Global banking giant Citi has received approval from the Bank of Guyana to establish a representative office in Georgetown, deepening its engagement with one of the world’s fastest-growing economies and expanding access to international financial services for local and foreign investors.
The approval allows Citibank, N.A. to establish an on-the-ground presence in Guyana after maintaining business relationships with the country for nearly three decades without a physical office. Citi said the representative office will help connect clients and partners to global markets while strengthening collaboration with government agencies, financial institutions and the private sector.
According to the bank, Guyana’s rapid economic expansion, particularly in infrastructure development and export financing, was a key factor behind the decision to establish a local office. Citi said the move will enable it to better understand the local business environment and provide tailored support to international investors seeking opportunities in Guyana, as well as Guyanese companies looking to expand abroad.
Julio Figueroa, Head of Citi in Latin America, said the office will enhance the delivery of financial products and services while strengthening partnerships with government, financial institutions and the private sector.
The establishment of foreign representative offices became possible after amendments to Guyana’s Financial Institutions Act were passed in 2024 as part of broader efforts to modernise the country’s banking sector and attract international financial institutions. Earlier this year, President Irfaan Ali announced that the Bank of Guyana had licensed Citi, OneAmerica of the United States and Crown Agents of the United Kingdom to establish representative offices in Guyana.
Founded in 1812 as the City Bank of New York, Citi has grown into one of the world’s largest financial institutions, operating in more than 180 countries and jurisdictions. The company provides banking, treasury, trade, investment and wealth-management services to governments, corporations, institutions and individuals worldwide.
Citi’s 2025 Annual Report shows the institution held total assets of approximately US$2.66 trillion at the end of 2025, underscoring its status as one of the largest banking groups globally.
The approval reflects the growing interest of major international financial institutions in Guyana as the country’s oil-driven economic expansion continues to create new business opportunities. With billions of US dollars expected to flow into infrastructure, energy, logistics, housing, manufacturing and other sectors linked to the petroleum industry, global banks are positioning themselves to facilitate investment, trade financing and cross-border transactions associated with Guyana’s emergence as a significant oil-producing nation. Citi’s arrival is expected to strengthen those linkages by providing local and international clients with greater access to global financial markets and services.
