For corporate clients, we will be introducing new and enhanced e-platforms that assist in trading, market monitoring, analytics, treasury and cash management solutions.

FST Media: How is Citi looking to further develop the Citi Innovation Lab?

Sud: The Citi Innovation Lab is already pursuing over 20 proprietary transactional banking solutions with half a dozen scheduled for launch over the next two years. At the heart of these impressive pilots is client engagement.

The fully-interactive and globally-linked Lab leverages new technologies to enable collaboration with both clients and global colleagues and allows for easy simulation of customised solutions. The Lab will continue to leverage its client engagement model for new ideas, rapid prototyping and the transformation of traditional transaction banking.

FST Media: What functions do you see becoming a key part of the iOS/Android banking applications and how will they develop further?

Sud: Mobile banking gives us greater flexibility to serve our clients where and when they need us and it plays an important role in our aim to be the world’s leading digital bank. As mobile banking continues to grow as a preferred banking channel, our aim is to work towards incorporating more functionality into the smartphone.

Our pipeline of mobile capabilities will make it possible for individual clients to trade stocks, apply for credit cards, purchase goods and services and even make peer-to-peer transfers anytime they choose.

Our institutional clients are also increasingly using our state-of-the-art mobile version of CitiDirect, Citi’s online banking platform for corporate banking functions, as we introduce it in many markets around the globe.

FST Media: Last year you didn’t see cloud as to the banking industry. Are there signs of new opportunities for cloud emerging?

Sud: I still believe we have some way to go before financial institutions and banking regulators will be comfortable with the use of public cloud for banking services. Of paramount concern is information security.

FST Media: Which business leaders inspire you, and why?

Sud: Simply, those who manage people well and can leverage technology for business growth and change. Managing change is a basic requirement for a leader.

FST Media: If you were not working in financial services and technology, what would you be doing?

Sud: Something completely different like managing a Bed and Breakfast near a national park!

FST Media: Every leader, particularly at your level, has a legacy they wish to be remembered for. What is yours?

Sud: I would like to leave behind a high performing team that is customer-focused and always open to change. I would also like to be known for having helped people grow and take on bigger roles.