citi's global strategy of focusing our resources where we feel we have a competitive advantage, which includes our Institutional Clients Group businesses in Japan”.
Owing to the transaction, SMBC aims to expand its client base, boost foreign currency funding source and provide better services to its customers.
Regulatory pressure over Citigroup’s global operations and concerns of weak loan demand along with reducing interest margins surrounding Japan’s banking industry might have forced the bank to make this move. Though recently lending has increased, deposits still beat loan balances, following the cautious nature of businesses and households on spending.
Citigroup is also contemplating shedding its Diners Club credit card business in Japan.
“Strategic Actions”
The latest move by Citigroup is not surprising as the company, which has already retreated from some global markets, further announced “strategic actions” in Oct 2014. The company stated that it proposes to exit from the consumer banking business in 11 markets. The global footprint will now cover 24 markets that represent more than 95% of GCB’s current revenues.
The 11 markets include Japan, Costa Rica, Czech Republic, Egypt, El Salvador, Guam, Guatemala and Hungary. Citigroup expects to significantly complete its strategic actions by the end of 2015. The move comes in line with the company’s strategy to focus on markets where it has a strong presence and long-term growth prospects.
Bottom-Line
We remain encouraged as the company continues with its repositioning and restructuring initiatives while remaining focused on resolving its several internal setbacks including legal issues and capital plan. We believe these streamlining initiatives will bolster the company’s capital position, reduce expenses and drive operational efficiencies.
Citigroup currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). Some better-ranked stocks in the finance space include Great Southern Bancorp Inc. (GSBC) and Hudson City Bancorp, Inc. (HCBK). Both the stocks carry a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy).
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