Citibank 2012 Annual Report Download - page 18

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At Citi, we aim to conduct business in a manner that creates
value for our clients, shareholders, people and communities.
We reinforce our commitment to Responsible FinanceSM
and financial inclusion with innovative business endeavors,
with robust philanthropic investments and by recruiting
and supporting a diverse workforce — because being a good
corporate citizen starts with operating responsibly.
Financial Inclusion
As a financial institution, Citi embraces the challenge to help
reach the 2.5 billion people in the world with no access to
financial services. Through Citi Microfinance, Citi Community
Development and the Citi Foundation, we work across Citi
business lines and with community groups, governments,
institutions and networks to develop innovative, measurable
and replicable initiatives that broaden access for traditionally
underserved communities. By investing capital and expertise,
we work with partners to:
• Make it possible for microentrepreneurs and small business
owners to start and sustain their businesses and to create
livelihoods for their families and neighbors;
• Enable young people to receive advanced education and
prepare for productive adulthood;
• Help consumers build their own financial capability by
pairing financial education with access to appropriate
products and services so they can save, wisely manage their
money and weather setbacks; and
• Finance affordable housing and community infrastructure
projects that create a solid foundation for financial mobility.
Environmental Sustainability
Citi’s commitment to environmental sustainability in our own
operations and with our clients is based on three pillars:
• Managing the environmental footprint of our own
global operations;
• Evaluating environmental and social risk associated with
projects we finance; and
• Developing business opportunities with our clients to
address critical environmental issues.
For example, in 2012, Citi provided $100 million in financing
to expand SunPower’s residential solar lease program for
U.S. consumers, pioneered transactions in energy efficiency
finance and became the first bank in the world to have 200
projects receive Leadership in Energy and Environmental
Design (LEED) certification by the U.S. Green Building Council.
We support solutions that address climate change, water
scarcity, declining biodiversity, human rights and other
important challenges.
A Diverse Workforce
Our efforts would not be possible without the strength of
a diverse and skilled global workforce. Citi’s support helps
our people achieve professional growth, make meaningful
contributions and develop pride in their work. The distinct
perspectives of our team members bring added value to
our clients and customers, and Citi’s strong tradition of
volunteerism ensures that our collective passion and talents
are put to use outside the workplace as well.
For a more in-depth look at our work in these areas, please
be sure to access Citi’s 2012 Global Citizenship Report at
http://citizenship.citigroup.com.
Corporate Citizenship
Highlights
Expanding Financial Access
• Citi Microfinance, Citi Indonesia and OPIC announced an
$18.5 million term loan to promote financial inclusion among
microentrepreneurs and small businesses in Indonesia.
• Citi Community Development was a key supporter of
Citizenship Maryland, an initiative that offers microloans to
legal permanent residents eligible for citizenship. The loans
help participants pay the $680 naturalization fee while
building their credit histories and financial capability. The City
of New York replicated the program.
• The Citi Foundation and the Inter-American Development
Bank selected innovation partners to participate in a three-
year, $6 million fund to test and evaluate new business
models to recipients of Conditional Cash Transfers across
Latin America and the Caribbean.
Citibank Customer Service Sales Rep Shawn McHellon, a Staff
Sergeant in the U.S. Army Reserves, is one of more than 2,000
Citi employees who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces.