Citigroup cuts 1,000 jobs in drive to eliminate 20,000 roles
Citigroup will cut 1,000 jobs this week as part of its plan to eliminate 20,000 positions by end-2025, Reuters reported, reducing headcount from its 229,000 full-time employees as of December 31, 2024. The bank said it will continue headcount reductions into 2026 ahead of its fourth-quarter results release.
1. Citigroup Announces 1,000 Job Reductions This Week
Citigroup has confirmed plans to cut approximately 1,000 positions this week as a continuation of a workforce reduction initiative unveiled in early 2024. The move brings the bank closer to its target of eliminating 20,000 roles by the end of 2026. As of December 31, 2024, Citigroup employed roughly 229,000 full-time staff, meaning this week’s cuts represent nearly 0.4% of its total headcount. A company spokesperson explained that the reductions reflect adjustments to staffing levels, geographic footprint and functional expertise to align with evolving business requirements and technological efficiencies.
2. Two-Year Transformation Effort Under CEO Jane Fraser
Since Jane Fraser assumed the role of CEO in 2021, Citigroup has pursued a multiyear restructuring plan aimed at simplifying the organization and improving profitability. In September 2023, the bank eliminated multiple management layers and elevated leaders of its five core businesses. Subsequent organizational changes in November 2023 were designed to streamline decision-making and reduce complexity. The ongoing headcount reductions are part of this broader transformation, which also encompasses investments in digital platforms, data governance enhancements and risk-management upgrades.
3. Progress and Investor Implications
Citigroup’s transformation has yielded mixed results. In its third-quarter 2025 earnings announcement, management reported record revenues across all five core businesses and 9% year-over-year revenue growth—the strongest quarterly performance in a decade. The bank’s share price rose by 66% over calendar 2025, outpacing peers. However, recent performance has lagged against major U.S. lenders, prompting investors to scrutinize execution risks and cost-savings targets. With the workforce reduction program set to continue through 2026, market participants will watch upcoming quarterly results for evidence of sustained margin expansion and improved return on equity.