Citi Names Lee Lung Nien as New Singapore Country Head

Citi has appointed Lee Lung Nien as its new Citi Country Officer and Banking Head (CCOBH) for Singapore, marking a historic milestone for the bank. Lee becomes the first Singaporean in 50 years to hold Citi’s most senior role in the city-state. The appointment will take effect on October 6, 2025, according to the company’s official statement.

A Veteran Leader with 35 Years at Citi

Lee Lung Nien is a 35-year veteran of Citi, having built an extensive career across multiple regions and business lines. Most recently, he served as Chairman of Citi Private Bank for South Asia, a role he assumed in 2020. In that capacity, he oversaw the bank’s ultra-high-net-worth client business and strengthened relationships with family offices and private investors in the region.

Before this role, Lee was CEO of Citibank Berhad in Malaysia, where he led Citi’s business strategy and growth in one of Southeast Asia’s most competitive financial markets. His career also spans senior leadership roles in anti-money laundering (AML), operations, corporate sales and structuring, and markets, with postings in Asia, London, and New York.

This breadth of experience, Citi noted, reflects Lee’s ability to lead across complex markets and evolving financial environments.

Reporting Structure and Regional Role

In his new role as Citi Country Officer and Banking Head for Singapore, Lee will report directly to Amol Gupte, Citi’s Head of Asia South. He will also join the Asia South Management Team, where he will play a crucial role in shaping Citi’s strategic direction across the region.

Amol Gupte welcomed the appointment, saying that Lee’s leadership, deep institutional knowledge, and client-first mindset make him an ideal fit to lead Citi’s operations in Singapore—a key hub for the bank’s regional and global business.

Succeeding Tibor Pandi

Lee will succeed Tibor Pandi, who has spent eight years in Asia. Pandi made “significant contributions” during his tenure as Citi Country Officer and Banking Head in Thailand and Singapore, roles he has held since 2017. Under Pandi’s leadership, Citi strengthened its footprint in the region, particularly in institutional banking, corporate partnerships, and wealth management.

Citi expressed gratitude for Pandi’s commitment and achievements, noting that he has been instrumental in advancing the bank’s strategy in Asia’s fast-growing economies.

Why the Appointment Matters

The appointment of Lee Lung Nien carries both symbolic and strategic weight. For Citi, having a Singaporean national lead operations in the city-state after five decades signals a commitment to strengthening local leadership pipelines. At the same time, it highlights the growing importance of Singapore as a financial hub, not just for Southeast Asia but for the global economy.

With Singapore playing a central role in wealth management, fintech innovation, and cross-border capital flows, Lee’s appointment positions Citi to better serve institutional and private clients. Furthermore, his long-standing career within the bank ensures continuity while also bringing a uniquely Singaporean perspective to Citi’s leadership.

Looking Ahead

As Citi continues to transform its operations worldwide, the leadership change comes at a pivotal moment. The bank is in the process of simplifying its business model, sharpening its focus on wealth management, and expanding institutional banking services across Asia. Singapore, therefore, remains a critical market in Citi’s growth plans.

With Lee Lung Nien at the helm, Citi is expected to deepen its relationships with regulators, clients, and stakeholders while enhancing its ability to innovate in the region.

His appointment is not just a leadership reshuffle—it reflects Citi’s confidence in Singapore as a cornerstone of its Asia strategy. The decision also underscores the growing emphasis on local expertise in global banking leadership.

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